This week I have for you a re-race yoga routine from Lando Norris, advice from pro drivers on how to learn a new racetrack and techniques to develop your mental fitness. It’s all in this week’s edition of the Racecraft & Race Cars Roundup on Motorsport Prospects.
Racecraft Tips & Techniques
On-Track
When you turn your first laps at a new track, how do you know whether that next corner is flat out or you need to slam it down to first gear? “In this video from SAFE is Fast, we’re joined by Scott Dixon, Alexander Rossi, Jordan Taylor, Marcus Ericsson, Scott McLaughlin, Paul di Resta and Felipe Massa as they give their advice on how to learn a new race track.”
The Complete Race Driver explains how to break bad driving habits. “As a driver coach you explain with the tools you have, such as data, video, diagrams and words, to convey what the driver in question should do. Simple! Except that humans are anything but simple! What is intuitively obvious for some, is downright complicated for others. You see, no two race drivers are alike, and everyone processes information in a different way. That is even before your begin to understand that everyone has differing methods of how they best learn new skills.”
Paul Wallace, the FIA Insider, talks telemetry in the paddock and goes behind-the-scenes of Qatar’s Lusail International Circuit in the video above. The wireless transmission of data is widely use across different forms of motor sport, both by the competitors as well as by the rule-makers.
Ross Bentley of Speed Secrets discusses pushing past a plateau. “Age also has little to nothing to do with mental limits. There was a time when the old saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” was generally accepted as being accurate. But neuroscience research over the past couple of decades has introduced us to a new phrase: neuro-plasticity. Basically, it says that the brain is plastic, malleable, and forever adaptable, forever able to learn new tricks. So, if you think your mind is not able to continue to learn well into old age… well, it’s time to open that mind up and accept what science has proven: you can.”
In road racing, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is choosing which kind of race car you want to drive. Austin Hill has been racing formula cars and cars with fenders for years, and while Austin can’t tell you which one is right for you, he can walk you through the benefits and quirks of each. Watch the video from the SCCA above for the details.
Off-Track
In the video above, Enzo Mucci discusses mental fitness training for racing drivers. “This is pretty much my main focus when it comes to driver performance. We have to mak sure that your mind is set up in a way that helps you achieve your goals. Create that racing brain, the brain that is tuned specifically for racing.”
Lando Norris and Hilton have teamed up to bring you an exclusive Race Ready Yoga session. Perfect for racing and relaxation. It’s time to take the class, so stretch, grab a yoga mat and see why the man who drives at 200mph trains at 1mph. This is going to be fun. You can watch his video above.
Race Car & Series Developments
FEL Motorsports is has announced a special initiative aimed at welcoming new drivers to the Emzone Radical Cup Canada presented by Michelin for the 2024 season. In an effort to continue fostering growth and introducing fresh talent to the paddock, FEL Motorsports is offering a discounted entry fee for new drivers eager to experience the excitement of racing in this high-level series.
“We are always trying to come up with creative ways to grow the grid, keep fans engaged, and keep our committed teams and drivers happy,” said Chris Bye, President of FEL Motorsports. “We are excited to invite any interested Radical drivers to join us on track this season to see what FEL Motorsports is all about.”
For the upcoming season, drivers who have not previously competed in the Emzone Radical Cup Canada will be eligible to participate in one race event for a reduced entry fee of $750 CAD + HST. This initiative provides an excellent opportunity for aspiring racers to join the FEL Motorsports community and showcase their skills on the track. This offer is open for every event of the Emzone Radical Cup Canada season, except for the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto event on July 19-21.
New drivers must still adhere to the rules and regulations of the series, including running on Michelin tires, ensuring fair competition and maintaining the high standards of the championship.
To uphold the spirit of giving back to the teams and drivers who support the series, 100% of the proceeds from these special entry fees will be returned to the full-season registered drivers.
Racecar Engineering looks at the efforts of Alan O’Neil and his SCU Motorsport organization who is looking to create a new series that will develop race engineers as much as it will drivers.
“Alan O’Neill believes he has the solution to this problem. A former motorsport engineering lecturer, O’Neill’s vision is to launch a new student series that is linked to a new qualification. His company, SCU Motorsport, will licence this double-sided course to interested institutions such as colleges and universities. The Formula Ed series will use 140bhp single seaters based on a standardised tube steel chassis. The aim is to provide engineering students with a high level of practical experience alongside their studies.”
SRO Motorsports Australia has announced the creation of a brand-new event, the GT Festival, at Phillip Island on August 23-25. The new event which will be Round 4 of the both Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS and the Monochrome GT4 Australia Series, will be the first-ever event promoted by SRO Motorsports Australia.
“Launching the SRO-promoted GT Festival event allows us to continue to build the profile of both our Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS and the Monochrome GT4 Series in Australia,” said CEO, SRO Australia Ben McMellan.
With the 2024 season opener for Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas) and Ligier JS F4 Series in the books, and Formula 4 United States Championship (F4 U.S.) about to open their season at Road America next month, the USF4 website took a few minutes to catch up with race director Scott Goodyear.
“The level of competition in both FR Americas and the Ligier JS F4 Series has me excited; I know this will be the most competitive season yet. In the JS F4 Series, I’m thrilled to see so many new faces, next to so many returning drivers who are coming back to the PMH ladder. We have a great scholarship on the line, which allows the champion to move up to F4 U.S. Championship next season. With FR Americas, I’m excited to see the class grow and know how competitive those races were at NOLA—we had three different pole sitters and three different winners each of the three races. It was pretty cool.”
Feeder Series on the other hand has a less rosy view of F4 US in The existential threats facing F4 US in its new era. “Although the acquisition seems promising, F4 US still faces two big challenges that threaten to undermine its future: the introduction of the new Ligier chassis and the launch of rival series USF Juniors. The once-promising trajectory of the championship now faces uncertainty.”
Racing Opportunities
The first round F4 Australia was successfully held at The Bend on May 4-5th. Round two will also take place at The Bend on June 7-9. Eurasia can offer testing only on June 6th or testing and race seats. The latest Tatuus chassis powered by the same Abarth turbo engine used in the majority of F4 championships make it a great way to start a Formula car career. Contact mark@eurasiamotorsport.com for details.
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects. As a former lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.
