Driving skill is something that can always evolve and improve, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned veteran on the track, or just starting out. The best way to learn how to drive fast is to spend as much time on the track as possible, but the following tips will help you get started in the right direction.

Hand Position

Before you drive anywhere, you need to make sure you’re set up properly inside the car. From when we learned to drive, many of us were instructed to hold our hands at the 10 and 2 position on the wheel. This is fine for normal driving on the street, but for high-performance track driving, having your hands at 9 and 3 on the wheel is much more appropriate. Positioning your hands at the 9 and 3 position gives you more control over the car in high-performance situations.

Braking for a Corner

Perhaps the most important thing, even more important than driving quickly, is braking effectively. A technique used by a majority of effective racing drivers is called ‘trail braking’ and involves braking hard, about 80-90% of maximum, initially, and gradually pulling off the brakes as you enter the corner.

Turning Through the Corner

This is something that many drivers take years to master, and is more complex than it seems. When you reach the point in the corner that you begin to turn in, you should be pulling your foot off of the brake pedal. Turn the wheel towards the apex, or narrowest part, of the corner, and allow the car to coast for a short time as you approach the apex of the corner. As you pass through the apex and begin to unwind the steering wheel to straighten the car out, accelerate through the exit.

Quality Driving On and Off the Track

Not only will these tips help cut your lap times and improve your driving skills, but they translate to the street as well. If you’re looking to improve your driving skills even further, or put your skills to the test, join us for a track day or one of our driver’s education classes! Call us today at (407) 804-0892 with any questions.