Richie Speed's blog
Mental Control
03:24 PM on Aug 23, 2008

I was just thinking about how i feel when i start a race. When i am karting, i don't really ever get nervous, i am always cool.

I guess thats part of the fact your going so fast and processing so many things, that you have no time to be nervous.

But when sim racing, i get so pumped and filled with adrenaline my driving becomes inconsistent for a while during the race. I know it all comes together with experience, but in the mean time i was just wondering what you guys do to help keep cool.

Any help apreciated,

Rich.




Posted by Bryce Aston at 03:32 PM on Aug 23, 2008
Comment #1

Breath!!!!

Posted by Andrew Carson at 03:40 PM on Aug 23, 2008
Comment #2

Before every qualifying and race, I always take a minute or so and mentally prepare myself.
Depending on where I am on the timesheets, I give myself different pep-talks.

If im at the top, then Its a "You can do this, your the quickest man out there, hold it together, breath, lets do this right"

If im in the middle/towards bottom, I just "hold it together, lets try to take advantage of other's mistakes, get a good start and make a solid performance".

90% of your performance in anything is down to your belief system. Might as well pump that up before the race.

Posted by Richie Speed at 04:02 PM on Aug 23, 2008
Comment #3

Awesome, thanks fellas!

Posted by Larry Anderson at 04:15 PM on Aug 23, 2008
Comment #4

You aren`t old enough for my preparation routine. I`ll tell you when you`re 21 if I`m still alive then.

Posted by Tim McArthur at 04:42 PM on Aug 23, 2008
Comment #5

Richie,

11+ years Ive been racing online with others. Still to date I get nervous when sitting on the grid. I always close my eyes and visualize the first few corners or first lap. Take time to breath and get your body and mind in the proper state before the green flag.

Read - Driving Advantage 06 - Arousal, Anxiety, and Stress

Posted by Richie Speed at 05:51 PM on Aug 23, 2008
Comment #6

Thanks Tim! Those articles were really helpful, I appreciate it alot. =)

Posted by James Linton at 11:30 PM on Aug 23, 2008
Comment #7

Hmm Tricky Richie Rich!

Posted by James Linton at 11:30 PM on Aug 23, 2008
Comment #8

Hmm Tricky Richie Rich!

I recreate what i do at a race, Music and just think about it! plan the race before you've even started. I FEEL people under estimate how bigger deal sim racing can be, especially if your really competitive!

Also try using headphones! That helps me, blocks any hearing distractions!

Posted by Andrew Carson at 01:01 AM on Aug 24, 2008
Comment #9

Forget headphones James... just TURN UP EVERYTHING.
That'll block out the sound :-) and gets you pumped up...

until your spotter comes on and says something completely un-necessary, and its ridiculously loud. That always pisses me off >:(

Posted by Dennis Morissette at 01:03 AM on Aug 24, 2008
Comment #10

I just try not to overthink things. I make sure I'm very comfortable driving that car on that track and just go out and do my thing. I find I seem to be more consistent and react to situations quicker relying on instincts rather than any preconceived idea about what should be done. For most events I'll have a movie or music playing on my other pc to just keep the mind occupied. Things are usually going best when it feels like I'm just along for the ride.
A tight race or close pass still gets the heart up and thats what keeps me doing this, but starting grid butterflies are rare for me now after so many races.


CATEGORIZED IN:
Sim racing