Downshifting
 

At a couple of the tracks I have done DE's there were long straights that produces good speed(110/115) and then into a sharp corner. I am in 4th at the end of the straight and have been shifting into 3rd but I think I need 2nd. I tried to downshift from 4th to 2nd, but it didn 't seem to work. What is the solution to this? My heel/toe technique is not very good, this is what I will be concentrating on for the next few DE's, but what I need to know is do I go from 4th to 3rd, and then to 2nd or is there a way to go from 4th to 2nd. I am just losing too much trying to come out of the corner in 3rd. Bill

Different drivers use different methods.

I see no advantage in running through the gears while downshifting for a corner. Deep straight line braking and select the right gear for full throttle corner exit at the end of the braking zone, just before turn in. My heel/toe will often be a bit muddled while focusing on the breaking points and corner entrance speeds as I dial in each corner. A crisp heel/toe downshift is not required but it does make for a smooth, settled corner entry.

If you are still working on heel/toe skills you can practice them on the street at moderate speed until you get comfortable with it. Every rolling 90 degree right turn is a great opportunity to practice heel/toe downshifts. Trying to learn and perfect your technique at 120+mph with limited track runoff can be dangerous.