Driving
Warning
Motorsport is dangerous and Karen Andrews Racing will not be held responsible for any accidents, loss or damage. Our racing instruction section is advising only and does not promote dangerous or reckless driving, especially on the public roads. Should you require further help or instruction in person, either on the track or on the road or confidence building, please contact Karen Andrews on 07977 218229 or info@KarenAndrewsRacing.co.uk
Driving Position
Position your seat a couple of inches closer than for road driving. Your wrists should sit
comfortably on the top of the steering wheel without you sitting forward. Sit upright and grip the
wheel lightly while keeping the elbows bent. If you lean back and have straight arms you will
have a lot less control of the car should you need to make any corrections. Pedals should all be
easily accessible and you should be able to move your feet from one pedal to the other quickly
and comfortably.
Planning
Always look & think ahead. To get good track times, the skill is keeping the cars momentum as
constant as possible, not hard braking then hard acceleration at every corner. Use ALL the
engine revs. Drive through a corner, not braking hard up to and then frantically accelerating out
of a corner, you have to keep your driving as smooth as possible. Before going out on track
always check all fluid levels, wheel nuts & tyre pressure.
Corners
With cornering the most important thing you can learn to improve your times is “SLOW IN FAST
OUT”. Repeat it after me “SLOW IN FAST OUT. Basically the slower, smoother and more in
control you are on the approach to the corner the faster your exit speed will be. Also another
important detail to remember is “USE ALL THE TRACK” where possible; remember the sooner
your wheels are straight the sooner you can come on the power. Here are a few examples of
some of the most common corners found on circuits today.
90° Short Corner
Medium speed approach. The best' way to negotiate this type of turn is similar to the hairpin.
This type of corner catches a lot of people out and is one of the best overtaking opportunities
you’ll find. On the approach, turn in late then keep the remaining part of the bend as straight as
possible.
90° Long Corner
High-speed approach. Aim for the middle point of the turn, then accelerate out, aiming for the
opposite side of the track. Should be taken with little or no loss of speed & the corner should
feel nice and smooth.
Hairpin
Low speed approach. Turn in late to make the exit of the hairpin a fast corner line, which then
gives you chance to come on the power sooner and more abruptly. Remember “SLOW IN FAST
OUT”.
Tightening Corner
Medium speed approach. You should not be clipping the apex of the corner until much further
round the bend than usual. This later apex allows you to exit the bend almost straight facing.
Long Curve
High-speed approach. With this type of corner, turn in early keeping close to the inside of the
track, near the rumple strip. The exit should be a mirror image of the entry for a fast exit.
Double Apex
Medium speed approach. Enter the corner from the far left of the track winding into the apex on
the inside, straighten out and drift back out onto the centreline of the track. Once there seek the
apex of the 2nd part of the corner, clip it and exit straight using the entire track width. Basically a
symmetrical corner.
Opening Corner
Turn in early and aim for an early apex point. Keeping the car wide, drive the exit like a fast
corner.
Esses
Medium speed approach. Set up the approach so that the route through the bends is as straight
as possible, unnecessary steering will result in more loss of speed.
Chicane
Medium speed approach. Take an almost straight line in to the first corner, a slight dab on the
brakes in between the 2 internal apexes; accelerate hard out of the turn as the car passes the
2nd apex. Use the entire track width on your exit.
» Find out more about Driving Techniques »
Trackday Planning
When taking part in a trackday, please remember the following points:
Before going on track! The Car;
Put your towing eye on your front bumper in case of rescue.
Check ALL your fluid levels.
Check ALL your wheel nuts are tight.
Check ALL your tyres pressures, you need to be aiming for less psi than for road use as when your tyres get hot the tyres pressures will increase dramatically.
Remove all non fixed objects from your car including spare wheel, tools and any fluffy dice.
Always indicate if you are being passed so the car behind you knows you are aware.
Before going on track! You;
Please attend and listen to the trackday briefing before entering the track. Different tracks have different circuit rules for passing etc.
You must wear long sleeves and trousers to be allowed on track for safety reasons.
You must wear a helmet at ALL times in the car, even in the pit lane.
During the session!
Always be courteous to other drivers. If they are faster than you, lift off, indicate and let them past with plenty of room.
Even if they are not as fast as you on the straights but are catching you through the corners, let them past.
Keep and eye out for the flags and learn what they mean.
After the session!
After crossing the chequered flag, take it slow about 30mph for the rest of the lap to allow your car to cool down.
When on park ferme after time on track, do not put on your handbrake or you will warp the hot brake discs.
