Managing going off-track safely learning material.

When approaching a slower vehicle on track, the driver is able to maintain a car's length distance while presenting their vehicle about a half vehicle width to the offline portion of track. They are able to fill the lead driver's rear and side view mirrors so their intent to pass is clearly demonstrated while not riding the lead car's bumper or making the lead driver nervous. 

The driver keeps their eyes up and looks ahead with a wide field of vision allowing them to acquire reference points for braking, turn-in, apex and track out markers 1-2 reference points ahead of where they want the car to be. By doing so, the driver is able to stay ahead of the car, remain focused and relaxed while avoiding tunnel vision and driving by the nose of the car in a reactionary manner.

The driver is able to identify and verbalize reference points they will be using for each turn before approaching them at speed. The driver is able to identify corner stations as soon as they come into their visual field. The driver's car follows a smooth consistent line and does not dart from point to point on the track. When a driver is looking far enough ahead they will demonstrate strong spatial awareness and an expanded visual field.

After discussing vehicle traction and stability controls with their instructor, driver leaves these vehicle safety features on until they demonstrate the ability to manage weight transfer with smooth steering, throttle and brake applications. If their is rain or inclimate weather, in most scenarios vehicle safety features should be left on.

Knowing when to save vs. let the car go off-track learning material.

Recognizing the faster driver approaching is in need of a point by as soon as possible. The driver should be checking their mirrors on straights, at the beginning of brake zones, and at track out as a minimum. The driver should also not let horsepower fool them. If a lower horsepower car is faster, they will be catching the higher horse car in brake zones, through the turns and in series of turns. Merely being able to out accelerate a lower horse car on long straights is not an indication of being a faster driver.

All drivers need to know and be able to demonstrate the appropriate and safest response to any flag displayed while they are on course. Study, learn, and remember the flags! 

Random tests may provide opportunities for drivers to demonstrate their understanding of each flag.  

Flags are covered in the mandatory morning driver meeting, and you can also study them below:

Make sure you know where the corner worker stations are and glance at them every time around the track to see if there is a flag displayed. Give them a quick wave on your warm up and cool down laps.

The driver is comfortable presenting to the leading car on the side they intend to pass on without pushing the lead car. They remain far enough behind the lead car to be able to pass on the opposite of their presentation if the lead car directs them to do so.