Copyright © 1999

Porsche Club of America Out For A Spin October, 1999 Bruce Corwin Bruce968@PorscheNet.com

The human brain is an amazing machine, which during high performance driving processes an incredible volume of data. The brain is receiving input from the ears, which is a complex blend of sounds, and manages to pick out certain frequencies to determine engine RPMs as well as a variety of other important sounds, such as tire squeal or other sounds that might indicate problems. Meanwhile, tactile input is coming from the hands, feet and seat of the pants. Combined with inner-ear equilibrium input, the brain somehow calculates G-forces and determines grip and slip angles at the four corners of the car. Inputs from the nose are monitored and occasionally detect chemical traces of various hot substances, which are analyzed to determine source (hot brakes or something on fire?) The largest amount of data though is visual. Combined with the other data, the brain determines the car's location, velocity and trajectory while analyzing the view ahead to evaluate track conditions, flag stations and the path of other nearby vehicles. And this is just the input processing.
 
Meanwhile, the brain is coordinating body parts, sometimes steering with one hand, shifting with the other hand, while actuating the clutch, brake and gas all at the same time! Each of these actions, for example steering with one hand, can involve the precise coordination of dozens of muscles. While all this is happening, the brain is also managing body functions such as breathing and keeping your heart beating. How can your brain do all this? The answer is that basically you have two brains.
 
When I learned to drive in my parents' Ford van, I remember having to concentrate so hard on driving that I couldn't carry on a conversation at the same time. Just trying to keep that van in it's own lane, with about 3 inches of play in the wheel, required my full concentration. Now, like most people, I have to make a point of paying attention while I drive.
 
When you are learning to perform a task, whether it be walking or driving, in the beginning much of the thinking is going on consciously in the analytical side of the cerebrum (the left side for right handed people.) After you do something enough, it becomes automatic and is processed subconsciously, mostly by the right side of the brain, but also by the cerebellum, which is situated between the brain stem and the back of the cerebrum. The more stuff you can process in these parts of the brain, the better. It's like running down the stairs when you suddenly start to think about the placement of your feet and then trip. Your brain can actually perform better in subconscious mode. When an athlete is functioning at maximum performance (known as being "in the zone") the left side of the brain is very relaxed and doing little work. Meanwhile the subconscious part of the brain is running at full power. Athletes operating in this mode often feel as if they are watching a movie, with everything happening automatically.
 
Practice makes perfect. If you practice enough, driving skills will be hard-wired into your brain and your actions will be controlled "subcortically". So instead of thinking about driving, you can "Just do it"!