I think that seating position is the most underrated aspect of driving (in general). Some people dont understand the phisics of driving, they don´t look for the best feeling of the car, and I get that because not everyone are petrolheads like us, but this should be lesson nº1. This video along with the one that Robert did talking about harnesses and head protection should be mandatory before entry at any track day!! Great video Misha. Greetings from Spain!
@@misterlove6225 because you commented on a video about motorsport. Check road safety statistics instead then. I assume you are from the US based on your vernacular, our roads are almost 3x safer than the US....
Excellent video. I have a friend who used to drive "fast and furious style"...seat reclined as much as possible, he could only hold the wheel with stretched hands. His logic was that, by reclining so much, he was lowering the center of gravity of the car, lol. When I told him to try and bring his body close to the wheel and bend his hands at about 90 degrees, he was SHOCKED. He suddenly realized how much better control of the car he now had through the wheel, and how much more feedback through the seat. After that, he never changed his seating position again.
@@BijanIzadi lol, yeah, it could be me, because i used to drive like that when i was really young, thinking it looked cool etc. but since i was always reading car magazines (no internet in the 90s), i found out that i was doing it wrong
Well, at least your friend listened lol. Most race bois don't listen, and you can barely see their heads coming out of the dashboard when you see them from your back mirror lol
Please do more of these! Things like a track prep breakdown from getting your car ready, getting fitted for a helmet, and any other relevant things on how to be prepared to hit the track in a smart/safe way would be awesome. Then when at the track with the driving portion there is just so much to breakdown like how/when to brake, trail braking, corner enter/exit strategy, how to keep the weight of the car where you need it, when to send it in straight line speed, how to get familiar with the track, etc. It would all be really useful information from you with your experience!
Here is how i explain my students to setup their position : First set the seat position so that you can fully depress the clutch pedal with your heel touching the floor, good length is when your thigh touches the seat cushion but doesn’t press on it, you don’t want to get your leg tired because it goes against the pedal AND the cushion, if the thigh doesn’t touch the cushion, you’re too close. Second : set the seat height so your eyes are at the middle of the height of the windshield, often depending on the car it means your eyes will be just below or at the same height of the bottom of the rearview mirror. Third : set the seatback so that your back is just supported by the seat, the seat back should not push you forward nor serve as a hammock, basically your back should stay up on it’s own with just a little support from the seatback. Fourth : the wheel correct distance is when you can put your wrists on top of the wheel (12 o’clock) and your arms are not fully extended the elbows should be slightly bent. Wheel height is mostly for comfort and should not be in the way of seeing the dashboard or the windshield. You should be able to have your hands on the wheel at 10:10 or 9:15 position without straining your shoulders. Fifth : set your mirrors SIxth : set your seatbelt height, the seatbelt should not pass on your neck nor your arm but in the middle between the neck and the top of your arm. Edit : just forgot about the headrest, it should be set so it’s not lower than the back of the head.
Excellent explanation of important points for nearly all drivers, on track and on road. Love these. Thank you. One additional point is the distance from the steering wheel to your chest, which should be no less than 10” (25cm), to allow for airbag deployment without undue trauma. Finally, as a Volvo Polestar owner, LOVE YOUR HOODIE!!!!!
Always heard that a good rule of thumb for adjusting your arms/seat/steering wheel is: when sat all the way in the seat and comfortable, you should be able to rest your wrists on the top of the steering wheel with straight arms
@@MrTchou I am a Tesla fanboy and even myself admit that the Yoke wheel is absurd. Once Autonomy level 4 or 5 is here then maybe but until then its non-sense for daily use.
Misha, I’ve studied the subject “Proper driving position” and I must say, you are right on the spot sir. Well done, very well done explanations and thanks for educating people the right way.
I would like to add that if you have an impact with your legs fully extended to floor the pedals, it's not just your knees at extra risk but the force of impact will be transmitted to your hip, which is much more vulnerable and could end up in a permanent disability.
Man this video saved me. I’ve always had issues getting smooth shifts in my GRC, and I had no idea how to fix it. Practice practice practice nothing helped. I followed your seating guide and turns out I was sitting HORRIBLY wrong. Within just a few driving cycles of getting used to your seating position, my shifts are smooth as butter and I have confidence like never before. Thanks Misha 2 years ago. You’re awesome
Absolutely crucial point about never using the full harness without the HANS device! Helmet always comes first then the system of harness, either just standard three point or hans+4(6) point harnesses.
Can't thank you enough @Misha, been driving over 6 years and I have always felt uncomfortable about my sitting position, I have seen a dozen videos and I honestly didn't think much when I came across yours at first but I paid attention regardless and then I tried it and immediately felt a new kind of comfort you must understand. I took a test drive, and everything just felt easier. Really, I can not thank you enough. Thank you once again Misha.
One quick tip that was helpful to me when I first started my motorsporting adventure was locking the stock seatbelts and scooting the seat forward so that it would hug you tight. Especially if you're running sticky tires, you can fly out of your seat, which has happened to me. And especially when you're trying to concentrate on driving, the last distraction you would want is your body constantly moving around in your seat and you extending your left foot on the dead pedal to hold yourself in. I moved onto a bolt in Schroth 4 point as after 4 years, I got tired of constantly scooting my seat back, locking the belt moving the seat forward. We teach this seatbelt technique to many novices at the track because the chances are very high that they will have a stock car with stock belts.
Brilliant tutorial. Should be obligatory for driving schools. Our daughter did not have a clue after passing her driving test. Only after my insisting advice I learnt from my test car driving trainings she got it right. In her first ADAC young drivers training this November she was the only one in that group who knew the proper position and why. Shocking, to be honest.
This was extremely informative. The great thing is these tips can be used for street driving too. I just learned that I have been driving with the wrong seating position all these years. I drive with the seat as far back as possible to the point where the pedals are just in reach and recline the seat ever so slightly so it's not upright. These are going to change effective immediately. I am going to try your tips and see the difference it makes. You should also touch on how to stay alert and comfortable during long journeys like the ones you made from Germany to Croatia.
I've had the chance to be completely corrected by a rally pilot. He showed and taught me correct position of legs, arms, back, chair, etc. Never ever went back to the bad driving habits i used to have. And it's some like 20 years since. Sad thing is: still many people driving while sleeping or viceversa. Golden rule: 90 degree angle of the chair and its rest. Thank you, very informative and helpful video!
Awesome video Misha! For the foot position I always use the clutch pedal as an easy guide. If the leg is still lightly bent when fully pressing the clutch I am good. And I just simulate that in a car with an automatic transmission.
Bonus tip #2: put your Ringcard somewhere where you can reach it when strapped in and put it somewhere where it can't fall down (where you can't reach it), I learned this the hard way ;)
this is the same in general driving, the lad who lived next door to me had his seat in a position to look 'cool' (seat forwards and reclined back looking like he was on a sun lounger) he had 3 crashes that he paid for repairs himself to keep his (then new) insurance from going crazy expensive, when asked why he kept crashing he said ' i couldn't steer quick enough or i got my pedals messed up'. told him his problem was his seating position and he wouldn't listen until i dragged him out of his car and changed it myself and sat next to him on a 50 mile drive, his response was amazing 'i feel in control now' was his words, yes mate you were trying to look cool but you looked a fool with your front wing hanging off and no front bumper or NSF headlamp if i see you back in your old position i'll beat the living daylights out of you. 15 years later he's sat the same position as i gave him and no crashes.
Huge appreciation for this video. Please do more of them! This is very useful and important knowledge that may make the streets safer. Greetings from Poland!
Thank you! Not to toot my own horn and say I "knew" all of this, but there was one crucial part I was missing -- scooting into the seat (as you put it, "sitting in the seat rather than on top of it".) I was habitually rounding my lower back when I got in the car, creating a small triangular gap between me, the seat, and the back rest. I started from scratch and followed every tip, being sure to scoot into the seat as much as possible, and it feels excellent in comparison. Much more comfortable, supportive, and easy to operate the pedals. Before, I would get sloshed around a bit when taking corners, even with gently bolstered seats. Now, everything is tight, and comfortable! Funny how one little change can make such a huge difference.
I’m an osteopath. Nearly everyone I see has problems related to their rubbish sitting position while driving!! 🙈 not just backs- shoulder, neck the list is endless… Your advice is spot on in my professional opinion! 👍👍
thanks for this Video I'm excited for the rest of the series. I'd love to hear about car balance and safety related themes like this one. (HANS, breaking technique, how to react in an emergency Situation like flat tire, oil spill, coolant spill, driving over the orange stuff that soaks up the oil and others).
Loving this Green Hell Tactics, I've a guy I've been tutoring at trackdays, albeit in Ireland, that won't listen to me at all even down to the simple stuff like hand position etc. hopefully this content will help him 🙂
when i prepare for a track session, i jump in the car, start the engine, and set all the nannies (found in the console ) (traction, chassis, sport mode, etc) as well any data loggers/electronics (on the dash or attached to rollcage/windshield, etc.) then get out, make sure the 6 pt harnesses are in a proper reachable position and not tangled or stuck. I also do a quick walk around to make sure there is nothing in front or behind the car depending on the direction of travel, or attached like battery tender, tire blocks, or other hazard etc. Then put on HANS and helmet, jump back into the car and close or partially close the door as well make sure i can reach my gloves, etc. I like to make sure the shoulder straps and lap straps are in position but not buckled before buckling anything so i pull them into place. once all is ready, I buckle antisub, lap and shoulders in that order. tuck the loose ends away. close the door if not already. tighten the straps fully, as you say from lower to upper. put on gloves and ready to go. all this because when you are in your HANS and helmet you have really poor mobility and vision down onto the center console, you can't really look around or down to set controls in the car, and if a strap is stuck or in a weird place and you can't reach it you have to start all over again. if you haven't set your car's buttons down in the console, you won't be able to look down and youll have to start all over again.
Spot on. I have a 1984 Toyota MR2 tarmac rally car and have a fixed bucket seat set as upright as possible, given that I'm 6'4" (192cm) and it's a squeeze fitting in wearing a crash helmet in a small 2 seater hardtop. It has about a 3" spacer on the steering column plus a deep dish steering wheel to bring the wheel closer to me, as I get much better control of the wheel and leverage as the car does not have power steering and slow speed chicanes & junctions take quite a bit of effort. I work in healthcare and have seen incidents of car accidents where a driver has crashed with fully extended legs and the impact has pushed the neck of their femur(s) through their pelvis. Not easy to fix that.
Great vid! I`ve a good argument for my friends tending to drive with stretched arms. "How do you lift weights in your gym? Do you stretch your arms or do it with arms bent to around 90 degrees? So why the f___ do you think you could better control and steer your wheel with unnaturally stretched arms???" And a small addition to the last paragraph. Untighten your harness BEFORE you unlock it. It`s just much more convenient. You could do it with one hand. Be safe!
I agree, braking is overlooked. At this point in my driving, the amount of input i personally am working on is driving with my toes. Featherweight inputs. Most the time you don’t need to hit the brakes hard. Setup to have comfort for those inputs is what this is about
Whenever I get in the car with someone new. I can usually rate their driving skills by their driving position. To me it is the most important thing about racing and even driving.
Every time I watch videos like this I wonder why my driving instructors never told me this :D I guess I'm asking too much because when I took my first lesson the instructor was angry because *drum roll* I haven't driven a car before... P.S. Driving schools are mandatory in my country and this was the only one in town where I live.
I just recently changed my car from an Abarth 500 to a Hyundai i30N, and although I enjoyed the character of the Abarth. The lack of adjustment of the steering wheel and the seat, the weird pedal position with barely any room to rest your feet and the chunky steering wheel with no feel was something that always got on my nerves. The ergonomics of the seating/steering/pedal position is honestly the biggest improvement with the i30N, forget the performance or the sound or the practicality. You can instantly tell that the i30N was made by proper enthusiasts who know what’s important
Or that the i30n is based on a regular well selling hatch that has to appeal to a lot of drives while the 500 is a literal manned Washing machine that, let's face it, is usually driven by women in cities lol
@@E9X330 That is true lol, the regular fiat 500 has sold well though despite it being basic as hell. It’s still rare to find a car that gives you the feedback that the i30N does though. Even cars from the VAG group for example that have plenty of adjustment, still have vague steering and pedals. The only other cars in the segment that really offer it are probably the Civic Type R and the Megane RS
Thank you so much for all the reminder! You’re so right about the shoes. I haven’t driven on a racetrack for a little more than two decades, but now that you said it, my shoes in that era weren’t made like now. The back was much lower and they were much more comfortable for my day to day driving.
When teaching my wife driving, before we even went, I told her all about seating position, how her legs are, the dead pedal. Nobody told me when I learned but people should know!
Great video. As Test Engineer working in Automotive passive interior safety - I'd also like to mention the head restraints oftenly are adjustet wrongly (too low/too far in the rear. Not in your case - so thumbs up). The Headrest should alsways be adjusted so the top of your head matches about the top line of the Head restraint. Otherwise in case of a rear impact, your head and neck will be bent rearward very quickly. If the headrest is adjusted too low - this will overstress your head and upper spine (which isn't meant to be bent very far) and cause serious trauma on your spine (even at very low impact speeds of ~30km/hr upwards). Also in a frontal collision - your back will likely hit the backrest/headrest during rebound phase quite hard, depending on impact speed. Keep up the good work and safe driving :-) cheers
Awesome video Misha! I never felt comfortable driving with my arms and legs stretch out. I fell unconfortable while normal driving, more so when driving on Nürburgring. Good point on the proper shoes and expressing the importance on braking. Speaking on that, maybe you can make a video about braking and weight shifting, plus maybe add heel-toe/rev matching with manual transmission. As always, awesome videos
I remember like it was yesterday when my sister started driving. She didn't realize that she was driving with a terrible position and when she took me for the first ride I could see that she wasn't driving properly. Half-way through the ride I made her pull over, I adjusted her driving position showing her all the controls for the seat and steering wheel, and the way back she saw how much of a difference proper ergonomics are. And, surprisingly, she could really showcase how good of a driver she really is =D
Great video! I am 6'2", and my friends/wife laugh at how close I sit. Mid engine helps see the road more than a giant dohc V8 upfront... but I still like to be close :)
Having the seat as low as possible is highly subjective. I personaly have a hard time 'feeling' the car as good as if the seat is moderately high, as do most people.
I mostly agree with you but when it comes to street driving i'd say the low center of gravity is less important than having a very good overview on the road ahead (e.g. pedestrians and especially children). Therfore i think you should sit a bit higher on public roads than on a racetrack.
This is really good - it might not look cool but the amount of improved control is huge and means you can focus on the drive. Being tall means I'm compromised in a number of cars so your tips are a great reminder. I like the last points on closing doors before belts - for road cars mirrors and heating might also need set before settling in to seat. Finally the last segment reminded me of resetting the belts on my grandchildren's child seat in the back of my golf 😊
I’m just about to put rollbar and harness in my Miata and Before this video I wasn’t sure if I had to get a hans device. Now I am! Thank you. Looking forward to meet you. I’m from canada and want to live this track experience.
Took me about 10 years to come to very close conclusions to yours. Very good idea to record such video. I sent it to my friends so they can get some knowledge.
Apparently I’ve been driving correctly, unknowingly, all my life. That’s re-assuring. The only thing I might add, I drive barefoot when I got on long drives or if I want to go fast or drifting. I get a much better feel for the car that way, using only my toes to tap the brake or accelerator.
Love this video! Will send this to some folks for sure. You already mentioned it, but would be great to hear about advanced left foot braking techniques - brake + throttle at same time, mid corner weight balance adjustments, etc.
This is possibly the most informative video I've ever watched on TH-cam. I'll be coming to hire a car for a few laps one day, it's on the bucket list 👍
Love this! good pointers. Being 198cm tall seating in my Focus st isnt the best. I'm wondering if i should upgrade my seat and get a steering wheel extender.
Thank you very much for making these videos, I find them very educational. I’m 41 but wanting to get into tracking and road racing. I’ve been into cars all my life and had a few nice ones and like to drive fast but I want to be able to do it on a track and not the street. I also want to build a track car and race it as a new hobby. I know this may sound funny but I used to play Gran Turismo 3 on Playstation when I was a kid and that line it has you follow around the track, I still picture that line and the braking zones from that game when on spirited drives on the backroads lol. Not sure how realistic it was on that game but it gets my through the turns quick in real life.
Biggest enhancement to my E92 M3 was a new, lower mounted seat and a steering wheel spacer No longer feel like sitting ON the car but more down IN it. Wheel spacer allowed me to slide back but still have bent elbows
I wish the seat could go lower or the tach was lower. My steering wheel sits too high but if I lower it then I can't see the rpms clearly anymore. It's a street car too so I'm not buying new seats lol
Seating ,l always male sure my lower body is fully supported. Back and top of legs fully in contact with seat. If you are sitting with your legs up. That's just sitting on your bum you end up with chronic back ache. You should be as comfortable as sitting in an armchair. Plus l have always had my hands on steering wheel at ten to two position. This is the police way of driving. Being able to pull left/ right better.Also l find it more comfortable. 50 yrs of driving always like this . Also never have thumbs wrapped around steering wheel. If you have wheel ripped out of your hands chances are broken thumbs or serious injury. Hit a pot hole at speed or large stone etc. Chances are the wheel will be ripped out of your hands. I was taught never ever wrap thumbs round steering wheel. Believe you me l have been glad of this advice on more than one occasion. So make sure whole body is fully supported. Your thighs are supported by seat . Arms bent and ha ds at ten to two and thumbs not wrapped around steering wheel.You have full control of vehicle. 50 yrs of motoring in all conditions and no accidents must say something.
Thank you!!! I see far too many people in cars far more powerful than their skill should allow sitting exactly like your thumbnail photo. Every time I see someone leaned back with 1 hand at 12'oclock I immediately assume they have no idea how to drive and take actions to avoid being around that person.
19:45 HANS device is not allowed during tourist drives. What to do then, just take the risk? You and Robert Kubica were using the 4 point harness in the video you mentioned, but without helmets and neck support.
Agreed, this is a weird TF quirk. Sounds like all of Germany too. In Canada it's illegal to drive on public roads with harnesses, must use 3 point belt. I would feel very uncomfortable in harnesses without a HANS. Also, it's mandatory the first time you strap yourself in to your harnesses to forget to close the door first :) Rite of passage!
If you can't use HANS while strapped in, it is better to not wear a helmet at all. It will reduce the weight your neck has to deal with in case of impact. I'm sure Robert (Mitchell not Kubica :D) has done vid on it and I heard few experienced track day warriors saying the same.
Excellent content! Important for both racers and for regular street drivers - seating position can be a life saver in any accident and in preventing them :-)
For everyday driving, weight distribution regarding seating is generally a non-issue. Visibility is way more important, for example you need to see the hood and front end of the car for maneuvering in tight spaces. Way too many people sit way too low. If your line of sight is barely over the steering wheel and dashboard, you can't see shit. Move your seat way up. Bonus: you won't look like a dwarf sitting in your car. 😂
Many, many races have been won with hands extended (Jimmy Clark comes to mind) and hands very close to the chest (Lewis Hamilton can drive a bit). Each one is just as fast as the other. As long as your position is comfortable for *you,* it's good.
As anyone over 6 foot would understand, it’s very hard to get comfortable in cars. Once our seat is far back enough for the pedals the steering wheel doesn’t come back far enough, so we are always in a compromised position
I think that seating position is the most underrated aspect of driving (in general). Some people dont understand the phisics of driving, they don´t look for the best feeling of the car, and I get that because not everyone are petrolheads like us, but this should be lesson nº1. This video along with the one that Robert did talking about harnesses and head protection should be mandatory before entry at any track day!! Great video Misha. Greetings from Spain!
In the UK, seating position is one of the first things you are taught in lesson one.
@@edwardtye4119 they should also teach Brits how to drive, not just how to sit in the car.
@@misterlove6225 might want to check the stats for the most successful country for motorsport in history...👍
@@skippyguy3 what the hell does motorsport history have anything to do with how your every day people are driving?
@@misterlove6225 because you commented on a video about motorsport. Check road safety statistics instead then. I assume you are from the US based on your vernacular, our roads are almost 3x safer than the US....
Excellent video.
I have a friend who used to drive "fast and furious style"...seat reclined as much as possible, he could only hold the wheel with stretched hands. His logic was that, by reclining so much, he was lowering the center of gravity of the car, lol.
When I told him to try and bring his body close to the wheel and bend his hands at about 90 degrees, he was SHOCKED. He suddenly realized how much better control of the car he now had through the wheel, and how much more feedback through the seat. After that, he never changed his seating position again.
Thank goodness he was willing to listen to you.
Was that friend you yourself by chance? Jkjk lol
@@BijanIzadi lol, yeah, it could be me, because i used to drive like that when i was really young, thinking it looked cool etc. but since i was always reading car magazines (no internet in the 90s), i found out that i was doing it wrong
Well, at least your friend listened lol. Most race bois don't listen, and you can barely see their heads coming out of the dashboard when you see them from your back mirror lol
Instructions unclear. I bent my hands 90° instead of my arms and wrecked leaving the driveway. Thanks.
Please do more of these! Things like a track prep breakdown from getting your car ready, getting fitted for a helmet, and any other relevant things on how to be prepared to hit the track in a smart/safe way would be awesome. Then when at the track with the driving portion there is just so much to breakdown like how/when to brake, trail braking, corner enter/exit strategy, how to keep the weight of the car where you need it, when to send it in straight line speed, how to get familiar with the track, etc. It would all be really useful information from you with your experience!
Here is how i explain my students to setup their position :
First set the seat position so that you can fully depress the clutch pedal with your heel touching the floor, good length is when your thigh touches the seat cushion but doesn’t press on it, you don’t want to get your leg tired because it goes against the pedal AND the cushion, if the thigh doesn’t touch the cushion, you’re too close.
Second : set the seat height so your eyes are at the middle of the height of the windshield, often depending on the car it means your eyes will be just below or at the same height of the bottom of the rearview mirror.
Third : set the seatback so that your back is just supported by the seat, the seat back should not push you forward nor serve as a hammock, basically your back should stay up on it’s own with just a little support from the seatback.
Fourth : the wheel correct distance is when you can put your wrists on top of the wheel (12 o’clock) and your arms are not fully extended the elbows should be slightly bent. Wheel height is mostly for comfort and should not be in the way of seeing the dashboard or the windshield. You should be able to have your hands on the wheel at 10:10 or 9:15 position without straining your shoulders.
Fifth : set your mirrors
SIxth : set your seatbelt height, the seatbelt should not pass on your neck nor your arm but in the middle between the neck and the top of your arm.
Edit : just forgot about the headrest, it should be set so it’s not lower than the back of the head.
This is thorough. Misha missed couple of pointers. Most obvious clutch leg.
how can i do the seat position in a automatic car?
Excellent explanation of important points for nearly all drivers, on track and on road. Love these. Thank you. One additional point is the distance from the steering wheel to your chest, which should be no less than 10” (25cm), to allow for airbag deployment without undue trauma. Finally, as a Volvo Polestar owner, LOVE YOUR HOODIE!!!!!
Always heard that a good rule of thumb for adjusting your arms/seat/steering wheel is: when sat all the way in the seat and comfortable, you should be able to rest your wrists on the top of the steering wheel with straight arms
Slightly bent arms is even better
And you should be able to get to your cup holder :D
Then no way to adjust Steering wheel properly on a Tesla Models S 🤣
@@ezanchi5422 turn the yoke sideways so it is vertical should do it… but i really think this yoke thing is quite dumb on a road car
@@MrTchou I am a Tesla fanboy and even myself admit that the Yoke wheel is absurd. Once Autonomy level 4 or 5 is here then maybe but until then its non-sense for daily use.
Misha, I’ve studied the subject “Proper driving position” and I must say, you are right on the spot sir. Well done, very well done explanations and thanks for educating people the right way.
this is going to be a timeless video. excellent walkthrough my dude.
I would like to add that if you have an impact with your legs fully extended to floor the pedals, it's not just your knees at extra risk but the force of impact will be transmitted to your hip, which is much more vulnerable and could end up in a permanent disability.
Man this video saved me.
I’ve always had issues getting smooth shifts in my GRC, and I had no idea how to fix it.
Practice practice practice nothing helped. I followed your seating guide and turns out I was sitting HORRIBLY wrong. Within just a few driving cycles of getting used to your seating position, my shifts are smooth as butter and I have confidence like never before.
Thanks Misha 2 years ago.
You’re awesome
Absolutely crucial point about never using the full harness without the HANS device! Helmet always comes first then the system of harness, either just standard three point or hans+4(6) point harnesses.
Can't thank you enough @Misha, been driving over 6 years and I have always felt uncomfortable about my sitting position, I have seen a dozen videos and I honestly didn't think much when I came across yours at first but I paid attention regardless and then I tried it and immediately felt a new kind of comfort you must understand. I took a test drive, and everything just felt easier. Really, I can not thank you enough.
Thank you once again Misha.
One quick tip that was helpful to me when I first started my motorsporting adventure was locking the stock seatbelts and scooting the seat forward so that it would hug you tight. Especially if you're running sticky tires, you can fly out of your seat, which has happened to me. And especially when you're trying to concentrate on driving, the last distraction you would want is your body constantly moving around in your seat and you extending your left foot on the dead pedal to hold yourself in. I moved onto a bolt in Schroth 4 point as after 4 years, I got tired of constantly scooting my seat back, locking the belt moving the seat forward. We teach this seatbelt technique to many novices at the track because the chances are very high that they will have a stock car with stock belts.
Thanks man
YES PLEASE do more of these! Mum's already training for our first laps next year and the more she knows the better!
Nice to see a car enthusiast (i know you are a race car driver, but) who is sensible. Keep up the good work.
A topic suggestion : steering technique (correct positioning and use of the hands) - there are TH-cam videos out there saying whatever
Brilliant tutorial. Should be obligatory for driving schools. Our daughter did not have a clue after passing her driving test. Only after my insisting advice I learnt from my test car driving trainings she got it right. In her first ADAC young drivers training this November she was the only one in that group who knew the proper position and why. Shocking, to be honest.
This was extremely informative. The great thing is these tips can be used for street driving too. I just learned that I have been driving with the wrong seating position all these years. I drive with the seat as far back as possible to the point where the pedals are just in reach and recline the seat ever so slightly so it's not upright. These are going to change effective immediately. I am going to try your tips and see the difference it makes. You should also touch on how to stay alert and comfortable during long journeys like the ones you made from Germany to Croatia.
I've had the chance to be completely corrected by a rally pilot. He showed and taught me correct position of legs, arms, back, chair, etc. Never ever went back to the bad driving habits i used to have. And it's some like 20 years since. Sad thing is: still many people driving while sleeping or viceversa. Golden rule: 90 degree angle of the chair and its rest. Thank you, very informative and helpful video!
Awesome video Misha! For the foot position I always use the clutch pedal as an easy guide. If the leg is still lightly bent when fully pressing the clutch I am good. And I just simulate that in a car with an automatic transmission.
Bonus tip #2: put your Ringcard somewhere where you can reach it when strapped in and put it somewhere where it can't fall down (where you can't reach it), I learned this the hard way ;)
Underrated and very much appreciated on making the driving experience 100% better
this is the same in general driving, the lad who lived next door to me had his seat in a position to look 'cool' (seat forwards and reclined back looking like he was on a sun lounger) he had 3 crashes that he paid for repairs himself to keep his (then new) insurance from going crazy expensive, when asked why he kept crashing he said ' i couldn't steer quick enough or i got my pedals messed up'.
told him his problem was his seating position and he wouldn't listen until i dragged him out of his car and changed it myself and sat next to him on a 50 mile drive, his response was amazing 'i feel in control now' was his words, yes mate you were trying to look cool but you looked a fool with your front wing hanging off and no front bumper or NSF headlamp if i see you back in your old position i'll beat the living daylights out of you.
15 years later he's sat the same position as i gave him and no crashes.
Huge appreciation for this video. Please do more of them! This is very useful and important knowledge that may make the streets safer. Greetings from Poland!
Thank you! Not to toot my own horn and say I "knew" all of this, but there was one crucial part I was missing -- scooting into the seat (as you put it, "sitting in the seat rather than on top of it".) I was habitually rounding my lower back when I got in the car, creating a small triangular gap between me, the seat, and the back rest. I started from scratch and followed every tip, being sure to scoot into the seat as much as possible, and it feels excellent in comparison. Much more comfortable, supportive, and easy to operate the pedals. Before, I would get sloshed around a bit when taking corners, even with gently bolstered seats. Now, everything is tight, and comfortable! Funny how one little change can make such a huge difference.
I’m an osteopath. Nearly everyone I see has problems related to their rubbish sitting position while driving!! 🙈 not just backs- shoulder, neck the list is endless…
Your advice is spot on in my professional opinion! 👍👍
This format is what is missing on you tube. Its simply excellent.
thanks for this Video I'm excited for the rest of the series.
I'd love to hear about car balance and safety related themes like this one. (HANS, breaking technique, how to react in an emergency Situation like flat tire, oil spill, coolant spill, driving over the orange stuff that soaks up the oil and others).
Loving this Green Hell Tactics, I've a guy I've been tutoring at trackdays, albeit in Ireland, that won't listen to me at all even down to the simple stuff like hand position etc. hopefully this content will help him 🙂
Glad you did a video about that! There are sooooo many dudes who think they know what they're doing and have a horrible seatingposition!🤯
Tip: remove floor mats! They can get loose over time (if they aren't by default) and end up on your pedals.
No
This just doesn't happen with mats that fit properly.
ive only had that problem on worn out floormats but in most modern cars that isnt an issue
Never had a car without the holding pins of the floor mats. They won't move a mm.
maybe check them first, they may be completely fine
when i prepare for a track session, i jump in the car, start the engine, and set all the nannies (found in the console ) (traction, chassis, sport mode, etc) as well any data loggers/electronics (on the dash or attached to rollcage/windshield, etc.) then get out, make sure the 6 pt harnesses are in a proper reachable position and not tangled or stuck. I also do a quick walk around to make sure there is nothing in front or behind the car depending on the direction of travel, or attached like battery tender, tire blocks, or other hazard etc. Then put on HANS and helmet, jump back into the car and close or partially close the door as well make sure i can reach my gloves, etc. I like to make sure the shoulder straps and lap straps are in position but not buckled before buckling anything so i pull them into place. once all is ready, I buckle antisub, lap and shoulders in that order. tuck the loose ends away. close the door if not already. tighten the straps fully, as you say from lower to upper. put on gloves and ready to go.
all this because when you are in your HANS and helmet you have really poor mobility and vision down onto the center console, you can't really look around or down to set controls in the car, and if a strap is stuck or in a weird place and you can't reach it you have to start all over again. if you haven't set your car's buttons down in the console, you won't be able to look down and youll have to start all over again.
Spot on.
I have a 1984 Toyota MR2 tarmac rally car and have a fixed bucket seat set as upright as possible, given that I'm 6'4" (192cm) and it's a squeeze fitting in wearing a crash helmet in a small 2 seater hardtop.
It has about a 3" spacer on the steering column plus a deep dish steering wheel to bring the wheel closer to me, as I get much better control of the wheel and leverage as the car does not have power steering and slow speed chicanes & junctions take quite a bit of effort.
I work in healthcare and have seen incidents of car accidents where a driver has crashed with fully extended legs and the impact has pushed the neck of their femur(s) through their pelvis. Not easy to fix that.
Great vid! I`ve a good argument for my friends tending to drive with stretched arms. "How do you lift weights in your gym? Do you stretch your arms or do it with arms bent to around 90 degrees? So why the f___ do you think you could better control and steer your wheel with unnaturally stretched arms???" And a small addition to the last paragraph. Untighten your harness BEFORE you unlock it. It`s just much more convenient. You could do it with one hand. Be safe!
I agree, braking is overlooked. At this point in my driving, the amount of input i personally am working on is driving with my toes. Featherweight inputs. Most the time you don’t need to hit the brakes hard. Setup to have comfort for those inputs is what this is about
Thanks Mischa! I'm going to send this video to all my friends that sit in a car _like they've been casted as an cheap substitute for an Ali G Sequel._
Whenever I get in the car with someone new. I can usually rate their driving skills by their driving position.
To me it is the most important thing about racing and even driving.
Same. Even with the other drivers around me.
Every time I watch videos like this I wonder why my driving instructors never told me this :D
I guess I'm asking too much because when I took my first lesson the instructor was angry because *drum roll* I haven't driven a car before...
P.S. Driving schools are mandatory in my country and this was the only one in town where I live.
Thx Misha
With that Ken Block note you make me smile. I miss him so much, I am glad you mention him.
Great, great, great👌... You moved us/you to the next level of this "universe" 🙏😉. Thanx Misha 👍. And please keep on 😇.
I just recently changed my car from an Abarth 500 to a Hyundai i30N, and although I enjoyed the character of the Abarth. The lack of adjustment of the steering wheel and the seat, the weird pedal position with barely any room to rest your feet and the chunky steering wheel with no feel was something that always got on my nerves.
The ergonomics of the seating/steering/pedal position is honestly the biggest improvement with the i30N, forget the performance or the sound or the practicality. You can instantly tell that the i30N was made by proper enthusiasts who know what’s important
Or that the i30n is based on a regular well selling hatch that has to appeal to a lot of drives while the 500 is a literal manned Washing machine that, let's face it, is usually driven by women in cities lol
@@E9X330 That is true lol, the regular fiat 500 has sold well though despite it being basic as hell.
It’s still rare to find a car that gives you the feedback that the i30N does though. Even cars from the VAG group for example that have plenty of adjustment, still have vague steering and pedals. The only other cars in the segment that really offer it are probably the Civic Type R and the Megane RS
this video is public utility ! need to put it on every driving school ! (y) thank you camrade
Thank you so much for all the reminder! You’re so right about the shoes. I haven’t driven on a racetrack for a little more than two decades, but now that you said it, my shoes in that era weren’t made like now. The back was much lower and they were much more comfortable for my day to day driving.
I'm going to enjoy this series! Maybe include viewing techniques (you already mentionned during an AC session that you can enable 'view into corner').
Very well communicated, thanks! Appreciate the thought that went into this and the production quality. Looking forward to the next one!
When teaching my wife driving, before we even went, I told her all about seating position, how her legs are, the dead pedal. Nobody told me when I learned but people should know!
Great video. As Test Engineer working in Automotive passive interior safety - I'd also like to mention the head restraints oftenly are adjustet wrongly (too low/too far in the rear. Not in your case - so thumbs up). The Headrest should alsways be adjusted so the top of your head matches about the top line of the Head restraint.
Otherwise in case of a rear impact, your head and neck will be bent rearward very quickly. If the headrest is adjusted too low - this will overstress your head and upper spine (which isn't meant to be bent very far) and cause serious trauma on your spine (even at very low impact speeds of ~30km/hr upwards).
Also in a frontal collision - your back will likely hit the backrest/headrest during rebound phase quite hard, depending on impact speed.
Keep up the good work and safe driving :-) cheers
the thumbnail is really convincing i always knew that people should not rest head while driving on the headrest of the seat
Awesome video Misha! I never felt comfortable driving with my arms and legs stretch out. I fell unconfortable while normal driving, more so when driving on Nürburgring. Good point on the proper shoes and expressing the importance on braking. Speaking on that, maybe you can make a video about braking and weight shifting, plus maybe add heel-toe/rev matching with manual transmission. As always, awesome videos
I remember like it was yesterday when my sister started driving. She didn't realize that she was driving with a terrible position and when she took me for the first ride I could see that she wasn't driving properly. Half-way through the ride I made her pull over, I adjusted her driving position showing her all the controls for the seat and steering wheel, and the way back she saw how much of a difference proper ergonomics are. And, surprisingly, she could really showcase how good of a driver she really is =D
Great video Misha! Went fully in-depth just as curious audience loves it, can't wait for the rest of the series!
I need this! People always tell me im too close to my wheel but since i actually like to enjoy my drive and be safe..
Great video! I am 6'2", and my friends/wife laugh at how close I sit. Mid engine helps see the road more than a giant dohc V8 upfront... but I still like to be close :)
Having the seat as low as possible is highly subjective.
I personaly have a hard time 'feeling' the car as good as if the seat is moderately high, as do most people.
Great video Misha. These tips are fundamental! Keep going with this format about the best tactics and advices.
I mostly agree with you but when it comes to street driving i'd say the low center of gravity is less important than having a very good overview on the road ahead (e.g. pedestrians and especially children). Therfore i think you should sit a bit higher on public roads than on a racetrack.
This is really good - it might not look cool but the amount of improved control is huge and means you can focus on the drive. Being tall means I'm compromised in a number of cars so your tips are a great reminder. I like the last points on closing doors before belts - for road cars mirrors and heating might also need set before settling in to seat. Finally the last segment reminded me of resetting the belts on my grandchildren's child seat in the back of my golf 😊
Thank you Misha for this great explanation on that very important topic many people ignore. Спасибо! With love from Belgium.
I’m just about to put rollbar and harness in my Miata and Before this video I wasn’t sure if I had to get a hans device. Now I am! Thank you. Looking forward to meet you. I’m from canada and want to live this track experience.
Great video Misha life saving information 👍🏻
Took me about 10 years to come to very close conclusions to yours. Very good idea to record such video. I sent it to my friends so they can get some knowledge.
Apparently I’ve been driving correctly, unknowingly, all my life. That’s re-assuring. The only thing I might add, I drive barefoot when I got on long drives or if I want to go fast or drifting. I get a much better feel for the car that way, using only my toes to tap the brake or accelerator.
One of the overlooked fundamentals of driving
Thanks for the extra tips Misha
Excellent points discussed in this video. The only thing I'll add is I rip out the rearview mirror because I don't care what’s happening behind me.
Privet, chuvak. Always a pleasure to see your face my dude!
Love this video! Will send this to some folks for sure.
You already mentioned it, but would be great to hear about advanced left foot braking techniques - brake + throttle at same time, mid corner weight balance adjustments, etc.
This is possibly the most informative video I've ever watched on TH-cam. I'll be coming to hire a car for a few laps one day, it's on the bucket list 👍
Great video, Ive always had trouble finding a proper seating position and stuff like this isn't talked about enough.
Love this! good pointers. Being 198cm tall seating in my Focus st isnt the best. I'm wondering if i should upgrade my seat and get a steering wheel extender.
195cm tall driver.
Almost non of the cars fit me well, I modify all of them.
Steering wheel spacer
Lowered seat.
@@r129r16pfl How tall in feet and inches ?
@@bannedone3ice138 6.5', size 10 shoes
@@r129r16pfl ok, I’m 6 foot 4 inches with size 11 feet. You’re one inch taller lol
@@r129r16pfl steering wheel spacer possible with an airbag ?
Love that you used a golf for demonstration, first time I see a golf driver sitting properly lol
Edit : dangit it's a polo
Awesome video! I am looking forward to this serie!
Thank you very much for making these videos, I find them very educational. I’m 41 but wanting to get into tracking and road racing. I’ve been into cars all my life and had a few nice ones and like to drive fast but I want to be able to do it on a track and not the street. I also want to build a track car and race it as a new hobby. I know this may sound funny but I used to play Gran Turismo 3 on Playstation when I was a kid and that line it has you follow around the track, I still picture that line and the braking zones from that game when on spirited drives on the backroads lol. Not sure how realistic it was on that game but it gets my through the turns quick in real life.
Biggest enhancement to my E92 M3 was a new, lower mounted seat and a steering wheel spacer
No longer feel like sitting ON the car but more down IN it. Wheel spacer allowed me to slide back but still have bent elbows
I wish the seat could go lower or the tach was lower. My steering wheel sits too high but if I lower it then I can't see the rpms clearly anymore. It's a street car too so I'm not buying new seats lol
@@andrewrossnagel9433 Recaro sportster CS is a great streetable option
Important video! too many people ignore this tips
Absolutely very good video and information! This is what every driver should know from day 0!
Awesome video. I learned so much on how important the seating position is and the proper way to strap in.
This video needs more views! Great education!
Well done Misha - you should offer some special content only to your paying community (e.g. driving tactics) 😇
Seating ,l always male sure my lower body is fully supported. Back and top of legs fully in contact with seat. If you are sitting with your legs up. That's just sitting on your bum you end up with chronic back ache. You should be as comfortable as sitting in an armchair.
Plus l have always had my hands on steering wheel at ten to two position. This is the police way of driving. Being able to pull left/ right better.Also l find it more comfortable. 50 yrs of driving always like this .
Also never have thumbs wrapped around steering wheel. If you have wheel ripped out of your hands chances are broken thumbs or serious injury. Hit a pot hole at speed or large stone etc. Chances are the wheel will be ripped out of your hands. I was taught never ever wrap thumbs round steering wheel.
Believe you me l have been glad of this advice on more than one occasion.
So make sure whole body is fully supported. Your thighs are supported by seat . Arms bent and ha ds at ten to two and thumbs not wrapped around steering wheel.You have full control of vehicle.
50 yrs of motoring in all conditions and no accidents must say something.
Perfect Video ! Keep up the brilliant work !
What a fantastic series!
Great vid, Misha. Really well done.
Super explained video. "just i missed " best and fastest escape from danger crashed car.
Thank you!!!
I see far too many people in cars far more powerful than their skill should allow sitting exactly like your thumbnail photo.
Every time I see someone leaned back with 1 hand at 12'oclock I immediately assume they have no idea how to drive and take actions to avoid being around that person.
19:45 HANS device is not allowed during tourist drives. What to do then, just take the risk? You and Robert Kubica were using the 4 point harness in the video you mentioned, but without helmets and neck support.
Agreed, this is a weird TF quirk. Sounds like all of Germany too. In Canada it's illegal to drive on public roads with harnesses, must use 3 point belt. I would feel very uncomfortable in harnesses without a HANS.
Also, it's mandatory the first time you strap yourself in to your harnesses to forget to close the door first :) Rite of passage!
If you can't use HANS while strapped in, it is better to not wear a helmet at all. It will reduce the weight your neck has to deal with in case of impact. I'm sure Robert (Mitchell not Kubica :D) has done vid on it and I heard few experienced track day warriors saying the same.
Excellent content! Important for both racers and for regular street drivers - seating position can be a life saver in any accident and in preventing them :-)
remember kids, get your position correctly before you strap yourself on.
I can't wait to see more of these. great stuff. thank you
Dramatic difference before and after jaw surgery, it was worth it!
For everyday driving, weight distribution regarding seating is generally a non-issue. Visibility is way more important, for example you need to see the hood and front end of the car for maneuvering in tight spaces.
Way too many people sit way too low. If your line of sight is barely over the steering wheel and dashboard, you can't see shit. Move your seat way up. Bonus: you won't look like a dwarf sitting in your car. 😂
Misha doesn't live his life a quarter mile at a time, obviously...😁
4-5 corners ahead of you
Many, many races have been won with hands extended (Jimmy Clark comes to mind) and hands very close to the chest (Lewis Hamilton can drive a bit). Each one is just as fast as the other. As long as your position is comfortable for *you,* it's good.
Fantastic video series!! Thank you for doing this Misha, great idea.
Thanks Misha. I was looking forward to seeing these video series
This is a preference thing. Not everyone wants to be low to the ground. Try that with a shoe that has a chunky heel
This is such an amazing video as I was also not very comfortable in the car! Everyone should do this!
Thanks for the great content of this video, which although it is mainly for track racing but has many little secrets for safe public driving! 💪😎🤘🔥🔥🔥
Very informative. I'll be checking up on my seating position tomorrow. I'm used to sitting relatively high.
Good Job, Misha! Really like your videos, very informatime and always fun to watch!
As anyone over 6 foot would understand, it’s very hard to get comfortable in cars. Once our seat is far back enough for the pedals the steering wheel doesn’t come back far enough, so we are always in a compromised position