How to "Heel & Toe" Downshift This example illustrates a single heel-toe downshift from 3rd gear to 2nd gear.
Step #1 – Acceleration We typically start from full throttle acceleration down a straight towards a corner.
Step #2 – Start Braking Lift the right foot from the accelerator pedal, carefully place the ball of the foot on the right side of the brake pedal, and slow the car with appropriate braking. It may help to keep the heel of the right foot slightly off of the floor.
Step #3 – Begin the Downshift Nearing the end of the braking zone, the left foot moves to and depresses the clutch pedal. The hand begins the downshift.
Step #4 – The “Blip” The right foot rotates on the ball of the foot until a portion of the shoe overlaps the accelerator pedal. As the shift lever passes through neutral, the right heel gives a quick push of the accelerator pedal and then is just as quickly released. This “blip” increases the
engine speed. The ball of the right foot continues its constant, smooth pressure on the brake pedal throughout the maneuver, without disruption from the “blip”.
Step #5 – Complete the Downshift The shift lever is in the new gear and the left foot smoothly releases the clutch, as the right foot continues easing off the brake.
Step #6 – Complete Braking The down shift is complete. The right foot can now rotate off the accelerator pedal. The right foot completes the braking with a smooth release of the brake pedal.
Step #7 – Accelerate The right foot moves over to the gas pedal to assume the normal position; at first only to maintain the pressure needed to sustain the vehicle speed though the initial part of the corner (“maintenance throttle”), then pressure is gradually applied as the steering wheel is straightened to accelerate out of the turn.
Done correctly the engine speed generated by the throttle blip is sufficient so that as the clutch is released the engine speed matches the car’s wheel speed. There should be no undesired change in brake pressure as the throttle is “blipped”. There should be no perceptible lurch of the car when the clutch is released.
bv rev 12/4/2015 Heel & Toe Shifting
The Heel and Toe technique is the ability to use three pedals (clutch, brake, and accelerator) with two feet. It really should be called “Ball of the Foot/Side of the Foot”. Let’s see why:
1. The objective of “heel and toe” is to be able to brake for a turn, select the proper gear for that turn, complete the shift while continuing consistent braking, and then use the throttle to adjust weight shift throughout the turn for maximum control of your car.
2. In a situation that requires braking and a gear change, remove your foot from the accelerator and step on the brake pedal with the ball of your right foot. The ball of your foot gives you the most “feel” and allows you to control the amount of pressure you are applying to the brakes.
3. The brakes should be applied smoothly while increasing the pressure as is needed. Do not jam on the brakes suddenly as this may cause one or more of the wheels to lock up causing a loss of car control.
4. When the speed of your car has been reduced sufficiently to select the next lower gear, depress the clutch with your left foot while continuing to apply pressure on the brake pedal with the ball of your right foot.
5. At the moment the clutch disengages, the engine speed will drop to an idle. If you were to change gears now and let the clutch out, the engine may be at 1000 RPM’s while the transmission is turning at 4,000 RPM’s. When the clutch engages something has to give; either the clutch will slip and cause your car to jerk or the rear wheels will slip and cause your car to jerk. In either case, you will upset the balance of your car and you could lose control.
6. Therefore, just a split second after depressing the clutch and before the engine speed drops too much, roll your right foot over onto the accelerator pedal using the right side of your foot, and while maintaining the same pressure on the brake pedal, quickly and briefly press (or “blip”) the throttle.
7. The “blip” will get the engine RPM’s up so that as you change gears and let the clutch out, the engine and transmission will be going the same speed and the gear change will be smooth.
Here is a link to a video showing toe-heel down shifting. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsDKKKchAL0
Here is another video with Ayrton Senna driving in street clothes and loafers. His foot work is worth watching the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96ekbvjyr0g
… An advanced technique you will see being used in those videos is left foot braking: Left Foot Braking Explained (Team O’Neil Rally School): https://youtu.be/xl7O01h7MU4
bv rev 11/5/2016