How to Autocross by Andrew Howe;

Author:Andrew Howe;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lightning Source Inc. (Tier 3)
Published: 2020-07-15T00:00:00+00:00

So, in order to keep from upsetting the car, you need to run all three pedals during a downshift. Failure to do so has the same effect of accelerating with too much vigor.

Heel-and-toe downshifting is an interesting dance on the pedals. The left foot works the clutch pedal while the right foot manages both the brake and the throttle. While the purpose of this technique is to select a lower gear, you must not forget that braking must be your primary function. Fail to brake enough (or brake too much), and basic car control is compromised.

To ensure adequate control of the brake pedal, place the ball and big toe of your right foot firmly on the brake. When braking, depress the clutch pedal and select the lower gear. When preparing to release the clutch, use the right side or heel of the foot (depending on personal preference and pedal layout) to give the throttle a quick blip. During this part of the operation, maintain steady pressure on the brake pedal. With the engine RPM up, the clutch pedal can be safely released.

Downshifting: Slipping it in Late

Having trouble mastering the heel-toe maneuver? You’re not alone. It takes considerable coordination to downshift while operating three pedals simultaneously. Those who haven’t mastered the fancy footwork resort to a downshifting method that is sometimes referred to as “slipping it in late.”

Slipping it in late involves downshifting after braking is finished. There is a compromise with this technique. Perhaps several. The compromises cost a little time on course as compared to an accomplished heel-toe downshifter. For the driver lacking in footwork, there are few reasonable alternatives.

The basic premise to this technique is that there will be some time in the early-middle of the corner when the car is just rolling. The driver needs to be off the brakes, but isn’t ready to accelerate yet. In this half second of time, the driver can downshift without needing to run all three pedals and without losing time under acceleration.

The sequence is this:

• Brake for the corner

• Roll off of brakes and turn in to corner

• Depress clutch and move gear selector to lower gear

• Rev engine to match engine RPM to vehicle speed

• Release clutch

• Start unwinding wheel and accelerate

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.