Accelerating - No Lifting Off

A2

Introduction

If there is one way that you can easily jeopardise your lap times it is by lifting off. This could be by indecision, cautiousness or contradictorily overeagerness. Applying the gas pedal in a constant manner seems straight forward however there are a number of reason it might not be so simple to put into practice.

The theory of the driving discipline

Let's be honest there are times when we've all pushed hard to exit a corner as soon and a quickly as possible. Then you quickly realise that you've 'gone too early'. The car starts to understeer and you regret your over eagerness. What do you do? you either brake or if the situation isn't too dire you release the gas slightly with the hope to still make the corner. The end result is that you will reach 100% acceleration later than if you'd just waited a little longer. This is the crux of the issue. Be very careful to avoid having to come off the gas.

How do you learn the techniques to help us avoid this situation?

Firstly, it is important to realise when you are doing this. If you've been driving for a few years the reflex motion might be second nature and you aren't picking up on these faux pas. This is where analysing you telemetry data is really important to get a different perspective of where issues might be arising. Secondly, understanding the key reasons for on/off acceleration helps a driver to build up a mental library of the do's and don'ts.

1️⃣ Know your track. There is nothing more important than knowing the track limits. If there is a barrier / wall then special care and nerves are needed. However, in all situations, knowing how much width the car has to the edge of the track will give you the confidence to stay on the power and learn or fine tune the ideal acceleration point.
2️⃣ Overeagerness is common with intermediate drivers that understand the importance of get to 100% throttle quickly. This balance of when to get on the throttle is so important. If you are struggling with understeer then try waiting just a little and find a better acceleration point to trust that you'll be able to get around the corner is one smooth motion.

Understanding the telemetry

In the left hand telemetry chart you can see that the yellow line driver comes off the throttle on the exit of the corner, this lift means they are getting to 100% throttle slower than is possible. Whereas if you look at the blue line driver in the right hand telemetry chart, there is a smooth and relatively quick acceleration out of the corner.

Video

Extra Tips from the Instructors
  • The throttle is for when you know the direction that you are going to be travelling in.
  • The more power that you have, coupled with the aero on your car will determine how soon you'll be able to get on the power.
  • It is better to start slower and build up to a more aggressive exit than to push too hard to begin with. You'll progress quicker and learn where to start accelerating by building on success rather than failure.