For anyone rolling their own...

Here's a great shot showing the seating position relative to the wheel (top of wheel just under nose - LoL).

It's very important to have your seat/wheel/pedals positioned to give the most comfortable and efficient driving experience.

After seeing some really creative and cool looking home built cockpits, one of the things I've noticed is one or more of the 3 components will be in a less than ideal position.

I didn't intend for this to go this long, but this information might be useful to those of you who have or will build your own cockpit (also something to look out for when purchasing a pre-built cockpit).

I'll make this in 3 sections with the wheel stuff first.

1) Wheel position:
The wheel position is very important. The ideal position is one where you take advantage of your strongest arm muscles to lesson fatigue and be able to react quickly with the least amount of effort.
Most setups have the wheel too far forward and/or too low. In a long race you will soon feel it in your shoulders as these are the muscles you will be using with your wheel in these positions. I know it looks cool to drive around in your trick road car with your arms all stretched out, you just don't want to be racing for 2+ hours in that position. LoL
By locating your wheel closer and higher relative to your seating position, you will not get as tired and have much better control while racing. Both your shoulder and upper arm muscles are used, making for a much less fatiguing driving position with better control of your car.

If your wheel position isn't like the one in the above picture, your assignment for this 1st installment is to get that wheel adjusted! : )

To be continued...

Dan

I have built two cockpits so far. The first one I was always messing with and never really got it right. This second one took me almost a year but it is now perfect I can run an hour and half race and then practice for another couple hours no problem.

Whats comfortable in the garage after a 12 pack isnt always comfortable in the race room when you are all tensed up for the big race.

LoL

"Whats comfortable in the garage after a 12 pack isnt always comfortable in the race room when you are all tensed up for the big race."

What you need is a stiff shot of Doctor Hattingh's secret to eliminate pre-race jitters and tense nerves...

Dan is a fast learner... I like it :)
Who said you cant teach an old dog new tricks eh :)

Dan, That is exactly how mine is set-up.

BTW...forget the Tequila...Add

LoL, I may have to change this thread to "Stop pre-race jitters"! hehe