Racing In The Wet (With Videos)

Features I By John Beltz Snyder I March 22, 2013
[photo credit: Instituto Ayrton Senna]
 
Spring is officially here, which means wet weather should be on its way. And while some races get called off with even the slightest bit of moisture, for many other series, the thinking is that “the show must go on.”
 
This video discusses some of the challenges of racing on wet surfaces. Tire selection is obviously a factor, as is being able to visually read the amount of standing water. Often, though, it comes down to feel.
 

 
So, a lot of what was just said in the above video seems pretty straightforward and obvious, though the added morsel of depth helps toward understanding driving in the wet. But what about technique?
 
Smoothness is key, and that means taking a different approach to your racing line and driving style.
 

 
Jalopnik goes into more depth about racing in the wet, here. But, if you want to read more about a wet line vs. a dry line—or if that is even a recommended practice—we recommend this piece about driving the Nurburgring in the wet, from driver trainer Colin Hoad.
 
Any other tips for going fast in the rain? Take us to school in the comments section, below.

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