In this week's retro review there are a number of storylines, first and foremost is that we're taking a deep dive into the glory that Ayrton Senna brought to motorsports. We'll learn from the master about the art of heel/toe shifting and how to achieve the perfect blip downshift without the aid of incredibly fancy programming. Take all those delightful topics and add to it that Senna teaches this technique while piloting what was at the time a new NSX supercar around one of the most famous racetracks in the world, Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka Japan.
Senna Demonstrates What An Exceptional Car The NSX Is
At the time this video was taken, the NSX was making serious waves in the automotive world that would build into a monster wave that solidified its position as a classic down to this very day. Built to be a reliable Ferrari killer, the NSX proved to be exactly that and more as it demonstrates its ability to quickly dispatch a historic circuit throughout this video. With a brilliantly optimized 3-liter V6 behind the Formula 1 superstars head, it roars into each corner and thanks to his otherworldly skills, out of them almost faster.
Senna Makes Heel And Toe Downshifting Look So Easy Anyone Could Do It
As we watch Ayrton enter the curves of Suzuka it becomes entrancing as his loafer-clad feet artfully dip and dab at the pedals. He seems to have the pedidexterity of a god. Blitzing towards each bend he engages the clutch to free up the engine, shifts to the lower gear he wants to exit the turn in, and then blips the throttle with a lightning-quick and deliberate stab that provides the smoothest transition possible between forward gears. This cacophony of actions all take place in the blink of an eye and at the next moment, Senna is furiously flying towards his next braking zone. This technique of managing all three pedals at once is a skill practiced by many and mastered by few. What's amazing is that overall it seems that much like heel/toe shifting, this video features the same incredibly high level of skill and quality execution.
This Video Is A Diamond With Many Facets
Learning a highly technical skill like heel/toe downshifting is not simple but Senna demonstrates it in a way that makes it far more understandable. Thousands of people who have struggled to get a grasp of the racing picked up the general gist from this specific film. Something that often goes unnoticed though is the layout of the historic Suzuka Circuit. The track has always been a classic but seeing it here before modern revisions make it clear that many racers of old, Senna included had ice water deep in their veins. While many modern videos showcase some wonderful commentators and vehicles, very few feature three of the all-time greatest facets of motorsport at the same time.