Managing Pressure and Race Anxiety added: 06.09.2017

Category: Racing     Views: 1244     Rating:

One of the biggest threats to racing success is myself. During any given run I would shake so badly it would transfer to the radio and make the car drive erratically. After practicing with fast drivers I've had a few epiphanies:

1. Over-driving by not hitting my marks (brake zones and turn-in points)
2. Not letting the car settle before pulling the trigger or when landing from a jump
3. Criticizing previous mistakes and not focusing on what's next

Driving with someone who is not only faster but willing to wait on you if a mistake is made is hugely invaluable. Gave an opportunity to see if my speed was improving but also learning new racing lines. After so many laps, a calm began to settle in and my jittery trigger finger went away along with jerky wheel movements. My concentration improved dramatically and the car was looking smooth and fast. Mentally, I told myself to focus only on the turn or jump coming up next. Then started focusing on the race line. Before i knew it i was keeping up with the fast guys and no longer feel that pressure and anxiety.

Hope these tips bring some relief to others

Edited by author: 6.9.2017 16:56:40 GMT