Welcome to the Masterclass. 
This is where you’re going to learn how to really drive an IndyCar Series car. 
We’re also going to look at other aspects of IndyCar Series racing, such as pit strategy, and awareness and passing.
The aim is to give you an edge over your competitors. 
Let’s start with the basics. This is where you’ll learn to do it for real, 
so it’s time to turn off the driving assists, and get used to working the manual systems such as the gears, the fuel mixture switch and the weight jacker.
You may find that this will make your car more difficult to handle at first, but persevere; it’s the key to the fastest lap times.
Every race begins with a rolling start, as this is the safest way to get everyone running. 
You have to maintain formation during the warm-up laps; this formation is the qualification order, 
and it’s against the rules to pass until you’ve reached the start-finish line.
This race is about to start. Once the pace car peels off, it’s up to the driver on pole to accelerate to race speed. 
Then everyone else can speed up, waiting for the green flag to fly. 
As soon as the pole driver crosses the start line, the race is on.
Remember, at the start of the race you can’t pass until you have reached the start line, 
so keep a close eye on the car in front or beside you, otherwise you’ll be penalized.
Using the manual gears is not as hard as you may think. 
While you’ve got six of them, you’re only ever going to use three during racing 
as gears one to three are your restart gears; for getting out of the pits, during rolling starts and restarts.
Lets look at that race start again. 
This is the currently selected gear; this driver is in second gear for the start. 
And this is the rev limiter. When these lights hit the center red zone, it’s time to change gear. 
Don’t keep it in the red for too long or you'll blow your engine!
Depending on the track and your car setup, you’ll be running in fifth gear for most of the race. 
You can slip it back into fourth gear if you approach slower back markers 
to get that extra boost in acceleration for passing.
Sixth gear is for drafting, which we’re going to cover in the next lesson.
Finally, to be a better driver you need to master your steering.
The cars are highly sensitive, and the slightest jerk of the wheel can dramatically alter your track position.
You need to keep it smooth. Try not to weave across the track, or you’re likely to hit the wall or smash into another car. 
Aim to keep your car on the racing line, also known as ‘the groove,’ as much as possible. 
If you can do this, you’ll get better lap times, as you’re less likely to need to slow down.
An easy way to spot the groove is to look for where the tire rubber has been laid down in the past. 
As a race progresses, deposits of tire rubber will build up in the groove 
and you’ll find more grip, leading to faster lap times.
During a race, we hardly ever use the brakes during cornering. It’s just not needed. 
If you find yourself drifting towards the wall like this guy, 
all you need to do is lift off the throttle and your car will come around as your speed reduces. 
But, obviously, you want to keep your speed up at all times; otherwise it’ll cost you places. 
So remember; keep it in the groove.
All right enough talk, time to get you on the track.
This is a basic test intended to get you used to a car with no assists and manual gears. 
First up we’re going to simulate a race start so you know what to do when you’re on pole. 
This will also give you a chance to work up through the gears.
Once you’re on your way, I want you to complete one full lap. 
To keep it even more simple, we’re going to lose these guys.
Follow the pace car until the driver peels off from the track, and then put your foot down – 
and don’t forget to change gear! 
Do one full lap and return to the start line within the time limit.
One last thing before you go. 
As we want this to be as authentic as possible, your car will be prone to full damage. 
You’ve got to learn control it so if you come off the track or crash your car, you fail the test.
Three, two, one, GO!
Hey don’t worry; you’ll get it next time.
Well done – you made it around. Bronze medal.
Good time – well done. That’s a silver medal.
Excellent time, great use of the racing line. You’ve got the gold.