Shuffle Streeing

I have ridden with Mark Chiles, who is a National Champion in SCCA Solo II, and observed his method of shuffle steering.

His hands are placed in the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock position, palms up. If he is going to turn right, he keeps his left hand at 8 o'clock but relaxes his grip, then he moves his right hand to 6 o'clock, if that is not enough input, grips the wheel with his left hand, slides his right ti the 4 o'clock position, grips with his right while relaxing the left, and moves the right toward the 6 o,clock position again. He does the reverse when he wants the car to go straight. The point is that one hand feeds the other hand, and at no time does any hand go over 12 o'clock, and the hands never cross.

This sounds awkward, and feels awkward when you first try it. But, it does work. many of the top autocrossers use this method. The key to getting good times is to be smooth, which in large part means slow and smooth input to the steering wheel.

A very good way to learn this method, and other good driving tips, is to have a driver like Danny Shields drive your car with you as a passenger. Bill and Elliot Harvey are also National Champs who could offer assistance.

I hope this gives you an idea about what shuffle steering is. Practice using it when you drive daily and it will feel natural on the tracki.