High Performance & Race Driving Tips
Speed Secrets Driving Tips to Help You be an Even Better Driver
Drive Faster: Use All The Track
One of the simplest ways to improve your speed around a track is to use more track. In this quick performance driving tip I talk about how critical it is to use every inch of it, from the entry point, to apex, to the exit point. My goal with this driving tip is to give you an edge to help you be a faster driver.
Oversteer – Explained
Oversteer is a term you hear tossed around a lot. But what exactly is it? Is it when the front or rear begins to slide? Read on for a definition.
Rotate The Car – Explained
Deliberately rotating the car when entering a corner allows you to carry speed in & through the turn. But first, understand what “rotate the car” really means.
Skip Shift – Explained
Skip shifting is not a technique for beginners, but once you’re beyond that level, consider it. But first, you need to be clear on what it is – so read on…
Target Fixation – Explained
Remember, your hands – and steering – follow your eyes. If you look at something, you’re likely going to steer towards it. That’s target fixation.
Turn-in Speed – Explained
The speed or rate that you turn the steering wheel when entering a corner will dictate the line, and ultimately, the speed at which you can drive through a corner. Read on…
Trail Braking – Explained
Trail braking… what is it (really)? I’ve heard many drivers talk about trail braking in the wrong way – they don’t define it accurately. Here, I clarify what trail braking really is, and get rid of some misconceptions.
Understeer – Explained
Having a clear understanding of what understeer is is critical to you knowing how to control it – and drive at or near the limit. Here is the definition of understeer.
Driving The Line – Explained
“Driving the line” is a common phrase heard throughout the paddock when drivers are sharing stories. Okay, it’s a basic, but there are some who are not perfectly clear on what it really means, so here I’ve provided another definition.
Short Shift – Explained
You may have heard the term “short shift” before, but do you really know what it means? Read on to learn more…
Weight Transfer – Explained
As performance and race drivers, we experience weight transfer all the time. In fact, we’re “weight managers.” So, it’s critical to have a clear understanding of what weight transfer is – as I explain here…
Why Are Some Drivers Faster Than Others?
Why are some drivers faster than others? There’s more than one reason, but a significant reason is how they use their senses to pick up information about the track and their car. In this video tip I describe what that means, and give you advice on how to develop those skills further yourself. No matter your level, from club to pro racer, or from HPDE student to experienced track day performance driver, this is the most productive strategy for improving your driving that I’ve ever experienced.
Drive Faster: When to Trail Brake
Trail brake, or don’t trail brake? In this quick performance driving tip I give you a general guideline about when and where to trail brake, and when and where not to. Trail braking is a bit of a controversial topic because so many drivers have different ideas about when to use it – and even what it is! My goal with this driving tip is give you an edge to help you be a faster driver.
Performance & Race Driving Tip: Getting Comfortable Driving The Limit
Speed Secret: Be comfortable being uncomfortable. Practice being uncomfortably on the edge, and you’ll get comfortable being there.
Performance & Race Driving Tip: Driving The Limit
Speed Secret: You have to drive over the limit at times before you can consistently drive at the limit.
Performance & Race Driving Tip: High Performance Braking Techniques
Speed Secret: How and when you release the brakes will have more effect on your lap times than where you start braking.
Performance & Race Driving Tip: Mental Game
Speed Secret: Trigger your performance state of mind by recalling a past success. Replay everything about it (emotions, actions) mentally.
Performance & Race Driving Tip: Move On – Focus Forward
Speed Secret: Move on. You can’t fix what’s in the past. Focus forward.
Why Smooth is Fast – Speed Secrets Tip
In this “explainer” video, I illustrate why driving smoothly improves traction using a concept I call the Traction Unit Number. It’s all about weight transfer, load on your tires, and balance. Check it out.
High Performance Instructing Tip
HPDE (High Performance Driver Education) instructors… share personal experiences so students relate with you. But don’t relate too many mistakes; nor should you brag.