Instructor’s Insight: Driving Position

News | Solo Instructor's Insights / June 08, 2026

Instructor’s Insight: Driving Position

Instructor’s Insight: Driving Position

Hey fellow OVR Autocrossers! If you’re reading this you’re probably like me and can’t wait until our next event. This is the event when you’ll have it all figured out and emerge victorious (at least that’s the plan)! This edition of Instructor’s Insights focuses on effective Driving Position and why it’s worth paying attention. Consider these two implications of our seating position while driving (and possibly crashing):

· Safety: Proper positioning allows the vehicle’s safety equipment to function as intended. The seat belts, airbags, and seat structure have the best chance to protect you when you’re in the right position. Effective positioning also decreases the chance of input errors while driving.

· Performance: Establishing a secure position in the seat helps your mind and body focus on executing your plan of attack. Poor positioning results in the driver splitting their focus between driving the car and “holding on.” This is a common mistake for novices.

The following tips are “rules of thumb” pertaining to seating position. Follow the steps below then fine tune to suit your liking.

Seat Adjustment:

1. Sit in the vehicle and move the upright seat back to an 80 degree angle. Novice drivers tend to have the seat back too reclined for effective support.

2. Move the seat bottom into a position where your feet can operate each pedal with your heels on the floor. Knees should have a comfortable slight bend. From this position the driver should be able to push themselves into the lower seat back when pressing on the pedals.

3. Adjust the steering wheel height so that there is no interference with the upper thigh.

4. Stretch arms forward over the top of the steering wheel. Adjust the steering wheel depth so the wrist is directly over the top of the wheel. *Slight movement of the seat base and seat back may be needed to reach a secure and comfortable position. Try to maintain slightly bent knees and the 80-ish degree recline angle. Arms should be comfortable with a 45-ish degree bend. Your driving position should look similar to the picture below (upright seating but comfortable and ready to attack!).

5. Adjust and fasten seatbelt. *** Top Tip!! Ask a veteran OVR member how to “lock” your OEM seatbelt into position for increased support.

May be an image of text that says 'Figure 1'

Steering wheel hand placement:

Steering wheel hand placement has more “schools of thought” than seating position. Essentially, whatever works for you has merit. However, I do recommend starting with the position and movements below:

1. Place BOTH hands on the wheel at either the 9-3 or 10-2 position as pictured in figure 2 below. From here, you should be comfortable while turning either left or right 90 degrees from center.

2. Focus on maintaining both hands on the wheel during the entire run and avoid holding on to the shifter.

3. Make steering adjustments using force from both hands. This gives you strength to make quick and accurate motions to steer along your anticipated path.

May be an illustration of toy and text that says 'Figure 2'

Hope this helps. See you on grid!