Q: I really like the idea of focusing on the point where you are off the brakes as opposed to where you begin. But if it is a trail braking corner where are you focusing on exactly???

I was talking to Josef Newgarden at the Phoenix test this year, and I asked him how he worked up to speed in Turn 1. He told me that his approach on ovals is to go flat, and if the car starts to move, then he slows down… but how do I know what’s the right corner entry speed?

Q: I have a question that’s kinda bugging me about heel-n-toe downshifting. Is there a noteworthy difference of when to “blip” the throttle (while selecting the new gear OR after selecting the new gear)? I know that the ultimate goal is a smooth shift with the clutch engaging at appropriate engine and transmission RPM’s so that the car is not unsettled.

Q: I have heard/read you discuss focusing on brake release points rather than brake initiation points in a turn, and understand how the braking paradigm should change if I can focus on the brake release point. However, for the less experienced driver, determining the right brake release point can be as difficult as finding the correct brake initiation point.

Q: Could you please tell me what a momentum car is? I know from your tips that a car has to be driven on the rugged edge of it. How does it relate to the term? And, if I am racing how cautious I need to be thinking about crashes?

In the afternoon race on Saturday at Thunderhill, I had two snap spins going into T10. The first time it happened, I was trying to go a little deeper before braking, and I did mash the brake pedal pretty hard. The second time, I went maybe a little deeper, and got on the brakes what I thought was with moderate pressure.

Is it always the best to ride the car towards the edge of the wall on a speedway? Shouldn’t dust or debris be considered? Is there any different way to approach speedways like Indianapolis for example? What aspects are different on an inclined track from a regular leveled track?

Q: I really like the idea of focusing on the point where you are off the brakes as opposed to where you begin. But if it is a trail braking corner where are you focusing on exactly???

I was talking to Josef Newgarden at the Phoenix test this year, and I asked him how he worked up to speed in Turn 1. He told me that his approach on ovals is to go flat, and if the car starts to move, then he slows down… but how do I know what’s the right corner entry speed?

Q: I have a question that’s kinda bugging me about heel-n-toe downshifting. Is there a noteworthy difference of when to “blip” the throttle (while selecting the new gear OR after selecting the new gear)? I know that the ultimate goal is a smooth shift with the clutch engaging at appropriate engine and transmission RPM’s so that the car is not unsettled.

Q: I have heard/read you discuss focusing on brake release points rather than brake initiation points in a turn, and understand how the braking paradigm should change if I can focus on the brake release point. However, for the less experienced driver, determining the right brake release point can be as difficult as finding the correct brake initiation point.

Q: Could you please tell me what a momentum car is? I know from your tips that a car has to be driven on the rugged edge of it. How does it relate to the term? And, if I am racing how cautious I need to be thinking about crashes?

In the afternoon race on Saturday at Thunderhill, I had two snap spins going into T10. The first time it happened, I was trying to go a little deeper before braking, and I did mash the brake pedal pretty hard. The second time, I went maybe a little deeper, and got on the brakes what I thought was with moderate pressure.

Is it always the best to ride the car towards the edge of the wall on a speedway? Shouldn’t dust or debris be considered? Is there any different way to approach speedways like Indianapolis for example? What aspects are different on an inclined track from a regular leveled track?