10 Undeniable Truths about Going Fast
by Don Terrill - RacingSecrets.com ©2003

1.) You will not go fast by reading the rulebook - You need to get into the pits and see what other racers are doing to go fast. If you build to the letter of the rulebook, you'll be bringing up the rear at every racing event.

2.) Cheating exists in all types of racing - Some want to sweep it under the rug for the integrity of the sport, but non the less, it's there. I personally hate cheating, but when your competitors are allowed to get away with murder, what are you supposed to do?



3.) 5% of people will dominate - This doesn't just apply to racing, but our entire society. I know this may offend, but 95% of the people in the world are just along for the ride. Only 5% actually do anything of value.

4.) You can't Bolt-On your way to #1 - You can't order a number one qualifier out of a catalog. Fast racers will modify or design from scratch just about every important part on their cars.

5.) A full-time racer will outperform a part-time racer - I'm amazed how many part-time racers think full-time racers are cheating. I know it may be hard to admit, but they're just better. Not because they cheat, but because of their experience.

6.) More money does not directly equal more wins - Stop thinking you're losing because of money. I've seen world champs crowned with a tenth of the budget of their competitors. My advice, focus on what you spend your money on. Look at performance per dollar.



7.) Complaining about a competitor or his car will not make yours faster - Worry about you and your car, they're the only things you truly control. There is no such thing as a perfect car or driver, both can be improved.

8.) The difference between good and great is tuning - I feel like I've said this a thousand times, give the same engine to 10 different racers, you'll have 10 different results. The top tuners will always come out on top.

9.) You can make too much power - Unless you run the Bonneville Salt Flats, there's a good chance you can over power the track. I see it all the time with short track stockcars -- they almost all have too much low end power and spend half their track time at part throttle.

10.) An engineer with commonsense will rise to the top - It's only a theory because the combination doesn't exist :) Alright, I'm kidding, but you have to admit it's rare. The easiest way to get the same thing is having an engineer team up with someone with commonsense.