Expert: Dan Liddy - 3/6/2008

Question
QUESTION: I know how to drive standard transmission and i got my license at 16 and currently 17 and think it's about time i start Downshifting like a pro. But i read directions on how to do so but it just confuses me. Am i suppose to press the breaks with my toe and heel the gas and downshift with the clutch but in a motion like i'm upshifting. Because what i got out of it was to do it just like an upshift. The only difference is gear selection and my foot on the breaks. Is that pretty much it? Before i start this i would like to get a general idea before i go try and burn the clutch or something. And if it helps my car is a 99' which has good synchromesh. I learned that reading also. But i dont really understand synchromesh also but thats not the question.

ANSWER: Hi James:

The "heel & toe" subject is really mis named.

Let's start with the basics though.  First you should re-adjust your pedals so that when the brake pedal is fully depressed and with some pressure (like hard braking) it should be EVEN with the gas pedal.
Also, the two should be no more than about 1 1/2 inches apart.  You might have to do quite a bit of adjusting and perhaps bending of things to get it, but you'll love it when you get it right.  

Now then when you desire to rev compensate for a downshift, you apply the brake with your big toe, and using the right side of your foot, you rev the engine (clutch is already 'in') just enough so that when you engaage the lower gear (clutch 'out') , the car doesn't jerk when you release the clutch.

I have many students that are frustrated by this, and some that never master it.  It's OK if you are beginning amateur racing, it's NOT OK if you are heading into the pro levels.

When I discuss it with my students, I tell them that instead of 'heel & toe' they should visualize it as 'big toe & ankle bone' !

My cars are set up so I can use the side of my very large foot, but when the brakes start to get mushy, I do have to resort to the use of the ankle bone- - - that's why I always buy hi top racing shoes.

The rev compensation is important to the life of both your clutch and your transmission. I know one guy with a wooden leg.  It's his right leg and of course he can't wiggle the foot.  He has an electro-servo hooked to the fuel injection and when he goes to downshift, he has a button on the shifter which operates the throttle.

Finally. I started practicing the downshift technique when I was 15, and that was over 60 years ago.  I still mess it up in a race occasionally. Practice makes peprfect in most cases, in this one it's made me better but not perfect.

Best of luck !!

Dan Liddy

Sarasota, Florida

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So the gas is applied as if i am upshifting right? And do I completely floor the gas or do i gotta give it a certain amount?

ANSWER: Not really,  as you approach a corner, you plan to downshift and brake.  First you apply the brake, depress the clutch, and then rev the engine to about 5500 RPM while selecting the next lower gear, then release the clutch .  The added revs should allow you to release the clutch in the lower gear without jerking the car.

It takes practice, and a lot of it. I still buy stick shift cars at my old age, so I can practice every day while driving around, then when I'm racing I haven't lost my touch.

You might try to find a sports car driver somewhere who can help you and show you in person how it's done, That would be a big help.. Or if you like, take a vacation to Central Florida near Tampa and I'll give you half a day !

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Fl.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I tried it for like 2 hours last night at like 11:30 - 1 something. It works but it's not quite there yet but it just needs time.

Answer
OK  did you get the pedals adjusted like I said ?  That will be important later on, cuz when you get into a pro built race car, that's the way they should be.

It's good that you are practicing though, keep it up- - - pretty soon you can take it to the street and practice at very slow speeds in light to zero traffic.


Good luck

Dan