Left foot braking
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: montreal quebec
Left foot braking
There are quite a few racers and HPDE drivers on this forum and I was wondering if anybody practises left-foot braking at the track. I know that this technique works quite well in a FWD car, but can it also be an advantage in a RWD car in corners where downshifting isn't required?
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27,420
Likes: 64
From: San Clemente CA
I've been driving longer than most forum members have been alive and when I drive an automatic I have always used my left foot for braking. My theory is it's faster. Nascar drivers also do it at some tracks. 
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
,but I agree and have been a left foot auto braker since first driving 54 years ago.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,908
Likes: 2,700
From: Phila Suburbs 2023 C8 & 2013 650ix
The problem with left foot braking is that it is very hard to modulate the pressure on the brake pedal as the harder you are braking the more your body tends to move toward the brake pedal thus increasing the pressure on the brake pedal. With right foot braking, your left foot is on the dead pedal and normally is used to keep your body positioned under the brake force. With left foot braking, you depend on your seat belt to keep you in place and unless you have a full racing belt, modulation with a three point belt is difficult.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,328
Likes: 405
I've been left foot braking ever since I started driving and have never had a problem modulating the brake pedal to achieve threshold braking. Some people can do it, some can't. Nowadays with ABS, it really doesn't matter.
