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iRacing Braking Techniques

Braking is not just about slowing down. It controls weight transfer, car balance, and sets up corner entry. Mastering threshold braking and brake modulation will shave seconds off your lap times and improve consistency.

Threshold Braking

Threshold braking means using the maximum available grip from your tyres without locking them. You apply brake pressure to the point where the tyres are on the edge of locking but not over it. This minimises braking distance and lets you brake as late as possible.

How to Develop Feel

  • Listen for tyre sounds just before lock-up—a change in pitch or scrubbing indicates you are at the limit
  • For non-downforce cars, brake as hard as possible initially from high speed (when wheels have the most energy), then modulate delicately to maintain threshold
  • For cars with limited or no ABS (e.g. Porsche Cup, GT cars without ABS), proper pedal calibration and technique can save seconds per lap

Brake Modulation

As speed decreases, the car has less downforce and the tyres have less load. You must gradually release brake pressure to avoid locking. Stabbing and releasing causes instability; smooth, progressive release keeps the car balanced and predictable.

Weight Transfer

Braking shifts weight forward onto the front tyres. This increases front grip and reduces rear grip. Understanding this helps you avoid spinning under braking—especially in cars with a light rear end. Sudden brake release can unload the front and cause the rear to step out.

Tip: Practice braking in isolation. Pick one corner, brake 50m earlier than you think, then gradually move the marker later until you find the limit. Repeat until it is consistent.

ABS Cars vs Non-ABS

GT3 and similar cars have ABS. You can brake harder without locking, but ABS can increase stopping distance compared to perfect threshold braking. Non-ABS cars reward smooth, precise inputs. Learn both—they require different techniques.

Next: read our Trail Braking Guide to extend braking into the corner, or our Multi-Class Racing Guide for traffic management.