JimbeauZ06

So I've been driving HPDE solo for a couple of years now, but I still like to get an instructor in the car from time to time to give me some pointers and spot bad habits I might not be catching myself.

Recently I got some coaching from an experienced instructor and he had lot's of positive reinforcement, but he did catch one bad habit I've developed that I'd be interested in hearing from you all on.

He didn't like my hand position on the wheel and that I was leaning into the turn and moving my left hand to the right side of the wheel in right turns for example. I could definitely see his point, and much of that bad habit was developed before I installed race seats and harnesses. But as I started trying to work to keep proper hand position I noticed three big barriers to keeping my hands at 10&2: The center console, the driver's door armrest and the driver's substantial mid-section.

So I've tried the "chicken wing" which works OK for the right arm and involves incrementally raising my right elbow toward the roof as I turn right. And I've tried "walking the wheel". My last two events I've tried to be aware of my hands, but I've not really found an approach I'm comfortable with yet.

Someone suggested removing the center console but that's not really an option just yet. Also currently working to remove or reduce the third barrier.

Just curious from the breadth of experience what are the different techniques you use? I notice I don't have this problem in cars where my seating postion allows me to go much further toward lock without hitting anything with my arms but I'm a big guy and the Z is a tight fit.

Thoughts and ideas?

Kubs

I have not raced a C5 (I have a C4) but have driven them on the street. I try to drive at 10 and 2 and as long as I keep my elbows tucked in Im ok. How tall are you? I have to sit pretty far back, so my elbows are not bent much, which could make it a little easier for me.

0Randy@DRM

Good or bad here is what I do with my right hand



Randy

DarkMastyr

10 & 2 for me and I've got the slightly bigger '05 steering wheel. No shuffling, chicken elbow, or anything of that sort as far as I can tell. The one corner that can be particularly hard though is T2 at Laguna Seca.

Short-Throw

10 & 2 was taught many years ago before we had airbags. On the street this is now dangerous because you can end up punching yourself out in a collision if the bag goes off. On track you can smash your hands into your helmet and if you don't keep the visor down, can strike your eyes, etc...

10 & 2 also doesn't allow a full 180 degree turn of the wheel without shuffling or regripping the wheel.

This is why 9 & 3 is recommended at driving schools as it allows the largest range of motion without letting go of the steering wheel. Hand-over-hand or shuffling is needed at times but in general.....steering corrections need to take place instantly and although there are many who have their own style, the safest way is to always be ready to make an adjustment by keeping your hands on the wheel as often as possible.


Mike

mrc24x

9 and 3 for me.

mgarfias

I usually hook one hand over the steering wheel spokes, and play with myself with the other hand. Hey, works for me.

steponc

My first school was 9 & 3, and don't let go unless you are shifting, then right back to the wheel. The next school three years latter they realized that hand over hand or shuffling around the wheel was sometimes necessary. They said the important thing is to now where the center or dead straight is.

AU N EGL

9-3 for the most part

When you steer, you pull DOWN with hand in the direction you are going, not push over the top.

ie right hand turn, Pull down with the right arm, not push down with the left arm over the top of the right side of wheel.

Your arms are much stronger pulling down, vs pushing over the top. Your arms will not get as fatigued this way


By having or keeping your hands at 9-3 you can be ready for any thing. If both your hands are on the right side of the wheel, 4 & 2 how could your turn left in an emergency ?

Part of this challenge may come from sitting too far back from the steering wheel.

Ideally, if you put your wrists over the top of the steering wheel at 11-1, there should be a 90* bend at your elbows. Then move your hands to 9-3. Your all set.

Challenge is for most corvettes, then their knees hit the bottom of the dash, or the bottom of the steering wheel when the shift, brake and deffintly when left foot braking.

I took the piece of plastic off from under the dash.

ryan0

you guys worry about the strangest things.

DarkMastyr

Ok I'm more at 9.5 and 2.5 now that I think about it . Slightly better.

yakisoba

+1 for pulling down and not up pushing. I find that I use the tips of my fingers a lot when turning, because of the feel. I still hold the wheel securely, 9 and 3, but I make sure the tips of my fingers are in contact with it so that I can get the maximum feedback. I used to be paranoid about keeping my thumbs inside the wheel, in case of a bad impact, but am less so now.

Last C5

9 & 3 and I only release to shift. My seat is pretty far forward and the back almost totally verticle.

brkntrxn

This is the method I use. That way, my hands are always in an optimal location in order to react to an emergency.

GlenRoseFireFighter

I agree!

davidfarmer

I'm a 4&8er. Less fatiguing for me, and since I often drive cars with stock seats, it allows me to brace myself better (I drive one-handed in the corners)

worldsaway

I recently bought a Race-Keeper data acq/video system, and just last weekend used it for the first time with a second wide-angle lens mounted on the pas. side pointed out the drivers door. It was nice to check my hand work. When I was learning I had the most problems learning to keep my hands on the wheel, I kept wanting to release the right early so I was on the shifter. I really had to be deliberate about it until it became habit. Ed

Jason

While knitting?

JimbeauZ06

Good feedbback and the pulling versus pushing makes sense. Randy's video makes me feel a little better about what I've been trying recently. My seat position is good as far as distance from the wheel. I think just being more aware of my hands will help fix.

Thanks for your comments & suggestions!

GettReal

I get as close to 9 and 3 as my steering spokes let me. I put them at 9 and 3 and slide them up a bit until they are comfortable and I have a good grip, then they dont move at all unless I'm shifting.... cant wait to get a better steering wheel though. Although I do understand the difference a race seat and harness makes... when Im strapped in tight with the harness, its SOOOO much easier to have your arms/hands where you want them vs stock seats and belts where you are kinda using your steering wheel to hang on in some high G turns