Took my very first AutoX class a month ago (was sponsored by the PCA) and my instructor showed me where to properly put my hands on the steering wheel, at 9 and 3, not 10 and 2. Bondaurant (sp?) also says the same thing.

My question to ya'll is that I can't seem to really hold the wheel very well in that position, there's nothing to really hold on. I have found it's more comfortable and I feel like there's a bit more control at 9 and 3 when my index fingers are straight across the backside of the steering wheel, pointing towards each other, my thumbs along the front of the wheel, and the rest of my fingers wrapped around the wheel below the spokes.

It's either that, or I've found that roughly 9:30 and 2:30 ~ seem to be more comfortable as well.

Your thoughts??

 

I like, 10 and 3 a little better actually, or 9 and 2. Mostly depends on which side has more shar turns which makes me turn the wheel more than 1/4 turns. Its actually not that good ( my point of view) to have 9 and 3 on a car like s200 which has very sharp and sensitive steering. If you make a mistake with 9 and 3 you will oversteer and spin out I belive due to too much steering. Also since your hands are exactl at the same angle against each other, you dont have that edge of pulling the steering wheel for countersteer. At least this is my opinion and where I feel comfortable. Everybody is diffefent I have even seen poeple race with a 10 and 2 grip too.

 

If you are having trouble keeping your hands at the 9 and 3 postions, you may want to adjust your seat. It is quite possible that you either have the seat too close or too far from the wheel. Practice your range of motion while the car is in the pits and double check your seating position.

 

There are some generally accepted "best practices" when it comes to driver position in a car, but there is still room for individual preference. I wouldn't quibble between 10-2 and 9-3. As long as your seating position is good, and you have the correct extension to the steering wheel, either hand position will give good results. Some of your comfort (or lack thereof) may be related to steering wheel design as well. I really like the S2000 wheel design, but others don't find it to be as comfortable.

 

i don't think there is a 100% correct way.... .just like some race drivers grip the steering wheel while others just use their finger tips...... some racers shuffle the steering wheel and others twist their arms almost 360 degrees......

I am not an auto-xer but on the road course I go with what I am comfortable with.......

 

great, guys, thanks.

I think my seat postion is pretty good - going by what 'the pros' say, I can place the bottom of my wrists on the top of the steering wheel. Thanks for the insight, wanted to make sure I wasn't shooting myself in the ole proverbial foot.

 

Gonna toss in my .02.

Generally speaking 9&3 is better becuase you're steering input wont be effected by hard cornering as much. Have a buddy sit next to you, have hands @10&2 and have you're friend 'push' you from the side. You tend to steer the direction you are getting pushed. Do the same @9&3 and you wont steer to the side as much.

Also generally speaking, you're arm extended out in front of you, you're wrist should come even w/the top of steering wheel. Also you should be able to grip the right 1/2 of the wheel with you're left arm and not have you're sholder blade come off the seat. You're butt should be back in the seat and before I do any runs I usually 'lock' my seatbelt tight to hold me in place.

What I have not heard is 'proper' leg placement, I think this one is best just to feel out.