Rally racing is a sport that demands immense skill, precision, and a deep understanding of the vehicle’s capabilities. Among the many driving techniques employed by rally drivers, one that stands out in terms of both style and effectiveness is the Scandinavian flick. Also known as the "Scandi flick" or "pendulum turn," this technique is crucial for navigating tight corners on loose surfaces like gravel or snow, which are common in rally racing. Developed in the icy conditions of Scandinavia, it allows drivers to maintain high speeds while executing sharp turns with remarkable control.
How it works
At its core, the Scandinavian flick involves a series of deliberate, controlled maneuvers aimed at utilizing the car's weight transfer to its advantage. The technique begins by approaching a corner at a high speed. Just before entering the turn, the driver steers the car away from the corner briefly, often towards the outside of the road. This maneuver sets the car up for a dramatic weight shift. Once the weight has been transferred, the driver quickly flicks the steering wheel in the opposite direction, sending the rear end of the car sliding toward the inside of the corner.
The key to the success of the Scandinavian flick lies in the car’s ability to drift. By shifting the car's weight to one side, the rear tires lose traction, allowing the car to slide sideways. As the car begins to rotate, the driver must quickly adjust the throttle and steering to control the slide and ensure the vehicle exits the corner smoothly. The ability to maintain speed through this slide while maintaining control is what makes the Scandinavian flick such an impressive skill.
Where it shines and what you need
This technique is particularly useful on loose surfaces like gravel, snow, or mud, where traction is limited, and traditional braking may cause the car to lose control. By initiating the flick, the driver not only helps the car rotate but also maximizes the available traction, allowing them to accelerate out of the corner more effectively. It’s a delicate balance of braking, throttle control, and steering input that makes the Scandinavian flick one of the most difficult but rewarding techniques in rally driving.
The recipe for success relies mostly on your inputs, as too much or too little of them can cause you to lose control during this technique, so a good direct drive wheelbase, such as the ClubSport DD+, and a load cell brake pedal, for example the ClubSport Pedals V3, will make all the difference when it comes to putting this into practice.
In conclusion, the Scandinavian flick is an iconic technique in rally racing that exemplifies the unique challenges and thrills of the sport. It allows drivers to maintain speed while navigating tight, treacherous corners and has become a hallmark of rally driving. Mastering the Scandi flick takes years of practice and experience, but for those who can execute it with finesse, it’s one of the most exhilarating and effective tools in a rally driver’s arsenal.
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