At CAR we frequently receive emails asking all manner of odd and interesting questions. Apart from the “how do I get a job at CAR magazine” version one of the most popular is “how do I become a racing driver?”.
It’s a pretty difficult question to answer but the usual route would be to begin with karting as a youngster. Unlike most professionals who require some form of qualification, being a race driver, and a good one at that, starts at a very young age.
But what if you’re slightly older and consider yourself pretty handy behind the wheel? You’ve never raced but you think you could potentially be good at it. Buying a racecar on a gut feel is not ideal and people aren’t generally keen to lend their race machines to inexperienced rookies.
That’s where Racecraft comes in. This is a driving programme without peer in SA. Most advanced driving courses are there to make us all-round safer road users and, while there may be a racetrack component to this it is more likely a fun aspect of the course with the emphasis on smooth driving as opposed to acheiving one’s quickest lap time.
In 2011 multiple circuit racing champions Etienne van der Linde and Lee Thompson spotted a gap in the market and decided to launch a programme aimed at racing drivers looking to hone their skills. While many of their clients are already competing on tracks around the country, the course does cater for novices as well.
As many of you may know I am currently living out one of my fantasies by competing in the Engen VW Cup series, (you can read more about it here) and, as such, thought that I might benefit from a few driving tips from the pros.
A very good starting point
The starting point for novices attending the Racecraft experience is a three axis (pitch, roll and yaw) motion simulator. This highly advanced set-up is ideal for anyone that has never ventured onto a racetrack before. The inherent risks (high speed spins/crashes) and costs (track hire, tyre, fuel, brakes) associated with a real track experience are happily avoided.
There are a multitude of real tracks to drive as well as various type of cars, from low-powered RWD cars like such as the Mazda MX-5, which I drove, to full on wings and slicks single-seaters.
I was introduced to the driving simulator by Thompson who advised me not to treat it like a video game, which is exactly what I did for the first five laps. Thankfully both gentlemen are extremely patient and let me have my fun while I explored the control systems.
After a few acclimatisation laps I was asked to pull into the “pits”. At this point they gave me a few pointers, such as using all three screens to look across into a corner aiming for the apex, etc. I set off again with more concentration and as soon as I started to treat the sim like a real car, and not a game, I found that my lap times tumbled.
After a few more laps Van der Linde, whom had been making notes from alongside, suggested that I use the heel-toe technique to keep the car balanced under braking and that by doing so I wouldn’t lurch the transmission on downshifts. Within a few corners of employing this rev-matching method I realised that Van der Linde’s advice was on the money.
Telemetry never lies
Between ten-lap sessions I was shown the telemetry traces of my laps, showing inter alia brake pressure, throttle application, steering angle. As per the earlier advice to employ heel-toeing, Van der Linde also pointed out a rookie error when it comes to using that technique. Many drivers think that they are staying on the brakes while blipping the throttle, but as the data showed I was releasing brake pressure fractionally, which required me to stay on the middle pedal slightly longer to slow the car enough to negotiate the ensuing corner.
Coaching from alongside as you “drive” has its advantages as you can immediately follow any instructions doled out at the appropriate corner. If we were in a racecar we would probably have to return to the pits for any driving advice and then head out again to put it into action.
While the simulator helps one to learn the basics of racing lines, smooth application of brakes and throttle, etc, there is only so much one can learn within the confines of a computer programme.
On-track coaching
For those wishing to take their Racecraft experience further they offer on-track training as well. The company has a Polo racecar and offers tuition at Zwartkops and Midvaal racetracks. I wasn’t lucky enough to get to use the Polo this time but hopefully at some point in the future I will have a go with Thompson or Van der Linde seated alongside.
Racecraft is not simply an advanced driving course for those looking for a bit of fun; it is far more serious than that. If you think you have what it takes to become a racing driver but are not sure how to go about doing so, Racecraft is an ideal launch pad. And judging by the number of experienced drivers that they have turned into quicker pilots I’d say that they are worth a visit even if you are currently a competitive driver looking for those final few tenths of a second.
For more information log onto www.racecraft.co.za
Special thanks to Etienne and Lee for accommodating me at such short notice and helping me to find a few tenths at the last race meeting.