How to Master the Brake Pedal

The brake is the most important pedal in the car, here’s why.

We bet you came here looking to find out how to drive fast on the track. So, why are we talking about the brakes? Well, the answer to that is if you have a firm understanding of how and when to brake on track, you will be faster everywhere else. So, before you jump on the throttle, let’s take a look at what it takes to Master the Brake Pedal.

The 7 Most Important Things to Know About Braking

Apply pressure by squeezing and remove by melting off the brake: Using the balls of your feet to apply or remove pressure from the brake pedal will keep your inputs smooth. The smooth inputs will maintain balance of the vehicle during weight transfer.
Make use of the dead pedal: Planting your left foot on the dead pedal will keep you in position and allow you to retain your seating position.
Braking at the limit or threshold of traction is called “threshold braking.” It’s the fastest, most-controlled way to slow or stop a vehicle. (Bentley, Ross. Speed Secrets: Professional Race Driving Techniques (p. 39). Motorbooks International.)

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