How to Drive a Race Car

The unique challenges of race car driving can be difficult for young drivers. A race car travels at speeds in excess of 180 mph with frequent pit stops needed for refueling and tire changes. There are many tips to driving a race car along high-banked corners and past the competition to the finish line.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Adhere to the basic tenet of driving by avoiding braking and turning at the same time. The act of making a left turn and applying brakes redistributes weight in your race car that can cause a slide out. Ease off of the throttle instead of applying the brakes on turns to stay in the race.
   • 2
     Keep your throttle steady until you reach the limit point in your race car. The limit point in racing is the exact spot at each turn where visibility beyond an angled corner is diminished by traffic.
   • 3
     Rest your back against your racing seat to maintain steady steering as you drive a race car. Your back should be flat against the seat to ensure your hands are resting on the steering wheel throughout the entire race.
   • 4
     Apply a slight amount of pressure to your brakes during a race to prevent locking during an emergency. Young drivers have the tendency to slam on the brakes which contributes to the sliding, skidding and locking responsible for most crashes.
   • 5
     Move away from a reliance on your side mirrors as you learn to drive a race car. The side mirrors are smaller on a race car than a regular vehicle to cut down on wind resistance. Learn to use quick head checks and forward vision to deal with changing traffic on the track.
   • 6
     Maintain inside position as long as possible to prevent passing on your left. Take advantage of the shorter distance on the inside lane by accelerating quickly and watching for competition on the outside.
   • 7
     Note the tendencies of fellow drivers during the first few laps to make quick decisions come crunch time. A smart driver will keep track of a competitor's tendency to bump, draft and pass to plan moves ahead of the final flag.

     Tips & Warnings

     Register at a racing school run by former professionals, such as the Mario Andretti Racing School, the Jim Russel Racing School or Danny McKeever's Fast Lane Racing School if you're really serious about learning. Check out RaceSchools.com for a listing of schools around the country (see Resources below).

     
     

     Test out your skills as a race car driver by taking your vehicle to an open day at a local track. These open days are designed for racing fans who want to get down on the track, meet drivers and see the challenges of the sport firsthand.

     
     

     Do not drive in a race until you are competent. You risk serious injury or death if you drive at high speeds without adequate experience and training.