Efficiency would always win over plain brute force — every time. In racing, particularly in auto cross racing — wherein precision is gold — this is crucial. I've learned this the hard way, especially when competing in Toyota's Auto Cross Challenge for the past three years. Yes, the aggression and the speed will always come into play, especially in high-octane, adrenaline-pumped races. But when it comes down to the wire, the racer with the most efficient technique would always — most likely — end up on top of the podium.
We might have seen how Lewis Hamilton or perhaps Max Verstappen grind on the Formula One race track. Yes, both drivers may tend to be aggressive, particularly on tight corners, in overtaking and on the straights. This kind of driving style works in circuit racing — yes — but not in auto cross racing. Like what I've always said, this particular type of racing is a different kind of animal. Perhaps, Sebastian Vettel's would even thrive here better?
To put it simply, imagine the car as your own physical body. Let's say you're playing basketball and your number one objective is to shoot the ball efficiently to be able to win the game. Most of us know basketball as a game of brute force and aggression, with the likes of Dennis Rodman and Draymond Green. But as you observe more and get better insight, the most effective players are the ones with most efficiency, say Stephen Curry and Lebron James. They use their energies more effectively; they are more relaxed and see the whole court in a different perspective than the average ones. They shoot with more precision, have better shot selection, pass the ball at the right time, so on and so forth. Why is this so?
I believe because they are more relaxed. And since they are more relaxed, they get to think better and have better grasp of the game.
The car, more or less, applies the same kind of science. When you're not pushing it beyond its limits, it performs better. When you drive it more smoothly in a slalom course, applying the "slow in, fast out" technique, you get faster time. When you're braking early on a wet track, you commit lesser mistakes, so on and so forth.
Beginner's luck
Another sport I would love to compare car racing with is triathlon. Both are more on the same platform, dealing with time, speed and efficiency.
To start off, it was my first time to join a triathlon competition just over two weeks ago. It was the Race for our Heroes Beginner's Triathlon and from the words themselves, it was a charity event worth joining as proceeds would go to the families of our fallen soldiers. It was attended by over 200 triathletes both competing in the advanced and beginners categories. Yours truly, being a neophyte in the sport, participated in the super sprint category, composed of a 400-meter swim, 10-kilometer bike and a 2.5-kilometer run. Good thing, I was able to prepare for it for several months as part of my daily fitness regimen. And to cut the story short, my hard work paid off as I was able to capture second place in my own category despite it being my first time. Not bad.
Now, what I've learned was that technique played a crucial role in getting the best results. In swimming, particularly — form — together with the right technique is better than just hitting the water with all your strength and just striking aimlessly like a drowning poodle. Here, you have to meticulously pace yourself. Otherwise, you would end up burning yourself early, having no more energy to compete in the next two disciplines. In the water, your body must simulate how a boat or a fish moves on or through the water. Again, to be able to do this, your body must relax to be able to perform with utmost efficiency. You have to move fluidly and smoothly through the water. What I've observe was that participants with the best form and technique mostly ended up on the podium.
The same mindset applies in both biking and running.
To sum it all up, I would like to leave a quote from a legendary mixed martial artist, Helio Gracie: "Always assume that your opponent will always be bigger, stronger and faster than you; so that you learn to rely on technique, timing and leverage, rather than brute strength."
With this, one can apply this mindset in any kind of sport, or in any competition for that matter. And, if we get to grow balls and be wiser, maybe in life, too.
