If you are heading to a new track, there are a lot of resources to help prepare you. While memorizing the track layout and reference points in advance can set you up for success, real success comes from keen observation and skillful application.
Before you head to the track, review any information you can get your hands on—
It can get kind of loud on track day, which is why most professional drivers use some sort of ear protection. The 140 decibels of a full-throttle NASCAR cockpit is about as loud as fireworks or gunfire. That’s pretty loud, so it makes sense the pro drivers protect their hearing. But what about you and your HPDE driving?
If you are new to HPDE, flags are a good place to start. The following flags are used to communicate various information during the events. Memorize their meanings as they can signify important things and require very specific actions.
Green—This flag is at the start/finish line and generally indicates that the session is
Here’s your homework for the next week: Make a list of all the things you did well this past season, in and out of the car (but only to do with driving) and replay your successes on the list.
For some reason, we tend to focus too much on what we do wrong. It seems easier to see all that we do wrong
My favorite quote of all time comes from Albert Einstein. He said, “A sure sign of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting something to change.”
So what are you doing this off-season to prepare for the next? Anything different from last year, or the year before that?
Are you satisfied with how you performed this past season?
Whether you’re a novice or a pro, there is always room for improvement on the track. Now that the off season is upon on us, devote some time to improve skills for the 2018 season. Try these tips:
Self-Assess
Before you can improve skills, reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. Be honest with yourself. Did you struggle with your footwork the past season? Do
Wearing the right safety equipment can enhance your race day experience and safety. Follow these tips to find the safety equipment that fits your needs on and off the track.
Gloves – Many drivers recommend gloves because they assure your grip on the steering wheel, even if your hands are sweaty. Look for a strong and durable glove with a suede leather palm for
How long have you been participating in HPDE events? Do you have any goals? As I was growing up in the HPDE community, I had a few goals I wanted to accomplish. One of my personal goals was to become an HPDE instructor. I wanted to give back to the community that helped me become a better driver. I had dedicated HPDE
What do you like most about HPDE events? Is it the comradery or is it driving on the limit of adhesion? The HPDE community is a growing group of enthusiasts who share a common passion for high-performance driving. I have noticed the growth of the community all over the United States from attending HPDE events. There is a common question that I
Has your driving improvement come to a halt? Most HPDE enthusiasts hit a point where it becomes remarkably difficult to continue improving their performance driving skills. Even with the guidance of an experienced instructor, it can seem to be more and more challenging to recognize the areas where you can proceed to develop.
Professional race teams may spend thousands of dollars on methods