Is Racing More Physical or Mental?

For years this question has been debated and we are going to set the record straight... or at least make the record not as crooked. In Ross Bently's book Ultimate Speed Secrets,he describes how all physical acts of driving start in the brain. So is 100% of being a successful driver mental?.... Not until we can drive our cars with our minds, driving  will always contain some sort of physical activity. Although I agree that the mental aspect of racing such as mental programming, imaging, focus,etc are the most important, how do we get an edge on our competition? Easy,look at the best drivers in the world and use them as a model for our success. I picked people from NASCAR to World Rally Championship to shed some light on this point. Who has won the most races in NASCAR? Jimmy Johnson,and he is no lazy mcdazy. He was featured in  March  2012 Mens Health Magazine http://www.mensfitness.com/leisure/sports/jimmie-johnson Describing his workout regimen. Sebastien Loeb was a successful Gymnast before embarking on his WRC domination. Jenson Button is a Triathlete. Sebastian Loeb commented" F1 drivers are in the greatest physical condition". Looking at just some drivers in the world makes it hard to deny,physical fitness gives you an edge. Scientists have been researching the connection between brain function and exercise for years. There is no doubt that exercise improves memory,faster brain function,even the production of new brain cells. Check this out,a write up by  MK McGovern. http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro05/web2/mmcgovern.html  .

The brain is the core of all successful drivers,and exercise makes the brain function with greater speed and efficiency, so its like adding a turbo to your brain. This being true its safe to say exercise will make you a better driver. However,Being in peak physical doesn't make you Michael Schumacher, it will add another piece to the puzzle. Want to start gaining an edge on your competition all the while feeling better about yourself creating more confidence than you already have(if that's possible you cocky race car driver)? Start by simply getting your heart rate up to a point were you take deep breaths for at least 15 minutes a day(30 min preferred). Remember its not about how hard you work out, it's really about consistency.So don't get all gung ho for two days and get burnt out. Just do something every day for at least 15-30 min. Got questions or comments? Let them rip,here or on my facebok page  http://www.facebook.com/Triple7Racer .