For Australian race car drivers, the allure of racing overseas is often a dream that embodies the pinnacle of their motorsport ambitions.
Competing on international circuits and against a diverse array of competitors from around the world is both thrilling and challenging.
While the pursuit of overseas racing offers the prospect of opening new career opportunities, it also presents a unique set of hurdles that can catch even the most seasoned racers off guard.
One of the first and most critical challenges Australian drivers face when racing overseas for the first time is the need to become familiar with new circuits and often unfamiliar cars.
Success on the international stage hinges on the ability to adapt quickly to these novel environments.
Just like circuits around Australia, each international track has its own unique layout and characteristics. Not only should drivers diligently study track maps and onboard footage, but spending time in the simulator will allow you to familiarise yourself with the optimal racing lines, braking points, and overtaking opportunities.
Racing overseas often means adapting to different varieties, specifications, and even entire categories of cars, each with its own unique characteristics and driveability.
These different cars will most likely require an adjustment of driving style. Australian drivers like yourself need to be ready to adapt their techniques. While practice sessions in similar vehicles are ideal, simulators are also a valuable tool in helping you make the necessary adjustments before hitting the track.
Recognising procedural differences in international championships and events is another crucial aspect of preparation. Different countries have distinct rules and procedures around starts, safety cars, flags, etc. If you are planning on racing overseas, you must familiarise yourself with these variations and be prepared to adapt.
When it comes to start protocols, are they standing starts or rolling starts? Where do you need to position the car? What’s the timing of their start procedure?
How about safety cars… How long can you weave the car to warm the tyres? Can you go on the green flag, or do you need to wait for the control line? Can you pit under a safety car?
To ensure readiness, we can simulate international racing scenarios with our linked simulators and expert driver coaches. In these sessions, we can help drivers become familiar with foreign rules and procedures by recreating real-world situations, reducing the risk of confusion or mistakes during actual races.
Competing in a new racing category on the international stage demands peak physical fitness.
Not only can the physical demands of different categories vary significantly, but also the climate that you will be racing in. Australian drivers must be prepared and conditioned to meet these challenges head-on.
Where are you planning on racing? Race tracks in the Middle East will expose you to much hotter conditions than you might typically be used to in Australia. In contrast, race tracks across South East Asia will feature races in much more humid conditions.
Are you planning on competing in endurance events? You’ll need to build up your stamina to endure long periods behind the wheel without losing focus or precision.
How about progressing through the open-wheel ranks? You’ll need to work on your strength to handle the increased g-forces.
We can help you with a tailored fitness training program to target the right areas of fitness in line with your overseas racing ambitions.
One of the biggest challenges, for Australian drivers, specifically, racing overseas, is long-haul international travel.
With this comes its own unique complexities, especially if you are combining a local racing program with an international one, that racers need to account for to perform at their best on track.
You will need to recognise the toll of international travel before heading overseas.
Jet lag, in particular, and enduring long flights can introduce additional physical and mental fatigue into your race preparation that you most likely haven’t accounted for.
We can teach you strategies in combination with our other training regiments that will help you combat jet lag, arrive at the track prepared and help you perform at your best no matter where in the world you are racing.
Racing overseas is an exciting prospect for any Australian racing driver, but preparation and training in advance will really help you seize the opportunity and make the most of it.
Want to know more? Simply get in touch with us.