Words: Jonathan Wells
There are certain automotive acrobatics that every man should be able to execute with both panache and proficiency. And, chief amongst them, is the handbrake turn.
Be it to gain the upper hand in a race, or to evade a tail in pursuit driving, this motoring manoeuvre was designed to literally get you out of – or around – a tight spot, and is not only visually impressive, but physically challenges the limitations of your car.
The surface on which you pull a handbrake turn will largely dictate how successful it is. A low friction surface will work best, as it will allow the back end to slide around the corner, or turning point, more effectively.
As you approach the corner, you should be travelling at no more than 30mph – and be in either first or second gear. Too slow and you won’t achieve the required amount of rotation. Too fast and you may spin out, or completely miss your mark.
When nearing the turning point, bring your foot up off the accelerator – which will transfer weight to the front wheels, afford maximum grip to the front end, and allow for a swift and solid turn into the manoeuvre.
Your hands should be set in such a way that you can perform a long, fluid turn of the wheel without shifting them. To achieve this, place your left hand at 1 o’clock on the wheel, and your right hand at 7 o’clock – however counter-intuitive and uncomfortable this may feel.
As you enter the corner, turn hard – aiming to apex halfway around your turning point.
As you turn, depress the clutch and pull the handbrake up both swiftly and strongly. Ensure that you use your thumb to hold down the release button (this will prevent the ratchet engaging) as you will be taking the handbrake off again almost immediately.
As the back wheels lock up, your back end will begin to slide around, and this will tighten your turning circle markedly.
As the back wheels slide around, let the steering wheel slip back through your hands until your front wheels are pointing where you want to go. Ensure that you don’t let go of the wheel, and let it return to its original position in a controlled manner – but still try to let the lock come off in as fluid a manner as you put it on.
When you have reached the desired recovery position, release your handbrake, put the car into first gear and raise the clutch with enough revs to spin your wheels and hold your car in the direction in which you want to pull away.
Follow these steps, and the handbrake turn will come simply. Overthink, or attempt the manoeuvre with too much confidence, and that’s when things are likely to go wrong. Remember – you’re not in a Hollywood film and, unfortunately in the real world, physics exist.
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