Correct driving position?

[mw510]

Is there a 'correct' driving position in a T350? Do people go for comfort or performance or both? Is there a difference?If so, which do people choose and what is your 'position'?

I'm interested as I've never had a car with adjustable s/wheel before - the Elise was so simple - and I've been tinkering based on principle of wheel high and close, arms at 45 degs with hands at 10-2, legs very slightly bent at bottom of pedal travel.

I read something once about performance driving positions that suggested looking at how rally drivers set their cars up
Cheers

[richb]

I once read that Stirling Moss recommended that with your arms outstretched your wrists should sit on the top of the steering wheel rim. Then when you take hold of the wheel you will be in the ideal position. I think it's a personal thing with no right or wrong but one thing's for sure the "boy-racer" leant right back with arms straight is not a good look

Edited by richb on Tuesday 20th March 15:51

[DJC]

richb said:

I once read that Stirling Moss recommended that with your arms outstretched your wrists should sit on the top of the steering wheel rim. Then when you take hold of the wheel you will be in the ideal position. I think it's a personal thing with no right or wrong but one thing's for sure the "boy-racer" leant right back with arms straight is not a good look

Edited by richb on Tuesday 20th March 15:51

Stirling copied his driver style from Seppi Farina, and they both went for the arms outstretched look on the top and then slid down the sides to hold at the 3 o clock and 9 oclock positions with almost straight arms. I decided when I was a teenager that if it was good enough for Farina and Moss, it was good enough for me!

[richb]

DJC said:

richb said:

I once read that Stirling Moss recommended that with your arms outstretched your wrists should sit on the top of the steering wheel rim. Then when you take hold of the wheel you will be in the ideal position. I think it's a personal thing with no right or wrong but one thing's for sure the "boy-racer" leant right back with arms straight is not a good look

Edited by richb on Tuesday 20th March 15:51

Stirling copied his driver style from Seppi Farina, ... ... I decided when I was a teenager that if it was good enough for Farina and Moss, it was good enough for me!

Didn't know that... you and me too!

[smithyl23]

I'm 6 ft 5 and i have the seat as far back as it will go and that means that my arms are nearly at full stretch when at 10-2.

[Jappo]

richb said:

I once read that Stirling Moss recommended that with your arms outstretched your wrists should sit on the top of the steering wheel rim. Then when you take hold of the wheel you will be in the ideal position. I think it's a personal thing with no right or wrong but one thing's for sure the "boy-racer" leant right back with arms straight is not a good look

Edited by richb on Tuesday 20th March 15:51

Yet, when you see footage of Tiff or Plato doing their thing they always, and like most Touring Car drivers, look like their nose is pressing up against the centre-boss of the steering wheel and also that they are 3 feet tall.

[NewGuy]

Nearly all racing drivers will adopt the close position, amking sure that there is a good bend in their arm.

This is due to steering wheel control and if you are totally outstretched, the only control you have on the wheel is from your shoulder, which isn't that strong.

If you move closer in to the wheel, you will control the wheel from your bicep, which is a much stronger muscle and also enables you to "lock" the wheel into position with far more strenght.

Try it and see, you dont need to be moving, but have your arm almost straight, hold the wheel with the right and try to move it with the left hand, then move yourself in. Place your right hand at approx 10 on the wheel (so across the wheel) and ensure you have approx 45 degree bend at your elbow. Move your right hand back to the 2 position and try to move the wheel again with your left hand. The grip is vastly improved.

[tyke350]

Do you think that's why so many (women) drivers drive with their noses up to the wheel, because they think it's the correct driving position!!??

[lasertam]

I wish I could have the wheel closer, but to fit my legs under the wheel, I have to put the seat right back... I just about fit into the wrists on the top of the wheel category.

[NewGuy]

tyke350 said:

Do you think that's why so many (women) drivers drive with their noses up to the wheel, because they think it's the correct driving position!!??

Drove past a lady in an A Class this morning and her seat was almost half way across the drivers window. Have no idea how she would get in an out from there, but it is bloody dangerous too. If the airbag were to go off, she would be seriously burnt and injured.

[bobd]

Always find that seated is the best position, although stood on left leg with head through roof on a T350T may be possible as long as you are moving and in gear.