Looking for the perfect start!
A compact circuit such as Arco di Trento made it clear how important a good start is. Both the types of jobs and the small differences between them force the teams to look for the details that can make the difference. For example: how does a 450cc dirt bike get the grip and traction on the metal starting plate that allows it to start first?
Certainly the factory teams leave no stone unturned to find a strategy or technical tool that can yield benefits at the start. Of course, the start of a race has always been crucial, but this is more true than ever since the introduction of the metal starting plate in 2017.
The fact that the Wilvo Yamaha MXGP team was quick to train with a metal starting plate is logic itself. Main sponsor Wilvo is also specialized in metalworking. In addition to the starting technology of the riders, a lot of work is also being done on electronic support and other gadgets. Just think of the speed indicator of Jeffrey Herlings. The so-called holeshot links seem to have had their day. What was striking in recent GPs were the fresh rear tires - and tire warmers - that were introduced after the warm-up lap.
Is everyone equal at the start?
“Everyone is pushing hard to make progress at the start because it is such a crucial part of the race. You can ride with the fastest riders, find good lines and set a rhythm that can influence the rest of your race.” explains Rockstar Energy IceOne Husqvarna Team Manager Antti Pyrhonen out. “Without that start you get a completely different story. Because then you often have to go over the limit and then you make mistakes or you fall. Because everyone is equal with the metal starting plate, there is only a little gain to be made to make a difference. Although there are additional factors of course. A place on the inside of the bend remains advantageous, but the surface just after the starting gate is also not the same everywhere. In some places it is harder or the grip is better. And the engine is of course also important. Too much power on the starting grid is not an advantage because you still have to be able to control the power! When you end up on the track itself, you need plenty of torque again when the earth has been deeply loosened.”
It looks dramatic, the mechanics rushing to replace the rear wheels as soon as the officials sound the two-minute signal. A few riders started the trend and now you see it more and more often. “It's actually all about 'clean' rubber,” says Red Bull KTM MX2 Team Manager Dirk Gruebel who also oversees the KTM 450 SX-Fs of Jeffrey Herlings and Glenn Coldenhoff “and it can make a big difference. If the ground is wet or you have to go through a puddle on the way to the starting grid, this can certainly be a disadvantage.”
Antti Pyrhonen is more cautious. "Hard to say," says the Finn. “We have tried everything and we are trying to find the best way to avoid wheelspin on the starting plate. If you experience wheelspin, you can forget about it. To be honest, I don't think those things make that big of a difference whether you get the holeshot or not. It all starts with the rider's responsiveness, which determines whether you spin or wheelie. The metal plate can also differ from circulation to circulation. You have to be able to utilize the full potential of the 450 engine in terms of acceleration. Despite all the technical developments, starting systems, clean tires or not, the driver's starting technique is still decisive.”
Tim Gajser gives his opinion
A clear but striking statement from the ex-MX3 top rider. Max Nagl, for example, was known for years as one of the best starters in the MXGP/MX1 field. After switching to the metal starting grids, Nagl found it difficult to start as before. Tim Gajser gives his opinion. “In any case, it is better in terms of traction to put on a clean tire when it is very muddy. But I don't think it's necessary under 'normal' circumstances. You simply clean the track by letting it spin on the beam before you place it on the grid. I think that's enough. If the mud is very sticky like during the MX of Nations in Matterley Basin then it is important to change the rear wheel.”
Anyone who delves into the details of the metal starting grid will automatically come across additional tests and all kinds of theories. “I also think that the grille itself is not the same as last year because it has been painted,” says Gajser who refers to the green and black color. “There is less grip and I often spin. When we test ourselves on a metal starting plate it runs well, but on the GPs I have more wheelspin, so we have to find out why.”
Interestingly, this has led to questions about how far each starting point can be 'manipulated'. Teams claim that each slot grid can vary in terms of the condition of the plate: or how dirty, wet or full of holes are. It 2018 FIM motocross regulations describes that riders can 'visually' choose their starting location. However, nothing is said about drying, laying a rubber or other actions comparable to preparing the starting position in the past!
Team managers received an email before the start of the season with the additional provision that no team staff will be allowed on the metal plate. The grille is only for the engine. The starting procedure is currently being reviewed taking into account how busy it is before the start, as VIPs and holders of certain passes are also present in the starting zone. This could mean that the number of team supervisors who go to the start with a rider would be limited. Which in turn can influence the tire change strategy.
New materials and strategies have entered the MXGP pre-start routine, while the rear shock starter system appears to be falling victim to the metal starting grille. This starting system ensures that the damper is pressed until the motorcycle bounces over the fence. However, holeshot launch control for the front fork is still widespread.
“We are quite low at the front with the bike because there is so much grip from the grid, but that of course also depends on the weather and the condition of the grid,” Gruebel reveals. “It varies a bit and it's hard to say 'this is the perfect setting for the fork for the start'. Personally, I don't believe in compressing the rear shock. We tried it and we didn't see any benefit. We lower the front to avoid a possible wheelie. If you lower the engine at the rear, you have to lower it even further at the front! There are limits to that. OK, the center of gravity will be lower again, but we found no advantage in it and I see it less and less behind the starting gate.”
Tire warmers? They are commonplace in road racing, but that has also been tried. Although too high a tire temperature can have a negative effect because the foam expands, a number of MXGP riders have discovered that slightly warmer rubber helps for the optimal start from the metal grid. In the meantime, the search for the last percent improvement continues unabated!
Tekst: Adam Wheeler
Photos: Ray Archer, Bavo Swijgers
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