Inside the mind of a professional racing driver – Tips for success
Car racing is a fun thing. I usually compare it to golf. A golfer can buy amazing clubs, the best golf balls, nice clothes and professional golf lessons, but still his score cannot improve due to unseen forces within a person’s mind that inevitably lead to failure on the golf course. Golf. Race teams can buy the best vehicle, tires, spokes, pit crew, matching apparel, and secure the best pit crew, but these things will not cement a podium finish. Obviously, these things are necessary to participate, but if a driver can’t finish a race, he’s useless.
Analyzing the racing driver
The key to victory in auto racing inevitably lies within the mind of a driver. Inside his mind are invisible personality traits that are etched into his subconscious that dictate his reactions and anticipation on the racetrack.
A driver who is insecure will not continually make it to the podium due to his own personality traits. This type of driver looks for moments of ego boost instead of just finishing races. Just like a competitive teenager, little passes and shoves from other drivers will trigger irrational decisions in pressure situations. Decisions that are less likely to have a positive outcome. A good example would be driving too fast around a corner in an attempt to retake a competitor and causing their vehicle to break loose.
A naturally talented driver is like a road visionary or driving psychic. Almost as if they could read the minds of other drivers on the racetrack, anticipating every move made and avoiding crashes. The vehicle becomes an extended limb of the person as he feels his way around the track, not just “driving”. It is an emotional and spiritual experience for them. Subconsciously, they can read a fairway like a good golfer reads a putt.
It is impossible to fully explain all of these mental qualities, but any seasoned professional can attest to them.
Tips to help the racing driver
If the race team discusses a plan before a race, this creates expectations in the pit crew. During the race, the driver must stick to that prearranged plan or everyone disconnects mentally in the pits. Each person will begin to doubt themselves as they try to think of new pit stop tactics. This will start a slippery slope until there is a complete breakdown of teamwork. A crew chief has to make sure the driver sticks to the initial plan more than anything else! If the driver won’t listen, they need to be replaced or else the team will experience fuel mileage issues, tire problems, broken parts and, frankly, wasted money. For example, if you say take it easy with the car and your driver suddenly challenges the leader within ten minutes of leaving. The driver is obviously completely ignorant of the “team plan” and feels that he knows better. This is unacceptable.
Pit crew members are knowledgeable in their respective areas. Sometimes a member of the pit crew knows a specific track or race better than anyone, almost like a local golf caddy. A driver must be open to discussion and ingest information from the crew. Information about vehicle performance, weather, track, other drivers, tactics and more. If a driver is closed-minded to this entry, the race is already lost. Listening to crew members and acknowledging their input drastically improves attitudes in the pits. This is a staple of championship teams.
Remember to run your own race. You do not need to prove anything or present your competition. Your team and your sponsors will benefit the most from a podium finish, or at least a finish. It will build positive momentum for future races and build excitement among all involved rather than disappointment having a negative effect. Focus on keeping the vehicle in good shape and listening to the advice of your pit crew.