I personally love using a predictive timer while driving, there is nothing quite like getting that instant feedback on if you improved or not. That being said, I more often than not see drivers using them wrong. Let's cover some best practices for when you're using a predictive timer:
-
Know when to look at it: I only look at my predictive timer on a straight away and I do it early on the straight. If you are glancing down at your predictive timer anywhere close to a brake zone, or during a complex of connected corners your eyes and instantly too low.
-
Have perspective: It's important to know what your predictive timer is relative too - meaning who set the fast lap. and when was it set. If the fast lap was set in the morning session when it was cooler out and now in the afternoon you seem to be losing time everywhere it can start to become frustrating which leads to overdriving. Avoid this trap at all costs!
-
Have a refocus trigger: Raise your hand if you have been on a really good lap and coming into the final corner you look down and see -1.23 seconds and think to yourself, "holy shit, this is going to be a really good lap. I just need to not screw up the final corner." Then what happens? We tentatively brake a little early and boom a lot of that gain is gone. 🙋♂️ I've done this hundreds of times! The key is to be able to not let your laptimer throw you off mentally. Having a refocus trigger helps to be able to look at the timer and then get back into the zone. For me, it's simply using my breathe, but you'll need to find your own.
