Spring Is Here – Time to Get Back in Driving Shape
How to sharpen your driving skills before hitting the open road
Winter has finally loosened its icy grip, and for those of us in the Louisville area, it couldn’t have come soon enough. This past season was one of the snowiest and coldest in a decade, which meant plenty of time spent indoors, staring longingly at our hibernating cars. But now, the birds are chirping, the roads are clearing, and it’s time to get back in the driver’s seat.
Last weekend, I kicked off the season with the River City Rippers (check them out) at a local car meet. It was a fantastic mix of exotics, classics, restorations, and street rods. And yes, I may have name-dropped an SF90 owner—what can I say, car enthusiasts love a good flex.
With the socializing done, it’s time to get serious about driving. That means dusting off not just our cars but also our skills. Just like an athlete getting back into training, I take the start of the driving season as an opportunity to shake off the cobwebs and sharpen my technique. So, before heading down to my usual stomping grounds in the Smoky Mountains or Eastern Kentucky back roads, I make sure to practice three key elements: steering, braking, and throttle control.
1. Steering – Smooth Inputs, Proper Anticipation
Steering isn’t just about turning the wheel; it’s about timing, smoothness, and precision. Here’s what I focus on:
Anticipation: Unlike the track, where every turn is predictable, the street throws surprises. I use my GPS as a tool to anticipate curves—zoom in and get a feel for what’s coming.
Looking Far Ahead: This might sound obvious, but most drivers don’t look far enough down the road. The earlier you spot a turn, the better you can set up for it. Remember, the hands follow the eyes.
Using Enough Input: A common issue I see is drivers not turning the wheel enough, causing them to float wider than necessary. Remember, proper input keeps the car balanced and predictable.
Smoothness is Key: Any sudden movement upsets the car’s balance, so my goal is to keep my inputs fluid and deliberate. The smoother you are, the more grip you maintain.
2. Braking – Timing and Technique
Braking isn’t just about slowing down; it’s about controlling weight transfer. Here’s how I approach it:
Braking Sooner vs. Later: On the street, braking a little earlier and softer is usually the way to go. However, if I want to refine my skills, I’ll also practice harder, later braking to understand how the car responds.
Trail Braking: This technique—where you gradually release the brake while entering a turn—helps manage weight distribution. When done right, the front tires stay loaded, giving better grip and rotation.
Feeling the Car’s Balance: If the car understeers (pushes wide) or oversteers (rear steps out), I take note. Adjusting brake application can help fine-tune control through corners.
3. Throttle Control – It’s Not Just an On/Off Switch
This is where a lot of people get it wrong. Too often, drivers mash the throttle exiting a turn, only to unsettle the car and induce oversteer (or worse, end up on YouTube as “Cars Leaving Cars & Coffee Gone Wrong”). Here’s my approach:
Smooth, Progressive Inputs: I practice rolling onto the throttle gradually rather than stabbing at it. Building speed smoothly keeps the car stable.
Lifting Instead of Braking: Sometimes, all you need is a slight lift off the throttle to settle the front end, rather than braking unnecessarily. Over-braking is the number one mistake I see from drivers.
Understanding Load Transfer: Throttle affects weight distribution just as much as braking does. A well-balanced car is a fast and predictable car.
Final Thoughts
Spring is here, and it’s time to get back into driving shape. Practicing these fundamentals will make you smoother, faster, and more in tune with your car. More importantly, it’ll make your drives safer and more enjoyable.
Below, I’ve attached some of my past POV driving videos where I discuss vision and technique—feel free to watch and pick up some tips.
I’ll be in the Smoky Mountains from May 5-9. And again, at the Taste of Kentucky Rally May 16-18. If you’re in the area, shoot me an email at events@rsxperience.com—let’s meet up and talk cars.
If you found this helpful, share it with your driving friends. After all, the better we all drive, the safer (and more fun) the roads become.
Happy motoring and stay safe!
Andy -- Good stuff, but I was expecting to see some unique Quad-Core-Shoulder exercises, LOL.