VARIATIONS ON A THEME
Like the Kama Sutra there are many ways to pursue the Ultimate Sunday Drive. Tastes vary as well as
the characteristics of your particular car. What techniques you use is also dependant upon the course you are
driving. A country road is different than a grand prix track is different than an autocross is different than an off-road rally. You don't let your thumbs get inside the steering wheel on an off-road rally. If a rut or bump causes you
front tires to turn you're liable to break your thumbs as the steering wheel kicks. As for car characteristics... my
Lotus' steering is 2.1 turns lock-to-lock. For many gradual curves found on country roads I don't change my grip on
the wheel, because my hands aren't far from the 9-3 position to get through the curve. For more progressive curves
I shuffle steer. As for courses... An autocrosser will want to set his/her hand the X degree from the 9-3 position
required to make the turn before entering the turn. As he/she executes the turn the hands will be in the 9-3
position. As for the Kama Sutra... I don't think TVRs are mentioned.
By explaining the dynamics involved in a moving car I have tried to provide you with an understanding of
the laws of Physics (which I haven't seen a driver break yet) which govern what you can and cannot get away
with. Certain techniques are always applicable. The benefit of smooth everything is a fact of Physics. Looking
ahead lets us plan ahead.
Please, drive responsibly. Use your turn signals when you are making a turn or changing lanes. Pass on
the left. Don't tailgate. Don't cut people off. Don't drive fast in residential neighborhoods where children and
pets are playing. It is possible to drive fast and responsibly at the same time. Too many people with sports cars
have given the rest of us a bad reputation. Don't reenforce it. If anything, those of us who drive high performance
cars should be setting an example that illustrates what good safe driving is and that fast driving can be safe (and
that 65 is way too slow for a national speed limit for those capable of safe fast driving).
I hope that this series makes your time in the car more pleasurable and safer.
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