INDIAN CAR ENTHUSIASTS 1 Guide to TRACK DRIVING (DRIVING POSITION & STEERING)
Guide to
TRACK DRIVING (DRIVING POSITION & STEERING) ADVANCED
ISHAAN BHARADWAJ
INDIAN NDIAN CAR ENTHUSIASTS 2 Guide to TRACK DRIVING (DRIVING IVING POSITION & STEERING)
This is a quick guide to optimising your position in the car for track driving. driving It's vitally important to get your driving position right before driving on the track. Your seat and steering wheel position should be adjusted carefully to… • • • • •
Allow grip of steering wheel wheel even in extremes of motion (e.g. when being thrown about it corners) Ensure mechanical efficiency of your body (you'll be tired after 20 laps) Maintain maximum visibility Prevent any obstructions (e.g. knees on the steering wheel) Give you maximum control contr of the car
TIPS FOR CORRECT SEAT SEAT POSITIONING ON THE TRACK If you have harnesses, your back will be pushed firmly into the backrestbackrest so when adjusting your seat, make sure you use this position as reference.
ARMS: Let's start with the arms - you should be able to comfortably rest your wrists on the top of the steering wheel without leaning forward (Diagram 1).
INDIAN NDIAN CAR ENTHUSIASTS 3 Guide to TRACK DRIVING (DRIVING IVING POSITION & STEERING) Your hands should have freedom of movement around the entire wheel (not just the top half) and if your handss touch your knees at any point (Diagram 2) or if your elbow hits the door, consider investing in a smaller wheel.
Your default steering position should be at the 'quarter to three' position so ensure the steering wheel is adjusted to allow maximum comfort comfor (Diagram 3).
If you have an adjustable steering wheel, you might consider bringing the wheel slightly closer than you would have it when driving on the road to provide maximum control. Getting the driving position right means you'll be able to tackle tight tight corners easily, and even if you're fighting to remain in control you'll be able to keep your hands on the wheel. When you feel like the position iss right, try testing it using a serious of movements in the 'worst case scenario' position (Diagram 3)
INDIAN NDIAN CAR ENTHUSIASTS 4 Guide to TRACK DRIVING (DRIVING IVING POSITION & STEERING) If you have an adjustable steering wheel, you might consider bringing the wheel slightly closer than you would have it when driving on the road to provide maximum control. Getting the driving position right means you'll be able to tackle tight corners easily, easily, and even if you're fighting to remain in control you'll be able to keep your hands on the wheel. When you feel like the position is right, try testing it using a serious of movements in the 'worst case scenario' position (Diagram 4)
Note: If you're using g harnesses, once you're bolted into your seat it's unlikely you'll be able to reach as far as usual so make sure you adjust your mirrors and any other gadgets before-hand. before
LEG POSITION Legs are easier to get right than the arms. The rule of thumb is to sit sit in a position which allows you to fully press the clutch and accelerator to the floor while maintaining a slight bend in your knee. The brake usually moves less then the other pedals so is less important in this respect. Make sure that your knees aren't making contact with the steering wheel, and mimic a complete revolution of the steering to ensure freedom of movement.
BACK POSITION When driving on the track, most drivers adopt a more upright seat position than when on the road. This ensures proximity to o the wheel and good visibility, which can lead to better control than a more relaxed position.
SEAT HEIGHT If you're tall or usually have your seat set high, headroom can be an issue when wearing a helmet. An inch or two of clearance is a must - banging your our helmet repeatedly on the roof or on roll bars can cause damage.
INDIAN CAR ENTHUSIASTS 5 Guide to TRACK DRIVING (DRIVING POSITION & STEERING) Everything else is a matter of comfort - remember that the priority should be to create an environment where you have maximum control over the wheel and pedals, and good freedom of movement.
HAND POSITION When driving on a stretch of straight or gently curving tarmac, the default hand position is quarter to three (Figure 1). When taking tighter corners it will be necessary to adjust hand position accordingly. Grip the wheel with a firm but relaxed grip, but not so hard that your knuckles turn white! Try to maintain this position unless it isn't possible to take the corner in this way, as this gives you the advantage of instantly knowing exactly where the straight ahead position is, and the ability to steer rapidly yet smoothly.
For a tight right hand hairpin, a suggested hand position is shown in Figure 2. This will allow the lock to be applied and taken off without either taking hands off the wheel or adjusting the hand position until after the corner has completed. If your car has a large number of turns from lock to lock, you may need to start with your right hand further anti-clockwise.
INDIAN CAR ENTHUSIASTS 6 Guide to TRACK DRIVING (DRIVING POSITION & STEERING)
STEERING MOVEMENTS When steering round a corner, the ideal steering movement is progressive, smooth and controlled. Applying and taking off steering lock should be done in a fluid movement, without taking either hand off the wheel where possible. 'Pushing and pulling' the wheel may be fine for general road driving, but this does not allow the smooth motions needed when driving near the limits of grip. Try not to let the steering wheel slide through your fingers when letting off steering lock, and then adjust your hand position accordingly for the next corner or straight. In some situations when you need to take the lock off very quickly - you may find it easier to let the wheel slide through your fingers slightly, but this should be avoided where possible. An example could be when letting off the steering lock after a dramatic oversteer correction.
STEERING THROUGH A CORNER When taking a corner, aim for the apex and turn in a smooth controlled arc - don't use aggressive steering unless you're deliberately trying to unsettle the car (e.g. for a handbrake turn). Once you've clipped the apex, unwind the steering lock progressively as you increase the throttle. If you find you have to tighten up mid-corner you've hit the apex too early, and if you find you don't need to use the entire width of the track on the exit you've probably left your cornering too late.