Last month, Winding Road guest contributor, Dev Clough, shared some thoughts in a piece titled “Speed Secrets: Consistency.” Clough -- a kart racer, club racer and long-time driving coach with lots of experience -- begins the article by stating a simple precept: consistent means driving the identical line around a track, lap after lap.

“But consistency means more than just the line,” Clough goes on to explain.  “It also includes where you start and finish braking, how the brakes are applied, and how they are released. Same with throttle. Consistency encompasses when you shift and how you release the clutch.”

Why care about being consistent as a racecar driver?  First, it promotes safety.  Second, it's difficult to identify what can be changed to improve and be faster if a driver is inconsistent.

“If you turn in or brake or shift differently for the same corner, lap after lap, what will you change to improve?” Clough asks.  “It’s already changing every lap.

“The sport we enjoy is challenging and does have risk,” Clough continues.  “Most of us want to improve without experiencing the risks. Whether your objective is to set a track record or just enjoy your car safely on track, the challenge to improve is there for all of us.”

The off season is a great time to analyze driving techniques and prepare for the upcoming year of competition.  Give the Winding Road article a read and form your own thoughts.