Most liked posts in thread: Left foot braking with auto trany

Yep on both counts!

Note both said "smooth". Smooth is fast. Good skill to you and I'm looking to stories of autocross awesomeness. :cornut:

 

Not sure if this has been addressed already, but another reason for trail braking is car rotation. Braking into the turn will load up your front suspension and unload the rear, allowing the rear to come around the turn faster. Proper execution requires precise control as the slightest error will result in loss of control and a likely spin.

 

Bingo!

All about controlling weight transfer....2cents

 

I also have to wonder about the efficiency of the left foot breaking technique in our cars. I know this thread is about AUTO transmissions, but I am talking about manuals. I for one can't do it. The pedals are simply in the wrong place. I tend to sit closer to the steering wheel (arms slightly bent) and that puts me too close to allow for my left foot to get to the brake. I do however tend to have my right foot on both gas and brake at the same time (side effect of heel/toeing).

I'd love to hear how some of the pros/semi-pros deal with that.

 

No pro but to left foot well, one needs to practise it a lot to get anywhere close to the same sensitivity in that foot as you would have in your right and never used your left foot much in braking. One reason why so many F1 drivers come out of carting, they used their left foot to brake from an early age and it's second nature to them.....

 

I am actually talking about the physical layout. I could do it if I move the seat back, but then I have less control with my hands. I know in a race car it is less of an issue since you probably gonna get some purpose built pedals anyway. As it is, in a Mini I physically can't get my left foot to the brake pedal.

 

It is a bit tough to fit your foot there.... If you were going to do it all the time it might be cool to have one of those setups where the clutch is in the middle.

I have used left foot some on a couple places at VIR where instead of lifting I more or less brush the brakes with the left foot just to shift the weight forward on turn in...

Think that's part of the fun at track days; trying different techniques and seeing what the pay off is!

 

I've been wearing skinny driving shoes on the track, and even then I can't put my left foot square on the brake pedal. For those of you with three pedals, try twisting your ankle sideways and using your pinkie toe to press down on the pedal. Another tip is to avoid trying to nail the pedal on the first try - tap it first so you know you've got the brake and not the clutch.

 

I am old. I don't have that much twist left in my body.

 

LOL.....it is tough and I have yet to really get good at it in the MINI. But I did get quite good at it in my old Scirocco when I was still AutoXing.

I am not sure it is really something that I am going to pursue as I am not going to be autoxing and I see very little benefit anywhere else.

 

Well, I don't even have all my toes on my left. :frown2:

Jim

 

I sorta tilt my left foot where the outside almost goes between the clutch and brake catching the brake peddle with the ball of my foot......of course I'm just working on it, but sense I use the ball of the right foot to brake, thought I should do same with the left.....at least replicates more the same sensations... Biggest problem is I tend to jab it harder and come off harder. Trying to use it stopping at lights on the street some for muscle memory...

 

Jim, It's easy to do with the right footwear. I can hit all 3 peddles at once with these babies...

 

I like it. No toes required.

Jim