Special Report: How to Become an Auto Racer (Part 2)
A driver has finally decided to take up auto racing. A couple of years of street racing have done nothing but fuel his desire for an adrenaline rush while driving. Their precious Mazda RX-7 was recently confiscated and crushed right before their eyes. Although
this deterred them from racing for a while, they still wanted to race. After their third traffic violation in two weeks, they finally decided to get off the roads and take their racing to the track. They have already participated in Drivers Education events
and acquired the equipment needed, and are on the road to become and auto racer.
On the track, many rules have to be followed. Each track has their own set of rules but the most the common rule on all tracks is a prohibition on overtaking, or “passing.” The rules can be explained by the event organizer of the track. On the first day
of driving, the driver must perform a systems and safety check on their vehicle. The oil, tire pressure, tire tread, brakes, brake fluid, and steering fluid must all be up to standards to prevent engine malfunction or collision due to loss of control. The
oil should be topped up, the tire pressure should be a few PSI higher than tire specifications, and tire tread should be sufficient to prevent slipping. If the driver is not experienced in checking these aspects, they should take their car to their personal
mechanic and have them check the vehicle to make sure it is suitable for racing.
Before the first drive, the driver should know the track. Commit the track to memory by watching other racers drive on the course and learn each turn. See where the other drivers brake, steer, and then accelerate again. If at all possible, walk the perimeter
of the track and draw it on a piece of paper, for later studying.
The first time on the track, an aspiring racer should follow an experienced driver. This way, they can learn when to brake, and the line to be driven on, known as the “line.” Every turn should come into view with the driver knowing the line and when to increase
and decrease speed. Don’t be afraid of the track, but use caution. A line is typically the best way to get through a turn at the highest possible speed. I simple left hand turn should start from the right side of the track before the turn. After braking to
a suitable speed, drive towards the inside of the track, and then back towards the outside of the track after the apex of the turn, accelerating at a suitable pace while doing so. The shallowest arc around a turn is the fastest way to get through a normal
turn.
Rather than braking incrementally or applying the brakes slowly, it is best to drive at the highest speed until the driver needs to brake. Apply the brakes as hard as possible while staying in control. Vehicles without Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) require more
attention while braking than those with ABS. A non-ABS vehicle will lock the brakes if they are slammed on. Instead, apply the brakes with increasing pressure until the vehicle has slowed down enough. An instructor or experienced driver will know when to brake,
how much, and when to turn, so it is best if the driver can take a couple of laps of the track with one. The first time a driver negotiates a track, it is best to go slowly and carefully, since going slowly around a turn is better than driving too fast and
spinning out. Braking can be practiced in everyday driving, most commonly on interstate ramps. However, the common driver should start at a lower speed and gradually increase it to stay safe.
Knowing how, and when to brake, turn, and accelerate, as well as keeping their vehicle in proper condition are key factors in being able to race properly and safely. Halfway to becoming an auto racer, the next, and most important, steps will be discussed
in the next part.
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