How to drive fast in a manual car

Learn how to drive fast in a manual car with our step-by-step guide! In this video, we'll cover essential techniques for launching, upshifting, finding the powerband, and downshifting. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced driver, these tips will help you maximize your car's performance and improve your driving skills.

🔧 Topics Covered:

Launching - Master the perfect start for a fast takeoff. We'll show you how to rev your engine, release the clutch, and accelerate smoothly to avoid wheel spin and maximize speed off the line. Perfect your launch control technique for drag races and fast getaways.

Upshifting - Smooth and quick gear changes for better acceleration. Learn the best RPM range for upshifting, how to match revs, and how to shift gears efficiently to maintain speed without losing momentum. We'll also cover power shifting for even faster gear changes.

Powerband - Find and stay in the optimal power range for maximum speed. Discover how to keep your engine in its sweet spot, where it produces the most power, to get the best performance out of your car. We'll explain how to use the powerband effectively in different driving scenarios, from straight-line acceleration to cornering.

Downshifting - Improve control and speed through corners. Get tips on how to downshift smoothly, match revs, and use heel-toe technique to maintain stability and speed when decelerating.

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00:00 Intro
01:28 Moving off quickly
05:42 Upshifting
08:44 Powerband
10:45 Downshifting + Heel/Toe

[coryestewart]

The M2 takes two business days to shift from 1st to 2nd, but the rest is completely normal haha.

[ChipsAAHoy]

I have a 2004 E46 M3 manual, and this very thought process goes on in my head every time I drive it. This kind of driving takes practice, humility, and patience to get it right, but when you do, it is fabulous and satisfying. I guess I'll have to wait until Mick's USA tour to give him a hug...

Steve -- Ohio, USA

[nspireheroes]

Mick is 100 percent right about practicing quick starts, especially if you are in a new car. The roundabouts where i live are always busy and knowing that i can make gaps is essential.

[goonersgang]

Really enjoyed this video. I drive a manual Kia Rio with 80 BHP. Would love to experience driving a powerful manual car one day

[Andreas-jlnr]

When I found out Mick is Oscar Piastri's UK brother 😱

[mikulaspetricko]

Very nicely putting into words...exactly why I love my manual gearbox

[dimitrisboulios]

The passion in your voice. The understanding of the systems. It's like you're part of the gears. Impressive. I'm gonna rewatch and practice tons.

[SM-prqt]

Thanks mate gonna go try this in my Corsa now 🚗

[alwayslate]

The way this man speaks about manual cars and the explanation that comes with it made me feel all sorta things in my body

[Phrizzey]

this is really good to know for upshifting. I was already "knowledgable" for starting and downshifting but i was just dumping my clutch 1-2/2-3/3-4. Thank you.

[deividasjaciunskas]

I love manuals, since the day I got my license i've been driving non stop for a year just learning, I feel so bad for my poor civic and it's clutch having to deal with my learning haha

[WG_]

I'm a fairly new driver, but have driven for like three or four years, and have never knew about how to upshift. My car thanks you.

[sniperboy]

Its hilarious how you added nope on the speed 😂😂😂

[wrightwoodwork]

The good old traffic light grand prix. Too old for that now but still a useful skill for the roundabout gap od blink and miss it

[vonix]

I had no idea you could just instantly let go of the clutch when launching if you have enough revs, but then again I drive a 110hp renault megane 😂

[oleksandrs]

Bought my first manual Mazda 3 2.5 NA.
Enjoy this content. I feel a lot needed to be learned.

[microndo]

you're very good at explaining things, thank you

[stuntdragn]

This came at the perfect time. I got my Manual M2 2 weeks ago and I’m getting more experience with it (my first manual), and now looking for techniques to be smoother and faster

[Aderin.]

Bro i love the way you explain things 😂 I havent driven a car in my pife but your videos make me feel like i have

[Quirky.Turtle]

Drove a 2003 mini s and the gearbox was amazing. I buttered the 1-2 shift on my first try which is a far cry from what we would expect from a modern car