Stick shifting and left foot breaking - thats the way to drive a Ferrari

I always thought it was left foot for clutch, right foot working the brake pedal and gas pedal simultaneously (heel & toe style).

Anyway, I agree a stick shift Ferrari is a lot of fun.

 

There are certain corners on a track where left foot braking is in order, and indeed, the only way to be fast through those sections. The esses at TWS short course are one such set of corners; and T5&6 on TWS long course are another.

 

Actually, this works best with paddle shifters.

But I assume you're talking about trail braking with a stick?

Dale

 

I'd nominate T2 at Laguna.

Dale

 

Exactly, that's one of the main advantages to a paddle shift gearbox

Of course I understand the massive appeal of driving a manual gearbox, the heel and toe technique is one of the most pleasurable and rewarding experiences

 

I don't know if I've ever driven fast enough to break my left foot.

 

I've only used left foot braking in carts...works very well. I'm sure with a flappy-paddle gearbox it would be great on the track.

 

I've seen videos of pro racers' feet where the left foot would operate the clutch and do left foot braking through turns, not to mention traditional heel/toe braking with the right foot. Basically, you get all the downshifting done before turn in, trail brake, and then use the left foot lightly on and off the brake to keep the car balanced through the turn without lifting off the gas.

Way beyond my skill level.

Dave

 

Yup, absolutely brilliant. And way beyond my skill level too.

Left foot braking is useful with lots of vintage cars too when driving with a cold engine. This to be able to pump the throttle to keep the engine going when braking.
It proved very useful when I had a light skiing injury, too .

If you're looking to acquire the skill, do so on a closed road and with seatbelts fastened.

 

Take the Skippy racing course at Laguna and buy the insurance.

Now, picture yourself flat out in a MX-5 car at the end of that long straight headed for T2.

You'll get a lot of practice in (1) Threshold braking (i.e., panic), and (2) Trail braking.

The best part is getting to park the car and fly home.

Dale

 

I agree - I think it would be awkward to use your left foot for the brake.

 

That's on my bucket list actually. I can do trail braking. However, balancing a car that is at 10/10ths through a turn by simultaneously operating brake and throttle.................I'm probably too old to master that if I ever could!

Dave

 

Heel-and-toeing, threshold braking, trail-braking and cornering-at-the-limits: when done well, there is no better or more satisfying feeling.

CW

 

Particularly when you nail T2 at Laguna!

Dale

 

The best part is getting to park the car, climb into your Sunbeam Tiger and drive home to San Diego via Big Sur and Hwy1

 

Very cool. I seem to recall we chatted about your car some time back. Every now and then, every now and then, sometimes a great notion comes along, like stuffing a V8 into a Brit car. Great Gawd Almighty!

Dale

 

Particularly when you're driving a vintage racer with the accelerator in the middle.

 

Like Jim, I have always found that breaking my left foot was detrimental to my driving.

Taz
Terry Phillips