![]() ![]() You want to search out the granular, abrasive surface. That is exactly where you don’t want to be in the rain. Through the years of cars driving over a particular part of the track, the surface becomes polished smooth and the pores in the pavement are packed with rubber and oil. The idea is to look for, and use, the grippiest pavement. The general rule in rain driving is to drive where everyone else hasn’t. The front end of the car will now follow the front tires, and the back end is going to skid sideways causing a spin-out. If the front wheels are turned at an angle when you reach the other side of the puddle, they will now regain traction, while the rears are still on top of the puddle with no traction. ![]() Here is why-consider aquaplaning equal to skimming across the top of a puddle. Keep the steering wheel pointed straight. Under no circumstances should you go to brakes. Do not “jump” off the throttle, as the sudden suspension unload and compression braking of the engine will cause the forward transfer of weight and cause rear wheels to slip. Aquaplaning is like driving on ice, the less you do, the better your chances of surviving. The trick to controlling aquaplaning is to do as little as possible, be gentle. This will lessen the chance of severe wheel spin by reducing the amount of torque to the drive wheels.Īquaplaning is one of the trickiest parts of racing in the rain when the tire cannot cut through the buildup of water on the track surface, and it begins to skim across the top of the water. Try going one gear higher in the turns than you normally would, using third gear where you would normally use second. The “squeeze on and ease off” application to the brake and gas pedal is critical.īe smooth with your gear changes. I picture blown eggshells on the pedals – don’t break the shells. I try to drive my tub/racecar without spilling any water out the front, back, or sides. I see myself in the tub with water level now elevated right to the top. Remember your primary job description as a racecar driver, “you are a weight manager.” When I am in need of extremely smooth driving skills, I visualize my racecar as a bathtub full of water with four wheels on it. Racing in the rain mandates “smooth.” This is not a time to be throwing the car’s weight around, inducing uncontrolled skid and slide. I find this helps build skills and confidence, so you are mentally and physically prepared for your inevitable rain race. I try to get out on a rain-soaked racetrack every chance I get. Driving a racing car in the rain is a science mastered by knowledge and above all experience.
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