Seat Control and Mirror Positioning Image of Orange Race Car

Seat & Control Setup: Foundations of High-Performance Driving

 

Before you even fire up the engine, your first job is to set yourself up for control. The right seating & mirror positioning is often overlooked—but critical foundations of high-performance driving. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about safety, steering and brakes giving you confidence and control.

Seating Positioning When Driving High Performance Vehicles

Seat & Control Setup Checklist

1. Seat Height & Distance

  • Your hips should be level with your knees.
  • You should be able to fully press the pedals without locking your legs. Slight bend in the knees = perfect.

2. Pedal Access

  • Feet should land on the pedals naturally.
  • You want smooth, confident transitions between the throttle, brake, and (if applicable) clutch using your heel as a pivot point.

3. Seat Back Angle

  • Aim for a slight recline—between 100–110°.
  • This supports your spine and keeps you stable under braking and cornering.

4. Visibility

  • Adjust your seat and mirrors so you can clearly see the track ahead and into your mirrors without straining. If you can see a lot of paint in side mirrors, then extend mirrors out.
  • You should feel alert, not hunched or craning.

5. Steering Wheel Position

  • Wrists should rest on top of the wheel when arms are extended.
  • With hands at 9 & 3, you should have a natural bend in your elbows—no hunching or stretching.

6. Mirrors

  • Proper mirror setup means no blind spots.
  • Driver’s Side: Lean your head against the window, then adjust until you just barely see the side of your car. *No Paint
  • Passenger Side: Lean to the center of the car, adjust the mirror so the edge of your car is just visible. *Wide
  • Mirrors overlap your side vision, not duplicate it.

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