What is trail braking and what is its effect on entry attitude?

• A. Trail braking is applying brakes only after you have passed the apex.
• B. Trail braking is applying brakes into the early part of the corner after turning in to help rotate and tighten the apex; increases rotation but must be controlled to avoid washing wide or locking wheels.
• C. Trail braking reduces rotation and makes the car more stable.
• D. Trail braking only applies to lapping and not racing.

Answer: (B)

Trail braking is the act of continuing to apply the brakes into the early portion of a corner after you’ve turned in. By keeping brake pressure as you steer in, weight shifts forward onto the front tires, increasing their grip and letting the nose drop—which helps the car rotate and shoot toward a tighter apex. As you approach the apex, you gradually release the brakes and transition to the throttle, turning the car more easily onto the desired exit path. This technique gives you a more controlled, faster entry with a sharper line, but it must be smoothly modulated: too much braking or braking too late can blunt rotation, cause understeer, or lead to wheel lock.