Downshifting On Track

[Redline88]

Hi all,

First post here after lurking around the boards for quite some time so firstly hi!

My question relates to track driving as opposed to driving on the road so apologies if I have posted in the wrong place.

When downshifting, I understand the need for a good heel and toe blip on the throttle to smooth the transition into the next gear. In terms of re-engaging the clutch, is it best to do this simultaneously as you or blipping or is it better to blip slightly higher up in the rev range and to then engage the clutch as the revs are dropping?

I ask as after reviewing footage from a recent trackday, I found myself not quite revving high enough to make a smooth transition on some shifts. After doing some research I couldn't work out if I should be blipping harder to getting off the clutch quicker (at the same time as the blip effectively).

My second question, is there a benefit to being fast off of the clutch or are you better to ease it out more slowly (not slipping it out but just not snapping straight off) to reduce any possible unsettling of the car?

Thanks guys!

[Redline88]

Hi Reg,

Thanks for the quick reply - I have read your two articles that you linked before however a refresher is always good!!

From what you say, I think the best method is to rev then quickly and smoothly release the clutch a split second later as opposed to rev and release at the same time. This was what I had done before and seemed the most logical however, looking at some videos (for example here - starting at 13m40 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqYeusE8ksk) it was suggested to clutch and rev at the exact same time.

Thanks again!

[Redline88]

Ok that makes sense - in that case I probably am doing it correct - in terms of smoothness, I can get it near flawless on the road assuming I do the big blip and am smooth with the clutch - I just wasn't sure if there was a benefit to getting off the clutch sooner with a slightly smaller blip!

In any case, thanks all for your input - that's helped to clear it up!

[Redline88]

Ok yeah - think we are on the same page.

Here's an example of what I had been doing - blip and the clutch release as the revs fall - is this correct?

http://youtu.be/0gBGa-oz1bM

[Redline88]

waremark said:

checkmate91 said:

I've been driving Fords for the past 15 years, new ones mind, and currently run around in a 2009 Focus RS, which I've owned since new.

Interesting. Can you describe more specifically what the car actually does to frustrate good driving?

I'm interested in your opinion as well. I have an ST with the mountune 260 kit and the RS clutch. I think the problem is a lack of progressiveness with the throttle and unless you're pretty much spot on with the revs you still get a jerk. That said, if you're a bit slower with the clutch release you can have smooth shifts 99% of the time however when I last had instruction, the instructor said that my clutch release was far to slow. Any faster seems to be near impossible though! I'll try to find a video and post it to describe better.

Cheers!

[Redline88]

Here's an example:

http://youtu.be/ULYCN590sHI

If I release the clutch at this speed, I can et smooth shifts 90% of the time and those which aren't have a minimal jerk. However any quicker at all and I find it near impossible. Is this related to the DMF that you speak about in the RS?

[Redline88]

waremark said:

When you talk about speed, do you mean road speed or the speed at which you raise the clutch? If you mean the speed at which you raise the clutch, I did not see that speed as a problem. As well as getting the revs high enough, it is also important to get the timing right so that you release the clutch before the revs drop again.

I realise all this may be obvious.

Cheers Dave - I think that may be partially down to the crap camera quality!

In terms of the speed, I was reffering to the speed of raising the clutch pedal - good to note that you think that speed looks ok as any faster seems to really just mess everything up. I also don't really see any benefit to raising it any faster eithr if I am honest.

Thanks for the tips