Driving on track in the rain

In the dry, cars lay down rubber on the racing line. In the rain, that polished, rubber-coated strip can become one of the slickest surfaces on the track, while the rougher asphalt off line drains better and gives more grip.

Many drivers take a wider line in the wet: braking and turning a little outside the dry line, and avoiding the inside at the apex where water and rubber collect. What works varies from track to track and even corner to corner, so ask your instructor and try small changes.

Painted lines, kerbs, and patched or sealed asphalt are very slippery when wet. Avoid them where you can.

With less grip, the friction circle is smaller. The same abrupt input that a dry track forgives can tip a tire past its limit in the wet. Every input should be slower and more progressive.

Brake earlier and with less peak pressure, finish more of your braking before turn-in, and steer gently. On exit, squeeze the throttle in gradually; wheel spin is easy to cause, especially in powerful rear-drive cars.

The car will move around more. Expect it, stay relaxed, and keep your eyes up.

When a tire can’t clear water fast enough, it rides up on a film of water and loses contact with the track: aquaplaning. The steering goes light and the engine may rev as the driven wheels lose grip.

If it happens, ease off the throttle gently, keep the steering straight and don’t brake. Wait for the tires to touch down and grip, then correct gently. Turning or braking while aquaplaning can make the car go sideways the moment grip returns.

Look out for puddles and rivers of water crossing the track, usually in dips and at the bottom of hills. Note them on your first laps and plan a line around them.

Spray from other cars can hide the track and flag stations. Leave more space, defog the inside of the glass before you go out, and check that your wipers work well. Flags are even more important in the wet, so look for each station every lap.

Tires matter most. Street tires with plenty of tread depth handle water far better than worn or track-focused tires. Slicks and many track tires with little or no tread can be dangerous in heavy rain. Wet tracks also keep tires cooler, so hot pressures won’t rise as much as in the dry; check them after the session.

Electronic aids such as ABS, traction and stability control are worth having on in the wet, and many organizers require them on.

There’s no prize for driving in conditions you can’t see through or a car that isn’t set up for them. Sit out if visibility is poor, if your tires are worn or not suited to the wet, if your wipers or defogger aren’t up to it, or if you just don’t feel comfortable.

Organizers may pause or end sessions in heavy rain. If you do go out, it’s a great chance to learn car control at lower speeds, with an instructor in the car.