Improving Your Track Driving

Vision and Awareness

The foundation of fast, safe track driving is vision. Most drivers don't look far enough ahead.

Eyes Up

• Look through the corner to the exit, not at the apex
• Scan for reference points: brake markers, turn-in points, apex cones
• Use peripheral vision for track position
• Check mirrors on every straight

Reference Points

Establish consistent reference points for:

• Braking: Use track markers, not just "feel"
• Turn-in: Find a visual cue at track edge
• Apex: Identify the exact clipping point
• Track-out: Know where you should end up

Advanced Braking Techniques

Trail Braking

Carrying brake pressure into the corner entry:

1. Begin with maximum braking in a straight line
2. As you turn in, gradually release brake pressure
3. Maintain light pressure to the apex
4. Helps rotate the car and improves turn-in

Threshold Braking

• Maximum braking without locking wheels/triggering ABS
• Feel for the point just before lock-up
• Modulate pressure to stay at threshold
• Practice in safe areas first

Cornering Techniques

Weight Transfer

Understanding and using weight transfer:

• Braking shifts weight forward (more front grip)
• Acceleration shifts weight rearward (more rear grip)
• Smooth transitions prevent unsettling the car
• Use weight transfer to help rotation

Line Selection

Different lines for different goals:

• Geometric line: Shortest distance, rarely fastest
• Late apex: Better exit speed, safer
• Early apex: Risky, avoid unless setting up next corner
• Double apex: For long corners, clip twice

Manual Transmission Techniques

Heel-Toe Downshifting

1. Brake with ball of right foot
2. Clutch in with left foot
3. Blip throttle with right heel while braking
4. Select lower gear
5. Release clutch smoothly

Rev Matching

Essential for smooth downshifts:

• Match engine speed to wheel speed
• Prevents rear wheel lock-up
• Maintains car balance
• Practice on the road first

Data and Analysis

Video Analysis

• Mount camera to see hands, track, and gauges
• Review lines, braking points, smoothness
• Compare with faster drivers
• Look for consistency issues

Data Logging

If available, use data to identify:

• Braking points and pressure
• Throttle application
• Cornering speeds
• Consistency lap-to-lap

Mental Approach

• Build speed gradually: 1-2% improvement per session
• Focus on consistency: 10 good laps beats 1 fast lap
• Learn from others: Follow experienced drivers
• Stay calm: Tension makes you slower
• Take breaks: Mental fatigue causes mistakes

Common Mistakes to Fix

• Overdriving: Trying too hard often makes you slower
• Coasting: Always be on throttle or brake
• Early throttle: Wait until you can see exit
• Inconsistent lines: Pick one and perfect it
• Ignoring car feedback: Listen to what it's telling you