Discussion
Where and who can I go to to learn how to heel and toe? Any suggestions or do you think some track tutorial could also show me? Be useful for my track car I'm having built and the odd 'blipping' of the throttle on downshifts in the Aston.
Oh - live in the West Country near Castle Combe.
Thanks
Oh - live in the West Country near Castle Combe.
Thanks
Hi Rich, I've used Anthony a few times and he really has improved my driving techniques and is a very good teacher.
http://www.iwannagofaster.com/
http://www.iwannagofaster.com/
It's honestly not that hard as long as the pedals are in the right place. If you're struggling to learn then it suggests they aren't...
Brake hard with toe, roll foot slightly and flick throttle with side of foot (not heel!). Biggest problem with an Aston is that the engine doesn't rev fast enough... My new lightened flywheel will help that
Brake hard with toe, roll foot slightly and flick throttle with side of foot (not heel!). Biggest problem with an Aston is that the engine doesn't rev fast enough... My new lightened flywheel will help that

Rich, I am testing at Combe on Thursday afternoon, why not drop by and have a chat?
Simon
Www.tillingmotorsport.com
Simon
Www.tillingmotorsport.com
MichaelV8V said:
Yeti, did I see that you're getting something done with your pedals as part of the upgrade from BR?
Yes, Bamford Rose offer a pedal modification from the GT racing cars though what this intails excatly I am not clear on! I am guessing moving the pedals or their stalks to be better positioned.Might be a question for their thread..?
I learnt to heel and toe from Don Palmer, I've done about 5 days with him over the years. Always a hoot and I'll probably do more. 
For me the pedal position in the Vantage make it difficult to reliably heel and toe, I'd certainly be interested in a modification to sort that out.

For me the pedal position in the Vantage make it difficult to reliably heel and toe, I'd certainly be interested in a modification to sort that out.
Rex Racer said:
Thanks for that, I've dropped them a line to check the costs.RichV12 said:
I have no idea where to start......
Simon, much appreciated. I'll come and find you although thu pm a little bit of a rush but even if you could explain the basics.... I'll be in the tango Aston.... Can't miss it.
Thanks again.
I don't own an Aston but I've been giving heel and toe a try for the last few months. I finally done it properly the other day and was really chuffed Simon, much appreciated. I'll come and find you although thu pm a little bit of a rush but even if you could explain the basics.... I'll be in the tango Aston.... Can't miss it.
Thanks again.

I just practised on the road when there were no other cars around. Coming up to an empty round about brake, engage clutch, then feel for the throttle with the side of your foot. You soon hear the revs shoot up, select 2nd, let the clutch go.
Watch some clips on you tube, that's all you need really.
Practise makes perfect. Good Luck.
I find my V8V quite easy to heel and toe after a little practise.
IMO there are a few parts to getting it right.
1. Keep the same pressure on the brake pedal throughout the entire process so as not to unsettle the car.
2. Get the timing just right otherwise you over or under rev and it's a waste of time.
3. Learn to get the revs matched right otherwise it's pointless doing.
4. Make sure you have the right type of footwear. It's v hard with big boots.
When I first started I kept putting too much pressure on the brakes and nearly went through the windscreen!!
Now I find when jumping between cars I struggle with point 2 - The Aston doesn't rev as freely as my Lotus so you have to blip a little earlier than I'm used to.
If you haven't heel and toe'd before you could try sitting on your driveway and put your foot on the brake and just practise moving your foot over and blipping the throttle. Once you've got the hang of that try it on a quiet bit of straight road or an empty track. (I wouldn't try it coming up to junctions as if you get it wrong and not stop in time)
Also don't get to hung up on making sure it's your heel doing the throttle. I find it easiest to use the side of my foot in most cars.
As others have suggested it's definitely worth getting professional tuition to get the basics, then its just a fair amount of practise.
Disclaimer: These are only my opinions and shouldn't be treated as advice. Only do if you are confident and don't do on busy roads.
IMO there are a few parts to getting it right.
1. Keep the same pressure on the brake pedal throughout the entire process so as not to unsettle the car.
2. Get the timing just right otherwise you over or under rev and it's a waste of time.
3. Learn to get the revs matched right otherwise it's pointless doing.
4. Make sure you have the right type of footwear. It's v hard with big boots.
When I first started I kept putting too much pressure on the brakes and nearly went through the windscreen!!
Now I find when jumping between cars I struggle with point 2 - The Aston doesn't rev as freely as my Lotus so you have to blip a little earlier than I'm used to.
If you haven't heel and toe'd before you could try sitting on your driveway and put your foot on the brake and just practise moving your foot over and blipping the throttle. Once you've got the hang of that try it on a quiet bit of straight road or an empty track. (I wouldn't try it coming up to junctions as if you get it wrong and not stop in time)
Also don't get to hung up on making sure it's your heel doing the throttle. I find it easiest to use the side of my foot in most cars.
As others have suggested it's definitely worth getting professional tuition to get the basics, then its just a fair amount of practise.
Disclaimer: These are only my opinions and shouldn't be treated as advice. Only do if you are confident and don't do on busy roads.
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