On Thursday night, there was a mandatory meeting for LDRC racers. Chuck Carvalho and Robin Virtue held court with a group of 50+ racers. Chuck spoke at length about driver etiquette, with special mention of US driving coach Randy Pobst and his concept of the ‘Vortex of Danger’.

So what it is?

The Entry Vortex of Danger is a triangle inscribed by the turn-in point of the lead car, the apex, and the inside edge of the road. When overtaking, keep out of the Vortex of Danger. It’s too late to pass. The hole you see is closing rapidly, you are in a blind spot, there will likely be contact, and it will be your fault.

The Exit Vortex of Danger is a triangle inscribed by the apex, the track-out point of the lead car, and the outside edge of the road. When attempting a pass on the outside, be aware of the Exit Vortex of Danger, and back out of it if not in the lead car’s vision. It’s too late to safely pass. The hole you see on the outside is closing rapidly, you are in a blind spot, there will likely be contact, and it will be your fault.

Randy Pobst’s concept was even integrated into the SCCA rulebook’s section on Racing Room and Passing Guidelines.