Three Quick Ways to Shave Seconds Off Your Lap
When it comes to faster laps, it’s not about brute force, it’s all about finesse. The best drivers don’t wrestle their cars; they dance with them. Here’s how to find those missing seconds and feel smoother, faster, and way more in control every time you hit the track.
Smooth Braking. Less Stab, More Flow
Late braking doesn’t mean hard braking. It means smart braking. The trick is to squeeze the brake pedal progressively, firm at the start, then easing off as the car rotates into the corner. This keeps the balance neutral, and the tyres loaded evenly.
Why it matters: Sudden braking unsettles the car and wastes grip. Smooth braking keeps weight transfer controlled, giving you more front-end bite when it matters most.
Pro move: Watch how your car feels just before turn-in. If it’s twitchy, you’re braking too hard or too late. Ease into it earlier and release gently.
Look Ahead. Where You Look, You Go
The fastest drivers aren’t staring at the corner in front of them, they’re already visualising the next one. The earlier you look through the apex and onto the exit, the smoother your hands become, and the more naturally your car flows through the line.
Why it matters: Looking ahead helps your brain process upcoming inputs sooner, meaning fewer mid-corner corrections and better throttle timing.
Pro move: As soon as you hit turn-in, flick your eyes to the exit. Your hands will follow, it’s pure muscle memory magic.
Throttle Balance. Feed It, Don’t Dump It
Throttle is your steering wheel’s best friend. Too much, too soon, and you’ll understeer off. Too little, and you lose momentum. The art is in feeding the power in, nice and smooth, progressive and always in sync with how much grip the rear tyres have to give.
Why it matters: Balanced throttle keeps the car settled and lets you drive out of corners with confidence instead of fighting wheel spin or pushing wide.
Pro move: Imagine a string tied from the throttle pedal to the steering wheel. The more you unwind the wheel, the more throttle you can add.
The Takeaway
Speed isn’t built in the straights; it’s earned in the transitions. Smooth braking, sharper vision, and balanced throttle are the quiet secrets behind every quick lap.
Your next challenge? Practice these three moves at our next track day. Every lap’s a lesson and every second shaved is a story worth sharing, over and over again!
Track Day Club – Find Your Fast