Past Issues

It’s your brain that’s driving your car – that’s the theme this week. Dr. Jacques Dallaire writes about focus – its importance and how to manage it. The Speed Secret is about expectations and possibilities, and Ross shares the story of Karl Wendlinger that illustrates the power of mental imagery and how expectations can limit your results. There’s also a short piece about the most dangerous part of performance driving or race event weekend.

Traction – using it – is the theme this week. Who knows better about traction, and driving at the limit (and slightly beyond!) than rally, rallycross and stunt drivers? This week, Andrew Comrie-Picard (ACP) shares his thoughts on what he calls “dynamic friction.” The Speed Secret follows that trend, focused on honing in on the limit. And Ross  shares links to three videos that can’t help but get you into a performance state of mind.

Race engineer, Jeff Braun, explains how the “big boy” ($2 million) simulators work, and how they can be used to develop a car (and what you can learn from the process). This week’s Speed Secret is all about regaining your focus when driving, and Ross expands on it by claiming that the best drivers lose their focus as much as any other driver (it’s how they regain it quickly that counts). Ross also explains the benefits of competing in Chumpcar and Lemons racing.

Hooked On Driving principal and long-time instructor David Ray details a difficult day with a client that ended badly. Ross’s Speed Secret reassures you about hitting a plateau on your “learning curve.” And Ross’s labor of love, Brake, Brake, BRAKE: The HPDE Instructor Manifesto eBook was released January 1^st. Get your copy here!

Data guy Matt Romanowski reviews what braking trace data not only tells you, but how you can use it to get better lap times. Ross’s Speed Secret informs you that End-of-Braking is more important than you think – more important than where you start braking for a turn.

Sponsorship expert Brian Bonner returns to give you “Sponsorship Secrets – Part 2.” Ross’s Speed Secret illustrates how persistence pays off. And Ross answers a reader’s query about how to build some right-hand-drive vehicle mental programming, and in doing so, tells you how to adapt to a car that’s new and different to you.

Instructor and coach Chuck Hawks is back to give you a specific type of passing strategy. Ross’s Speed Secret warns against aggression and he provides tips on how to use your nervous energy to your advantage – another mental game tip.

Ross interviews David Beattie, the builder of simply amazing custom slot car tracks for Slot Mod USA. Ross’s Speed Secret explains why “smooth is fast.” And Ross writes about how to determine which is the best gear to be in through a turn.

Motorsport fitness guru Simon Hayes lays out a get-ready-for-racing fitness program for you. And you’ll need it after all that turkey! Ross’s Speed Secret reviews how your fitness level can make the difference between winning and, well…not winning. His subsequent article details what you can do to get mentally fit for the coming season.

Guest contributor and PRO3 (Spec E30) competitor Frank Greif shows you how easy coaching (and self-coaching) can be. Ross’s Speed Secret addresses the visual imagery you need to take you into the New Year in a positive frame of mind. But first…Santa Claus is coming to town! Ross interviews the jolly old elf’s driver coach about what it takes to get Santa around the world in his tricked-out sleigh in record time.

Ryan Hieronymus is a championship-winning driver who is also a serious sim racer, and he has tips that you IRL (in-real-life) racers can use. Ross’s Speed Secrets tells you that to improve, you should use every tool at your disposal. Did you know that your footwork can improve your lap times? Well, it can! Ross explains.

Davin Sturdivant tells you how to get the most out of your off-season through the use of indoor karting. This week’s Speed Secret suggests that you focus on learning, and Ross compares the time a pro spends preparing to drive, to the time actually spent behind the wheel.