This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page. Please help improve this article by introducing citations to additional sources. Find sources: "Performance driving" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (May 2023)

Performance driving, also known as car control,^{[citation needed]} is the use of specific techniques by the driver of an automobile^[1] in order to maximize the performance potential (See also vehicle dynamics) of the automobile during acceleration, turning, and braking maneuvers, typically while driving at a facility dedicated—and specifically constructed—to host automobile motorsport competitive events.^{[citation needed]}

The raison d'être for this technique is the performance characteristics of the modern automotive tire. Car tires have a specific maximum amount of grip (one component of 'grip' being friction). The tire is also load sensitive; i.e., the maximum grip developed at any instant in time is dependent upon the force applied at the tire to tarmac interface. The driver has great influence upon the load on a given tire and also the rate at which that load is applied to the tire.

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Various methods are utilized for performance driving; these include the following:^{[citation needed]}

• Separation of Controls
  • Brake
  • Throttle
  • Steering
• Vision/ Use of Eyes
• Visualization
• Anticipation
• Muscle Memory
• Practice techniques

The skills can be learned in a variety of ways, such as through books describing the techniques, videos demonstrating them, by attending a school organized specifically to teach the techniques, or by means of high-fidelity racing simulators.