Decisions In The Moment

So you've done your training and your mental prep, now it's time to KICK UP A GEAR.
But what do you do when things don't quite go as planned? How do you make winning decisions at a moment's notice and manage to keep your edge (and your mind on the task)?

The Art Of Decision Making

Making decisions in the heat of the moment takes great awareness. And this awareness is the ‘secret’ many top contenders use to compete at higher levels of competition. It is the ability to read the situation and anticipate what's going to happen next.

Relax
In a relaxed state of alertness you can more accurately see, hear and feel (yes, feelings about a situation are valid) how you are performing and how the competition is doing.

Centre
When we perform at our best, we need to be fully present and clearly focussed on what we are doing at that particular moment. Like a spotlight, our attention and focus allows us to see the right things at the right time.

Alertness and Concentration
Performing at your peak will be determined largely by your ability to be alert while under stress. You must be confident in your training and abilities and tap into your mind, body, creativity and talent to react in the right way at the right time – even if things aren’t going according to plan.

Our Pros Talk Decision Making

Your mind is said to be thinking about 46 different things from brake pressure, gear position, judgement of distance and speed, throttle position, lean angle. So, I think a lot before a race about all the different scenarios that may arise so when something does happen and I have to make a snap decision, I have already mentally prepared for it and I just do it.

Being in the Zone:
I run or cycle around every circuit before the weekend to get the layout in my head and imagine going round it at night. I like everyone in the garage to be having fun and enjoying their work and having a positive attitude no matter the situation, that always gets me in the zone.

- James Ellison

It can be difficult to make decisions when things aren’t going to plan. I just try and follow my instincts and plan a couple of corners ahead. You have to factor in everything that’s happened, can happen, and even things you don’t expect to happen because when you’re racing, not everything is always in your control. Key decisions can make a positive or a negative difference, and I had experiences of both last season. For example at Mallory Park I didn’t qualify as high as I’d hoped and so made the decision to take a lot of speed into the first corner and try and overtake those in front around the outside. However, a rider alongside me sat-up and hit my break lever and I crashed out of the race.

Being in the Zone:
Remaining calm, riding the circuit in my head, thinking through what I need to do and how I can improve on the last session.

- Leon Camier

When it comes to actually sitting at the start of a stage, I have to make sure that I’m in the right frame of mind and focused ahead. I just need to block everything out. The key is to stay relaxed, visualise the stage, remind myself of the key objectives and then drive as fast as I can!

Being in the Zone:
It is important that my co-driver and I are both on the same page; that he knows what I’ll do and I know what he’ll do. If he loses his place in the pace notes for whatever reason (doesn’t happen often at all!) he needs to know and be confident that I’ll then take over and continue driving until he regains his place.

- Matt Wilson

Instinct plays a huge part in decision making. Sometimes you just don't have the time to make a decision and just have to go with a gut feeling. I decide as I get into the car that if there is a small gap to take, any chance I get I will take it.

Being in the Zone:
Everything happens so fast out there and you have to be ready to make the most of any chance to KICK UP A GEAR off the back of another driver's mistake – one small thing can be the margin between first and second.

- Jonny Adam

In our sport it is all about the little gaps and taking your opportunity when it comes about. You have to attack or you will be attacked! Decision making for us is key to how we do on the track. It is true to say that a lot of it is natural instinct but I have managed to add to this over the years with experience.

Being in the Zone:
It is important to have that 'killer instinct' and you have to have a positive mind set. I have a positive attitude and I will always try and overtake any car in front of me.