Street circuits are a unique beast. Bringing motorsport to the people, these temporary circuits feature as some of the biggest, most popular events for fans and sponsors each season.
However, the temporary and unforgiving nature of these race tracks presents a unique set of challenges that demand meticulous preparation for any race car driver, but even more so if you’ve never raced on a street circuit before.
So, how is Focus Driver Performance uniquely able to help me prepare for my first race on a street circuit? Let’s take a look.
One of the key factors that sets street circuits apart is the limited track time available.
Unlike traditional circuits, where extensive practice and testing opportunities are common, street circuits often offer little to no opportunity for on-track testing. This is where simulator training becomes invaluable.
What makes Focus Driver Performance’s simulator offering stand out from other options is our circuit models, which have been created in-house for maximum accuracy.
These models have been developed with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every turn of these street circuits is faithfully represented.
All of our circuit models are created using LiDAR data, which gives us highly detailed 3D maps to ensure every bump and kerb is actually represented in our simulators. This is especially critical for street circuits.
This heightened accuracy not only helps you learn the circuit but also builds your confidence as you approach your race weekend.
The concrete-lined nature of street circuits means that there is zero margin for error.
A single mistake can have big consequences, and the reality of this can make these race events even more mentally taxing than what you might be used to.
This is where our cognitive development programs come into their own.
Our cognitive training exercises will help you improve your mental stamina, reaction time, and decision-making skills, all in the tight confines of a street circuit.
Additionally, it will also improve your peripheral vision, expanding your field of view and enabling you to anticipate and react to unexpected situations.
Street circuits present unique challenges that require a distinct approach to your race craft.
Some of these unique challenges include tight blind corners, limited overtaking opportunities, and minimal runoff areas.
Dedicating time to practising race craft ahead of making your debut on a street circuit will help you make quick decisions in tight spaces, maintain control in close quarters, and anticipate the actions of your competitors. Giving you a competitive edge.
The temporary nature of street circuits means that the grip levels and track conditions are dynamic and ever-changing.
Unlike traditional racetracks that have consistent track activity throughout the year, street circuits are subjected to riggers of day-to-day road traffic.
This means that at the start of a race weekend, the track surface, and, more importantly, the racing line is often dirty with a distinct lack of grip.
However, as the race weekend progresses and the rubber builds up, the track evolution is significant.
Our simulators allow us to replicate this high-track evolution from the start of the opening practice sessions to the end of the final race, allowing you to practice and prepare for the significant changes in grip levels and track conditions throughout a race weekend.
The tight confines of street circuits add some of their own unique challenges when it comes to your physical conditioning as well.
Some street races, particularly Townsville, Gold Coast and Adelaide, are held in extremely hot and humid conditions.
Couple with this, the tight confines of the circuit will result in very little airflow around the track, adding to already high cabin temperatures that drivers will experience during a race.
To adapt to hot conditions, heat acclimatisation training is a crucial part of our fitness training programs in the lead-up to street races, as is understanding your VO2 Max performance.
Additionally, the constant bumps and bouncing over kerbs are added forces that will take their toll on your body if you haven’t physically prepared for them through strength training and endurance exercises.
We’ll also provide guidance on hydration, nutrition and recovery programs to ensure you continue to perform at your peak for the full duration of a race weekend on a street circuit.
Street circuit racing is a distinctly different challenge from other forms of circuit racing,
That said, solid preparation with Focus Driver Performance across a number of areas will allow you to make the most of the opportunity, allowing you to put in your best performance on the big stage in front of all the sponsors and fans.
Want to know more? Simply get in touch with us.