This is one of my favorite videos of all-time. Even if you’re not a fan of car racing, cars, loafers and white socks, when Ayrton Senna puts them all together on the track, it’s magical. It’s one of those videos that ages like a fine wine. The more I learn about driving, the more I appreciate something like this. He was an artist, musician, and athlete rolled into one.
Senna drove for the storied McLaren-Honda F1 team and it was no secret that the Honda engineers worshiped Senna. He was like no other driver before (or since) in his ability and attention to detail. In this video, Senna is seen demonstrating “heel-toe” technique (this allows the driver to match the RPM on a downshift) in the Acura NSX, which he helped Honda develop in the late 80’s.
I’ll be putting my heel-toe technique to the test this week as I head up to Sonoma Raceway to drive the Pro Mazda for two days. Here’s an on-board look at the exact car and circuit. Gotta love GoPro…
– Peter