Driving Technique Tips to Boost Your Subaru Motorsport Skills

Want to shave seconds off your lap without buying a new car? It all comes down to how you drive. Good technique lets you use the power and handling of your Subaru more efficiently. Below are three core habits you can start using today.

Master the Braking Zone

Most drivers slam the brakes as soon as they see a corner. That rush of weight forward actually reduces grip on the front wheels, making the car understeer. Instead, try braking in a straight line, then easing off as you turn in. This technique, called trail braking, keeps some load on the front tires while you start to steer, giving you a tighter line and a smoother entry.

Practice by picking a slow corner and marking the braking point with a landmark. Brake hard, then gradually release the pedal as you turn. You’ll feel the front wheels stay planted and the car will follow a more natural arc. It feels odd at first, but after a few laps it becomes second nature.

Use Throttle to Balance the Car

When you hit the gas after a corner, the rear wheels can lose grip if you’re too aggressive. The trick is to apply the throttle progressively. Start with a gentle press as you straighten the car, then increase pressure once the car feels stable. This helps shift weight to the rear wheels, increasing traction and preventing a spin.

Another tip is to use the “feather” technique on long straights. Instead of flooring it right away, keep the revs just above the torque peak, then open up once you’re fully on the throttle. You’ll get smoother acceleration and less wheel spin, which translates to better exit speeds.

Combine these two habits—smooth braking and progressive throttle—and you’ll notice more confidence in every corner. Your Subaru’s all‑wheel drive system shines when you keep the weight balanced, so the car can put power down where it counts.

Start practicing on a low‑traffic track or a safe open area. Pick one corner, focus on trail braking, then move to throttle control on the next turn. Small improvements add up, and before long you’ll be posting faster lap times without spending a penny on upgrades.

Derek Stratton
5 May, 2023

What does racing line mean in Motorsports?

As a motorsports enthusiast, I've often heard the term "racing line" thrown around. It refers to the optimal path a driver should take through a corner to achieve the fastest time while preserving their tires and car. Essentially, it's all about finding the right balance between speed and smoothness while navigating turns. The racing line generally consists of entering the corner wide, hitting the apex, and exiting wide to maintain traction and speed. In short, mastering the racing line is crucial for drivers looking to shave seconds off their lap times and improve their overall performance.