[Fundamentals] Motor controls: The key to adjustability – Part 2

Part 2 of this three-part series on motor controls diagnoses the symptoms of incorrect motor control usage and provides corrections that will help build better habits for track performance.

We’ve all been there. You’re on track carrying a solid pace and someone goes by you on or in something that has no right to be that fast. You think, “I’m on slicks and have the latest setup, there is no way they should be going fast — how are they doing it?” The simple answer is that they are using their controls better than you are to get the results they want. It doesn’t matter if you’re on slicks or have the latest exhaust — if you use too much brake pressure too soon, you’ll overslow. If your throttle hand moves too slowly on the exit, you’re going to get passed on the drive out. It’s not about what vehicle or setup the other person has — it’s about how they are using it. Let’s look at some typical symptoms of improper motor control usage and how you can fix them.