How to Double Clutch for Racing

Double clutching is necessary in some racing cars

When automobile racing, sometimes it may be necessary to double clutch the manual transmission to achieve a perfect shift in which the gears synchronize with engine speed. Double clutching is not extremely difficult; however, it does take some practice. Once this art of driving is perfected, smoother shifting may help win the race.

Instructions

1. Stop accelerating the vehicle and depress the clutch.

2. Put the gear in neutral and let the clutch out. The gear should be in neutral for less than a second so the gears and engine can synchronize speeds.

3. Press the clutch and shift into the next gear while giving the vehicle the correct amount of gas so the car does not jerk.

Tips & Warnings

• Double clutching will reduce the amount of wear on the clutch plates because the speed of the gears and the engine will be in sync, reducing the amount of grinding that occurs. Single clutching results in more grinding pressure on the plates, causing them to wear out more quickly.

• Some racing vehicles are set up without electronic systems that synchronize the gears with the engine. In these cars, double clutching is necessary to protect the gears and the engine from wear.

References

• Motorpoint: "How to Double Clutch"
• Triumph Spit Fire: "Heel and Toe and Double Clutch"
• Tegger: "How to Double Clutch and Why"