How to see if a gear change costs time
Every shift briefly stops the car from accelerating. Sometimes the next gear makes that time back. Sometimes you would have been better off holding the gear. Compare the acceleration and delta before and after the shift to see which one actually happened.
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The main idea
The best gear strategy balances available power, shift time, traction, and workload. Avoiding one shift can be faster even with less ideal RPM, while an earlier shift may help traction or control.
What to look at
- RPM and gear before and after the shift
- The duration of the acceleration interruption
- Wheelspin, limiter contact, or repeated corrections
- Net delta at the end of the acceleration zone
Try this
- Choose comparable exits
- Mark each direct gear change
- Measure the acceleration gap
- Compare the alternative gear or shift point
- Judge the net result before the next slowdown
Keep in mind
GPS speed alone cannot identify the exact gear or driver shift input. Derived gear estimates can be wrong during wheelspin, clutch use, or missing RPM data.
FAQ
Do I need a Solo 2 DL for gear analysis?
You need a logger and vehicle connection that record reliable RPM and gear, or enough data for a carefully validated estimate.
Should I shift at redline?
Not automatically. The optimal point depends on the engine’s power curve, gear ratios, shift time, traction, and the remaining straight.