Tsunoda and Lawson test stock cars on dirt track

Formula 1 drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson stepped away from their single-seaters for a day to tackle a completely different challenge: stock cars on a dirt track in Texas. The challenge required adapting to a less aerodynamic machine and dealing with the unique characteristics of both the track and stock cars, necessitating a rethink of techniques typically used in a Formula 1 car. Guided by their mentors, Shane van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch, Lawson and Tsunoda faced challenges that pushed them beyond their usual comfort zone in Formula 1.

The Mentors

For this experience, Shane van Gisbergen, a three-time Australian Supercars champion and recent competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series, mentored Liam Lawson. Van Gisbergen is known for his adaptability and recently set a record lap speed of 199.438 mph at Talladega in a NASCAR car. Meanwhile, young driver Connor Zilisch, who made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut this year with a victory at Watkins Glen at age 18, trained Yuki Tsunoda.

Three Challenges on the Dirt Oval

The day began with a theoretical session where the Formula 1 drivers learned that the stock cars they would be driving only have three brakes—there is no front-right brake, changing the dynamics in turns significantly. Additionally, Shane van Gisbergen provided a crucial tip: “use the brake and throttle more than the steering to guide the car in corners.” The key was finding the balance, a stark contrast to what F1 demands.

To put these lessons into practice, three challenges were designed before the final race. Each driver had to complete them to demonstrate mastery of the techniques required for navigating a dirt circuit.

Finding the Ideal Line

Six sets of cones were placed on the circuit to force Tsunoda and Lawson to approach corners with the right blend of speed and control. The objective was to learn the difference between the high line, offering more speed, and the low line, which required braking earlier to avoid cone collisions or losing control.

Corner Speed

This challenge was about finding the perfect balance between speed and control. The drivers had to go fast enough to not lose time but not so fast that they would spin out. The corner presented a true test of precision.

Qualifying Lap

The goal was to determine the starting grid for the main race, requiring the drivers to post their fastest lap possible. Just 0.0461 seconds separated the two, setting the stage for a tense final showdown.

Final Race: Tsunoda Takes the Lead

After adapting their technique to the demands of the dirt oval and stock cars, Yuki Tsunoda emerged as the victor. Sporting the number “22,” Tsunoda’s win was the result of a precise execution of the lessons provided by his coach Connor Zilisch. This unique racing experience, far from the usual Formula 1 circuits, highlighted the importance of adaptability and effective mentorship in a new setting.