Furthermore, Scandinavian rally drivers are predominantly the best drivers in Europe for driving in ice and snow conditions, due to their inclement weather in winter months. Because they drive on ice and snow regularly, they were the first drivers to develop techniques to drive at speed in these slippery conditions. They even have some rally driving terms coined after them, such as:
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| the Scandinavian flick illustration |
While approaching the turn the driver applies a slight steering input to the opposite direction of the turn, then steering into the turn, while sharply lifting off the throttle and lightly applying the brakes. The car will slide sideways facing slightly away from the turn. Then steering input is applied towards the turn and as the driver release the brake pedal while still holding down the throttle the car will slingshot itself around the desired direction. Of course, countersteering will be required to control the induced oversteer.
This driving technique was first used by drivers such as Ari Vatanen and Rauno Altonen in WRC events on non-cold weather surfaces, and as such, the name has stuck.
In living up to the proverb "when in Rome, do as the Romans do", I intend to learn this "flick" from the very best, the Scandinavian rally drivers. Intense research has led me to this group that use a Ford Escort as training vehicle. I've posted their video below:
Alright, so the rally car in the video is actually a 1:5th scale, 2.5 ft long, 16 pound wooden version of the 1970s MK1 Escort Rally Car, but the driving technique remains the same.
I chose to use this video as a tribute to all enthusiasts, whether of automobile, small scale R/C or anything else. Just do it!
Thanks for reading.
Source: Wikipedia
Video credit: Headquake 137
Photo credit: Kilometermagazine.com
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