Share

VIDEO: How not to drive a Porsche

AUSTIN, Texas - In November 2012 the new Circuit of the Americas held its first Formula 1 race - the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. Now it looks like the track is being used to keep inexperienced boys and their toys out of harm's way.

In as video uploaded to YouTube, a Porsche GT2 owner is let loose on the racetrack, displaying the kind of driving instructors would cringe over.

WHY GRAB THE A-PILLAR?


The driver can be seen leaning an elbow on the window, switching up his hand positions, grabbing the A-pillar (for comfort?) and generally making an ass of himself.

We realise the driver is clearly an amateur and instead of seething at his poor driving skills we've decided to pick apart his "skills" and highlight do's and don't of track racing.

"BOY RACER" GETS IT WRONG

Everything you shouldn’t do
As demonstrated by the fool behind the wheel of a Porche GT2...
- Never cross your hands over the steering wheel
- Don’t jerk the steering wheel when trying to correct the car
- Going full throttle on a straight is always a bad idea if you don’t know how and when to brake
- Spinning in a corner is a big no-no
- Keep both your hands on the steering wheel – at all times
- Grabbing the A-pillar because you’re about to soil your pants should never be an option
- Leaning your door-side arm while going round bends, or at any time while on the racetrack, is prohibited
- Constantly hitting the apex, or braking in it, is not conducive to racing
- Driving all over the place at full speed can only cause trouble
- Leaning your body into the corners won’t make you control the car any better

What you should do:
- Slow it down if you don’t have much experience
- Learn how to control the car you’re driving
- Always keep both hands on the steering wheel and at the correct driving position
- Don’t cross your hands over the steering wheel when turning, or even on the straight
- Don’t lean your left arm - or any other body parts - on the windowsill while you’re doing hot laps
- Definitely don’t grab the A-pillar when you’re about to lose control in a corner
- Try and keep the perfect line, perhaps practice on an Xbox or PlayStation a million times before hitting the real track.
- When coming out of a corner gently steer out as you apply the throttle
- Keep it at a comfortable pace until you’re ready to take it faster on the track
- Never brake in an apex, gearing down and braking shoiuld be done before entering a corner

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

Do you have advanced driving tips to share? Email us and we'll publish your thoughts or use the Readers' Comments section below...
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE