The term "heel and toe racing" refers to a technique used in car racing, where the driver presses on the brake with their heel while simultaneously pressing the accelerator with their toe. The spelling of "heel" is /hiːl/ and "toe" is /təʊ/. The "h" in "heel" is silent, while the "oe" in "toe" is pronounced as a long "o" sound. This technique allows for smooth downshifting and helps prevent the car from losing traction during turns.
Heel and toe racing is a specialized driving technique primarily used in motorsports, particularly in racing disciplines such as Formula 1, endurance racing, and rallying. It involves a combination of pedal movements to facilitate smooth downshifting while entering a corner at high speeds, with the aim of maintaining stability, minimizing the risk of wheel lockup, and maximizing overall control of the vehicle.
The technique is executed by the driver using their right foot to operate the brake pedal, while simultaneously using the side of their right foot (the heel) to blip the throttle during downshifting with the left foot on the clutch. This process synchronizes the rotational speeds of the engine and transmission, ensuring a seamless transition between gears as the driver prepares for corner entry. The throttle blip serves to match the engine's revs to the lower gear, preventing destabilization of the vehicle due to sudden engine braking.
Heel and toe racing requires a high level of skill, precision, and coordination. It enables drivers to maintain traction and stability during deceleration, allowing them to quickly and smoothly shift down through the gears while entering a corner without disrupting the balance of the race car. Masters of this technique can execute rapid downshifts while maintaining vehicle control and maximizing their speed through corners, ultimately enhancing their performance on the track.