Race driver’s seating positions are quite different from the seating position we use in every day driving.  The main reason for this is so the driver can have full use of the larger muscles in their upper arms, shoulders & back to control their racecars.  A non-effective driving position is with the wheel low and/or with your arms stretched out as this uses the smaller twitchy muscles in your forearms, wrists & hands. Below we will cover 3 main points of a proper race driving position, which both our oZone & r3volution cockpits can achieve:

• Steering Wheel Height:  The height of the center of the steering wheel should be near the base of your neck.  This is obviously much higher than our street cars, but it is imperative to engage the larger muscles of the upper arms, shoulders & back to have better control of your car.

• Distance to Steering Wheel:  The easiest way to achieve the ideal distance from your steering wheel is to adjust your seat so that when you stretch your arms straight out your wrists lie across the top of the steering wheel.  Make sure your shoulders are touching the seat back.  Once you place your hands in the 10&2 or 9&3 positions on the wheel your elbows will be bent at an approximate 90-100 degrees which is ideal.

• Distance to Pedals:  Not as important as the other two as this comes down to preference more than anything else, but make sure your legs are not too cramped or too stretched out  to effectively work your pedals.

*pictures are from Gustave’s renowned BMW E30 M3 site…if you dig E30 M3’s pop over to his site for some great info