Every aspiring racer already knows how to drive. But racing involves a lot more than driving faster. In fact, by driving fast, it will expose your bad habits and lack of knowledge.

Experienced drivers say it is helpful to approach racing with an open mind and some humility.

The Car. Your Car

If you own a car, it is a good idea to take it on the track. It doesn't matter if it is a Honda Civic. There are so many new things to learn. Using a familiar vehicle will reduce the number of things to cope with while under pressure. Your first time on the track the new information is coming at you fast!

How and Where to Sit

Configuring your seat for racing is different to the way you sit for everyday driving. You want to be closer to the steering wheel and the pedals. Push your seat a notch or two forward. Then tilt your seat so you can place your wrists on top of the wheel without straining.

Place yourself in the racing position with your hands on the wheel at a "quarter to three." You will now sit closer to the steering wheel than usual. You will be more upright, and you will have about a 90-degree bend in your arms at the elbow. Both of your thumbs will wrap around the wheel for a secure grip.

Your Vision on the Track

In simple terms, as you will be going faster, you need to learn to look further ahead. You need to be looking at what you are going to do next, not what you are doing now. By way of an example, when you are braking for a corner, you should be looking into the corner where you intend to go.

Changing Gear

Reduce your speed before you shift down a gear by using the brakes. You will risk blowing the engine by over-revving if you change down too early.

Get the feel and speed of the track. Then, you can introduce the heel-and-toe technique. This is where, while braking and downshifting, you match the engine speed to the gear by blipping the throttle.

The Science of Braking on a Track

The aim is to have the same braking pressure through a manoeuvre. Beginners often start out soft and then apply more pressure. Learn to keep the pressure on the brakes consistent for each braking action.

Learn when to start, and when to stop, braking for each specific corner. Set yourself visual reference points. These points will get closer to the corner as you get better.

End your braking by releasing the brakes smoothly

Get Tuition

The advice you can get from an experienced driver during the first few laps will be money well spent. You'll be safer and more competitive.

Promoted by Nick Geller - 10 Apr 2018