What to do if your car spins on track?
Discussion
Lowtimer said:
The general idea is that whatever you hit you are likely to hit it more slowly.
Thanks. I guessed that would be the answer. So to summarise.
Hands of wheel - but get ready to grab once out of the spin.
Dip clutch - to keep engine running and to enable to move car safely off the track once the spin has ended.
Hit the brakes - As even though the car is spinning, brakes on will still wipe some speed off.
Yes,
If you spin, you should immediately hit the brakes, locking them up. This will cause the car to continue in the general direction it was heading before locking the brakes, while scrubbing of speed. At the same time, try to depress the clucth and keep the engine running by blipping the throttle. It is hoped you'll be able to drive away after the spin. And yes the saying is " Spin both feet in" clutch and brake pedal.
No matter of bad it seems, always look where you want to go. If you can go again remenber your tyres may have stones and pebbles stuck to them, so take your time until they clean off, otherwise you'll find yourself spinning again.
Eduardo.
If you spin, you should immediately hit the brakes, locking them up. This will cause the car to continue in the general direction it was heading before locking the brakes, while scrubbing of speed. At the same time, try to depress the clucth and keep the engine running by blipping the throttle. It is hoped you'll be able to drive away after the spin. And yes the saying is " Spin both feet in" clutch and brake pedal.
No matter of bad it seems, always look where you want to go. If you can go again remenber your tyres may have stones and pebbles stuck to them, so take your time until they clean off, otherwise you'll find yourself spinning again.
Eduardo.
Lowtimer said:
The general idea is that whatever you hit you are likely to hit it more slowly.
Other reason is that the car is more likely to continue its trajectory, which may stop you doing further damage. This also means a driver following can take evasive action, knowing your slide won't suddenly change direction and take him out too!
Yea, I've seen a few where someone has spun a car, then let it roll off into something as they weren't on the brakes.
That said, if you're just about to hit something and all is lost, tuck in.
I took a lamp post out of the ground years ago, if I didn't shift my feet, I probably wouldn't have any.
That said, if you're just about to hit something and all is lost, tuck in.
I took a lamp post out of the ground years ago, if I didn't shift my feet, I probably wouldn't have any.
Lamp post? On a track day? Point taken on the road.
I lost the back end on the main straight at Snetterton at 90 mph in the wet, having touched the brakes for the first corner. Banged both feet down, 3.5 full revolutions in a straight line and onto the grass. No damage.
The MGB who had a spin ten minutes later at the same place removed both ends of the car on the right hand armco.
The rule worked for me........
I lost the back end on the main straight at Snetterton at 90 mph in the wet, having touched the brakes for the first corner. Banged both feet down, 3.5 full revolutions in a straight line and onto the grass. No damage.
The MGB who had a spin ten minutes later at the same place removed both ends of the car on the right hand armco.
The rule worked for me........
I wouldn't automatically go for letting go of the wheel.
If you are heading for a big impact and you are still thinking clearly enough to pull your arms in to your chest then by all means do it but knowing which way the wheels are pointing and having some influence over their position as you come out of a spin is very useful if you don't hit anything.
Beyond that I'd say Eduardo has given a pretty good summary.
If you are heading for a big impact and you are still thinking clearly enough to pull your arms in to your chest then by all means do it but knowing which way the wheels are pointing and having some influence over their position as you come out of a spin is very useful if you don't hit anything.
Beyond that I'd say Eduardo has given a pretty good summary.
I've heard / used the 'both feet in approach before too;
As for letting go of the wheel;
there is some merit in it I guess - the car, especially if under ABS, will most likely straighten it's wheels out, which would at least give you the knowledge of which way they are pointing, which in turn with ABS could help you steer away from some last minute obstacles?
As for letting go of the wheel;
there is some merit in it I guess - the car, especially if under ABS, will most likely straighten it's wheels out, which would at least give you the knowledge of which way they are pointing, which in turn with ABS could help you steer away from some last minute obstacles?
IME, the ABS never operates in a spin if you follow the "In a spin, both feet in" mantra. Letting go of the steering wheel will also mean that the wheel is straight if nothing hits a road wheel to alter the steering during the spin due to castor forcing the wheels to point straight ahead. The only downside to braking in a spin is that you can rapidly flat-spot your tyres. I remember one spin I had at Silverstone that took a part-worn Cup tyre down to the canvas. On another occasion I was a passenger in a GT3 at Donington that half-spun down Craner Curves and must have travelled 50+ metres down the left hand side towards Old Hairpin with the front on the grass & the rear on the track. That reduced a pair of brand new rears to scrap.
By way of illustration, here's a video of me doing a full 360 at Zandvoort in the width of the track with Mike Wilds riding shotgun - he can be heard saying "let go of the wheel"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T67yTo-qU5I&t=...
By way of illustration, here's a video of me doing a full 360 at Zandvoort in the width of the track with Mike Wilds riding shotgun - he can be heard saying "let go of the wheel"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T67yTo-qU5I&t=...
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