How to get faster on track
The habits that make the biggest difference to lap times on a track day, from where you look to how you brake, and why tuition is the best money you'll spend.
Most people who are new to track days try to go faster by braking later and turning harder. It usually makes them slower and more likely to spin. Real speed comes from being smooth, consistent and carrying more speed through the corners. Here's where to focus.
Learn the track first
Spend the first sessions learning where the track goes, where the corners tighten, and where the bumps are. Watch onboard videos of the circuit before you go, and walk or cycle the track if the circuit allows it. You can't drive a corner well if you're not sure what comes next.
Look further ahead
This is the single biggest habit to change. On the road we look a few car lengths ahead. On track you should be looking at the next point you're aiming for: the braking point on the straight, the apex as you turn in, then the exit as you pass the apex. Your hands follow your eyes.
The racing line
The basic line uses the full width of the track: start from the outside edge, clip the inside at the apex, and let the car run out to the outside on the exit. This makes the corner as gentle as possible, so you can carry more speed. For most corners a slightly later apex works best, because it lets you get on the throttle earlier for the next straight.
Braking
- Brake hard and in a straight line, then ease off the brake as you start to turn.
- Pick a braking marker, such as a board or a mark on the track, and use the same one each lap. Move it a little later only when you're consistently arriving at the corner too slowly.
- Be smooth on and off the pedal. Stabbing the brakes upsets the car.
Smooth inputs
Every jerky movement of the wheel, throttle or brake upsets the balance of the car and costs grip. Turn in once, smoothly, and avoid adding more steering mid-corner. Squeeze the throttle on as you unwind the steering on the exit.
Be consistent before you're fast
Aim to drive the same line, with the same braking points, lap after lap. Once you can do that, small changes become obvious, and you can see what works.
Get tuition
A session with a good instructor will make you faster than a whole day on your own. They'll spot bad habits immediately and show you the line at that particular circuit. Many organisers include free tuition, and some offer it on novice days. Book a session early in the day, then practise what you've learned.
Use video and data
A simple camera, or a lap timing app on your phone, shows you where you're losing time. Compare your laps, or compare with a friend in the same car. You'll often find the biggest gains in one or two corners.
Know when to stop
Fatigue makes everyone slower and sloppier. If you're making mistakes, or the brakes are starting to fade, come in. Lap times count for nothing compared with driving home. Once you're ready to see how you compare, check the lap records.