Special Report: How to Become and Auto Racer (Part 3)
Track racing can be a fun, addictive, and highly satisfying experience. A combination of skills and vehicle reliability, as well as performance, is what makes an auto racer successful. Almost as important is going fast as stopping fast, which is when the
vehicles tires and braking system come into play. However, experienced drivers have no need to brake and instead use a much more difficult, yet beneficial, driving style, known as drifting.
Drifting is an alternative to braking. However, this should only be practiced, if the driver is experienced on the track. The first time drifting, it is preferable to drive alone on the track, since first-time drifters tend to spin out or come to a standstill.
This can be corrected with practice, or instruction from a drifter. Drifting is the fastest way around a turn since the vehicle can get through the turn at the highest speed possible. Once experienced, the driver may be able to get through a turn at the same
speed as the turn entry speed. D1 Grand Prix drifters have been known to approach a turn at over 200 km/h and drift at the same speed.
If driving in a “No Pass” track, passing is still permitted if it is consensual. If the driver gives an indication that they may be passed, another vehicle is allowed to pass. Of course, a driver should ask track management if this is permitted. Being a
novice, a driver should be doing little or no passing, but should be passed more. When another vehicle is approaching rapidly, the driver will be looking for a passing signal. A driver should learn about this signal before driving, in Drivers Education. The
signal is usually an arm point straight out of the window if the driver may pass to the left, and an arm pointed over the car if the driver is permitted to pass on the right. The driver must stay in his line. If they give the signal to pass on the right, stay
on the left side of the track. Passing should only be done on straightaways.
Aside from hand signals, a driver should also learn flag signals. Although most flags are consistent, there may be variations with tracks or racing organizations. The most common flags are solid green, blue with a diagonal yellow stripe, yellow, waving yellow,
yellow and red, black, red, and black with a circle. A solid green flag means that the warm up lap is over, and passing is permitted, is allowed. The blue flag with a diagonal yellow stripe is shown when the driver must allow for the following vehicle to pass.
This is only shown if the driver has not permitted the following driver to pass when they should have. A yellow flag, which is stationary, means that there is danger up ahead. The driver should slow down and use caution. A waving yellow flag means that a vehicle
is immobilized on the track ahead. The driver may have to go out of their driving line to avoid the car. A flag with yellow and red vertical stripes means that the track ahead is not suitable for driving and has some stuff such as an oil slick, tire fragments,
or broken parts. A driver should lower their speed and be aware.
Less common flag is a black flag which means that there is something wrong with the driver’s car. If black flags are being shown at all stations, all vehicles are being called off the track, due to a crash or something else that is obstructing the track.
A red flag means that the driver must stop immediately. Brake slowly and be aware of other drivers. Pull over to the side of the track and await instructions. This is shown usually when there is an emergency vehicle entering the track. Lastly, a black flag
with a circle means that the run has ended and drivers should proceed to a cool down lap before going off the track.
Aside from driving, signals are the most important factor in racing. Signals keep drivers safe and aware of surroundings that they may not be able to see. If there were no signals in racing, by the time a driver spots the approaching problem, it is usually
too late, which often results in collisions. It cannot be sufficiently stated, that flag and hand signals
must be committed to memory, to keep the racing experience safe and enjoyable.
Tags: