When drivers think about shootouts, the first question is usually the same:
How fast do I need to be?
Speed matters — but it’s rarely the deciding factor.
Professional race teams use shootouts to answer a broader question:
Can this driver perform consistently, communicate effectively, and operate as part of a team under pressure?
Speed Is the Entry Ticket, Not the Outcome
Lap time is important. It establishes a baseline.
But once a minimum performance threshold is met, teams quickly look beyond outright pace. In many shootouts, multiple drivers are capable of running competitive lap times. What separates them is what happens next.
Consistency Over Peak Performance
Teams value drivers who can deliver repeatable performance across multiple sessions.
A driver who sets one standout lap but struggles to maintain consistency often raises concerns. Consistent pace, tyre management, and the ability to perform run after run tell teams far more about race readiness.
How You Use Data Matters
Modern motorsport is data-driven.
Teams closely observe how drivers:
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Interpret data
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Ask questions
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Apply feedback
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Improve between runs
Drivers who engage intelligently with data — even if they are not the fastest initially — often stand out for the right reasons.
Communication With Engineers Is Critical
Clear, accurate communication saves teams time and money.
Teams assess:
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How clearly a driver explains on-track behaviour
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Whether feedback is specific or vague
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How well a driver listens and responds
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Their ability to remain constructive under pressure
Strong communication can elevate a driver’s value instantly.
Adaptability and Learning Speed
Shootouts are deliberately intense.
Teams want to see how quickly a driver adapts to:
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New cars
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New circuits
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Changing conditions
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Feedback and instruction
Drivers who show clear progression over the course of a shootout often outperform those who start fast but plateau.
Professional Behaviour Off Track
Teams observe drivers even when the helmet is off.
This includes:
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Punctuality
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Respect toward staff and other drivers
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Preparation and focus
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Body language and attitude
Professionalism is often the deciding factor between two similarly matched drivers.
Physical and Mental Readiness
Modern racing demands physical resilience and mental control.
Teams pay attention to:
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Fitness and fatigue management
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Focus across long sessions
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Emotional responses to mistakes
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Composure under evaluation pressure
A calm, prepared driver inspires confidence.
Coachability Matters
Teams don’t expect perfection.
They look for drivers who:
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Accept feedback
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Show willingness to learn
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Adjust approach when challenged
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Take responsibility for mistakes
A coachable driver represents long-term value.
What Teams Are Ultimately Asking
At the end of a shootout, teams are asking:
Would we trust this driver in our car, with our engineers, our sponsors, and our reputation?
The answer is rarely based on lap time alone.
The RCA Approach
RCA Shootouts are structured to reflect these realities.
Drivers are assessed across performance, communication, adaptability, and professionalism — because that’s how teams actually make decisions.
Shootouts aren’t about finding the fastest driver for one lap.
They’re about identifying the most complete driver.
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