Inside the Mind of a Professional Race Car Driver: Tips for Success
Auto racing is a funny thing. I usually liken it to golf. A golfer can buy amazing clubs, the best golf balls, nice clothes, and professional golf lessons, but still his score may not improve due to invisible forces within a person’s mind that inevitably lead to failure on the golf course. Golf. Racing teams can buy the best vehicle, tires, spokes, pit crew, matching clothing, and secure the best pit crew, but these things will not cement a podium. Obviously, these things are necessary to participate, but if a driver cannot finish a race it is in vain.
Analyzing the racing driver
The key to victory in auto racing is inevitably in the mind of a driver. Inside your mind are invisible personality traits that are ingrained in the subconscious and that dictate your reactions and anticipation on the race track.
An unsafe driver will not continually make it to the podium due to his own personality traits. This type of driver looks for ego-boosting moments rather than just finishing races. Like a competitive teenager, small passes and pushes from other drivers will trigger irrational decisions during 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 pick up a competitor and cause their vehicle to loosen up.
A naturally talented driver is like a road visionary or a driving psychic. Almost as if they could read the minds of other drivers on the race track, anticipating every move made and avoiding crashes. The vehicle becomes an extended limb of the person as it gropes around the track, not just “driving.” It is an emotional and spiritual experience for them. Unconsciously, they can read a track 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 for the pit crew. During the race, the driver must adhere to that pre-established plan or everyone will be mentally disconnected in the pits. Everyone will start to question themselves as they try to come up with new pit stop tactics. This will start a slippery slope until there is a complete breakdown of teamwork. A crew chief must ensure that the driver sticks to the initial plan more than anything else! If the driver doesn’t listen, they must be replaced or else the team will experience fuel economy issues, tire issues, broken parts, and frankly money wasted. For example, if you say take it easy with the car and your driver suddenly challenges the leader ten minutes after departure. The driver is obviously completely ignorant of the “team plan” and feels like he knows better. This is unacceptable.
The pit crew members know their respective areas well. Sometimes a pit crew member knows a specific track or race better than anyone, almost like a local golf caddy. A driver must be open to discussing and ingesting information from the crew. Information on vehicle performance, weather, track, other drivers, tactics, and more. If a driver has a closed mind to this entry, the race is already lost. Listening to crew members and acknowledging their contributions dramatically improves attitudes in the pits. This is a staple of championship teams.
Remember to run your own race. You don’t need to prove anything or introduce yourself to your competition. Your team and your sponsors will benefit the most from a podium, or at least a final. It will create positive momentum for future races and build excitement amongst everyone involved rather than disappointments having a negative effect. Focus on keeping the vehicle healthy and listening to advice from your pit crew.