When chasing another car on a race track, certain adjustments must be made to safely maintain proximity (and pass the car ahead when the time is right). The most important but not the most apparent change is during the braking zones, specifically the initial brake application.

Adjusting your brake application when following closely is a crucial skill for any racer. It's not just about staying close to the car ahead but also being prepared to pass when the opportunity arises. This skill can make or break a race, and it's not as common as it should be, at least in sim racing.

The Misconception

When you are closely chasing another car, you might believe you will both drive in sync. You might attempt to hit your usual braking markers, assuming the car ahead will brake at the same place, and thus, you'll maintain (or decrease) the gap ahead during the braking zone.

However, this method can lead to disaster. Even if it works occasionally, it's just a matter of time before you find yourself panic-braking, overshooting the corner, or, worst of all, rear-ending the car ahead. This mistake is all too common.

The Trick: Lifting Early

The trick is simple: lift early and lightly drag the brakes during the initial braking phase, progressively increasing the brake pressure in response to the car ahead. This simple method allows you to easily manage the gap to the car ahead. It prevents a panicked reaction to their brake application.

Implementing this method may take some practice, but the transformation it brings to your racecraft will be worth it. You'll be surprised to see that you lose little to no lap time by following this method. It helps you avoid collisions and prepares you to optimize the corner for the exit, giving you a better chance to overtake the car ahead. This should be motivation enough to start practicing it right now.

This video isn't necessarily a great example of the method (it is just a clip I had handy), but you can see how I modulate the brake pressure to maintain or close the gap to the car ahead in the braking zones, which allows me to get a proper corner exit. This netted me a pass, and the ability to closely chase the E92 M3 ahead, which I eventually passed later in the race.

Manage the Gap, Protect the Exit

If you follow too closely, you may have to check up hard at the end of the braking zone or mid-corner, which can kill your exit speed. Carefully managing the gap will allow you to achieve proper mid-corner and exit speeds, thus enabling you to stay close or overtake on the next straightaway. It also gives you extra space to spot your visual cues in the braking zone, which can be tricky when you're glued to someone's bumper.

If you know that you can out-brake the car in front and are going to attempt a pass in the braking zone, this won't apply. However, you might still use this method for a few corners to assess the car in front and identify your strengths + their weaknesses.

Practice Makes Perfect

If this method seems simple, that's because it is. It's a straightforward approach that can make following cars closely much safer and less stressful.

Alex K. exemplifies the method particularly well into Turn 1 in this clip. Credit: SymTV.

Sim racing is an ideal environment for practicing this method. After you lift off the throttle and start braking early, gradually increase the pressure based on the position of the car ahead of you. The middle and end phases of the braking zone should feel familiar. In the end phase, you can still trail off the brake pressure while keeping the appropriate distance from the car you're following.

Parting Thoughts

Once you've mastered this method, you'll wonder why you didn't use it before. It's a game-changer that can significantly improve your racing experience.