ADVANCED DRIVING EUROPE, Advanced Driver Training

One of the techniques a driver of a racing/rally/track-day  car, likes  to master, is that of  Heel and Toe driving.    

 Normally, one accelerates and brakes  using the right foot, with the left foot concentrating  on controlling the clutch pedal.    

 However, driving very rapidly, requires quicker footwork than normal , and this is where it is useful to master the use of the Heel and Toe technique, in order to be able to brake, blip the throttle and change down , all at the same time.

Mastering this technique means that because the car is now set up correctly  and in the correct gear , a driver can get through a set of bends, a chicane or some other obstacle, safetly and, in super quick time! 

To engage the Heel and Toe method, ( depending on the make of the car - usually an older model) the  ball of the driver' right foot is used to hold down the brake pedal while the driver's heel/side of the foot,  blips the throttle sharply.   This is executed in conjunction with the driver de-clutching firmly and making a swift and exact down-shift through the gears,  in order to set up the car  when negotiating hairpin corners, etc., etc.

Most modern cars/single seaters (with their sequential gear-boxes) do not require the use of this technique - but it is useful, if the driver is driving an older car and it reduces wear and tear on the gear-box.

I spent much of yesterday introducing several track-day drivers to this special technique.  Although they had all heard about it, none of them had actually had anyone show them how it is done.    Obviously they will have to practice getting their co-ordination right (and that can be done in a stationary car)  but once mastered, this gives a driver a  useful driving advantage over other drivers who do not know how to Heel and Toe.   

Enjoy your driving and remember to follow me on Twitter@Expertdriver