bedllm

I’m a freelance magazine writer, and I’m thinking of doing a series of articles on high-performance driving technique. I’ve noticed that most car magazines--even those devoted to sports and performance cars--don’t really run many stories about that.

What do you think? Would anyone be interested in articles on how to improve their driving skills?

If so, what kinds of things would you like to learn more about?

Vinny '98 3.8 C2S

There are already tons of books on the subject for those truly interested; however, I would think that some less hardcore drivers may give an article a read.

Bill Gregory

I'd suggest the reason you don't see many magazine articles on high performance driving techniques is that, like many things, translating what you read into action is difficult, and potentially dangerous. The best way to learn these techniques is to attend a driving school. There's one at each of many major race tracks, various marque clubs (Porsche, BMW, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, etc) offer driving instruction at race tracks, some vendors, like Porsche, offer classes at race tracks, and there are organizations like NASA, POC, and a bunch others that offer driving instruction. The common thread in all of these is instruction - learning to drive with a qualified instructor.

And as Vinny said, there are already a number of excellent books that detail high performance driving techniques.

TrackJunke

If you want to research what else is out there on the subjece, one of the better books on the subject is the Skip Barber text book, "Going Faster".

Robert Henriksen

[quote]Originally posted by Bill Gregory:
<strong>I'd suggest the reason you don't see many magazine articles on high performance driving techniques is that, like many things, translating what you read into action is difficult, and potentially dangerous. The best way to learn these techniques is to attend a driving school. There's one at each of many major race tracks, various marque clubs (Porsche, BMW, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, etc) offer driving instruction at race tracks, some vendors, like Porsche, offer classes at race tracks, and there are organizations like NASA, POC, and a bunch others that offer driving instruction. The common thread in all of these is instruction - learning to drive with a qualified instructor.

And as Vinny said, there are already a number of excellent books that detail high performance driving techniques.</strong><hr></blockquote>

ditto that; perhaps an article covering the experience of attending a pro school, or a regional car club's DE weekend, and the curriculum covered, would be a good way to cover the subject.

Z-man

However, Grassroots Motorsports Magazine regularly has aritcles on driving technique. IIRC, last year, they had a tech series on proper seating, use of controls, heel and toe...etc. While not all issues have 'how to' articles, they do address what you speak of.

Their reviews on cars are also from a 'how would this car drive on the track' perspective.

-Zoltan.

NapTownSpeedy

I would disagree with most. I remember a magazine insert that came with a mag I got in the '80s that had performance driving tips. It was very informative and got me interested in reading about the subject. This was preinternet and good library systems so the search ended up being tough. I did get a hold of some good books and a very good out of print book.

Now the books and access to them are much more prevalent. Possibly you could use the authors of said books as sources and experts. That way you could mention the books in good faith and that would repay them for the assistance. The articles could be great introductions to newbies and good refreshers for the experienced. Go for it if you can sell it!