Racing driver Korpivaara's 5 theses on track driving.

Race Car Driver Korpivaara's 5 Principles for Track Racing

Car features, braking, turning, accelerating, and safety. Master these, and driving on the track becomes a pleasure, sums up Ilmari Korpivaara. With experience ranging from karting since the age of 6 to participating in international racing series, Korpivaara knows a thing or two about race cars and tracks. After karting, he moved on to Formula Renault and later to Renault RS Clio Cup. Last year, he drove a KTM X-Bow GT4 in the GT4 Central European Cup. This season, he's seen in the world of GT cars.

"The best part of track racing is the grip and g-forces, sharp deceleration, and acceleration. On gravel, one can only dream of those," he says.

What tips does Ilmari Korpivaara have for budding track racers with less experience?

1. Know Your Car

When a professional gets a new car, they figure out its features, paying less attention to cup holders and more to driving dynamics.

- You must know the tool: What are the tires like, and how's the grip? What's the power output? How much does it weigh, and where is the center of gravity? What's the drive type? What aids does it have, and are they on or off? Find answers before you even start the car.

2. Learn to Brake

According to Korpivaara, braking, turning, and accelerating are the key elements of track racing. Surprisingly, braking is the most crucial part of fast track driving.

- The biggest differences in lap times come from braking. Braking at the right spot and in the right way allows controlled and fast cornering, improving lap times. You must know how to brake to drive fast, he emphasizes.

3. Learn to Turn

After a straight and braking, there's a corner. Remember, grip is always limited.

- In theory, you should brake first and then turn, but ideally, they become a smooth whole where you utilize the tire's maximum grip without exceeding it, he advises.

4. Learn to Accelerate

To novices, maximum acceleration means flooring the pedal, but in reality, it's about straightening the driving line and reducing lateral forces on the tire. The drive type and weight distribution affect this, and aids can help, but they won’t achieve good lap times alone.

5. Ensure Safety

Every driver must actively ensure both their own and others’ safety, be it in a competition or a social track day.

- Check your mirrors to stay aware of what's happening around you. Signal your intentions clearly when overtaking. If you have to stop on the track due to a technical issue, choose the safest spot outside the driving line, ideally behind a barrier, and turn on hazard lights while you wait for help.