In this article we asked Blayze pro coaches and grassroots racers who transitioned from HPDE to wheel-to-wheel racing for their advice for those track day drivers looking to make the transition. Let's see what everyone said below:
Dion von Moltke - Blayze Coach
When anyone is making this transition I think there are just 3 things to focus on to start:
- Fundamentals: Don't forget the first step towards winning racing is driving your own car. That means focusing on your techniques, so first and foremost keep focused on your own driving.
- Vision: Building on fundamentals, when you're in traffic make sure you are looking through the car, bike, or kart in front of you, not at it. It's very easy to fall into the trap of lazy eyes, make sure you are hyperfocused on finding your normal reference points.
- Overtaking: If you focus on just making sure you get at least halfway alongside the car/bike/kart you are overtaking before you arrive at the turn-in point for the corner you will be putting yourself in a good place.
Focusing on just these three simple things will keep you safe and more than likely put you in a position to do well in your first few races!
Marcos - Grassroots Racer
I would say to drive the track mentally the night before,
On the day of racing just relax, meditate or other techniques. On the opening lap look at corner stations, smile and relax. Better to get home with a smile than red mist.
Phil - Grassroots Racer
1. You're still a novice, and in all likelihood, everyone else on track with you is a novice, too. Give each other space, and be considerate. You're going to make mistakes and they will too, so give each other breathing room. Take it easy during your first few races.
2. Track days always carry a risk of hitting walls; now with racing, you have all of those same walls *plus* all of the other cars around you. Take care of your own car and take care of other cars. There will be many future races for you to push things--take it easy during your first races.
3. During races, you have many other racers around you who are people with friends and family back home, just like you. Take care of yourself, and take care of them.
