Lap Time Analysis
Lap Time & Sector Analysis Guide
This guide explains how to analyse lap times and sector splits using AiM RaceStudio 3 with MyChron 5 and MyChron 6 data. Lap time analysis is the foundation of improving kart performance for drivers across New Zealand and Australia.
Why lap time analysis matters
Lap times show your overall performance, but sector times reveal where that performance comes from. Analysing both helps you:
- Identify your strongest and weakest corners
- Track improvement over a session
- Compare different setups or tyres
- Understand consistency and driving errors
- Find the fastest line around the track
1. Understanding lap times
Lap times are the simplest metric in data analysis. Focus on:
- Best lap — your fastest lap of the session
- Average lap — shows consistency
- Lap delta — difference between laps
- Lap progression — how times change as tyres warm up
2. Sector (split) analysis
Sectors divide the track into smaller sections. This is where real improvement happens.
- Find which corners cost the most time
- Compare sectors between sessions
- Identify mistakes or inconsistencies
- Measure improvements from setup changes
How to use sectors effectively
- Focus on the slowest sector first
- Compare your best sector times to create a “theoretical best lap”
- Use overlays to compare two laps
3. Theoretical best lap
RaceStudio automatically calculates your theoretical best lap by combining your fastest sectors. This shows your true potential if you put all your best corners together.
Example:
- Sector 1 best: 22.10
- Sector 2 best: 18.45
- Sector 3 best: 19.02
Theoretical best lap: 59.57
If your actual best lap is 60.20, you know there is 0.63 seconds available.
4. Comparing laps
Overlay two laps to see where time is gained or lost. Look for:
- Later braking
- Higher minimum corner speed
- Earlier throttle application
- Better exit speed
5. Analysing consistency
Consistency is crucial for race pace. Look at:
- Lap‑to‑lap variation
- Sector‑to‑sector variation
- Tyre warm‑up behaviour
- Drop‑off from tyre overheating
6. Using lap time analysis for setup
Lap times help diagnose setup issues:
- Slow in all sectors: driver technique or engine power
- Slow in fast sectors: gearing or chassis stability
- Slow in slow sectors: corner entry/exit technique
- Inconsistent sectors: tyre pressure or driver errors
7. Track‑specific considerations (NZ & AU)
Different tracks emphasise different skills:
- Hamilton: exit speed and consistency
- Wellington: braking and rotation
- Tokoroa: high‑speed commitment
- Ruapuna: smoothness and line choice
- Todd Road: minimum corner speed
- Ipswich: braking precision