Scandinavian flick
The Scandinavian flick, Finnish flick, pendulum turn, or Scandi flick[1] is a technique used predominantly in ice racing and rallying. The technique induces oversteer using weight transfer to carry a vehicle through a turn while simultaneously reducing speed.[2]
Origin of the name
Beginning in the 1960s, Scandinavian rally-car drivers popularized the technique.[2] The "flick" part comes from the technique of "flicking" the wheel in a direction opposite of the turn to build up angular momentum.
Technique
Approaching along the inside of an upcoming turn, the driver steers sharply towards the outside of the turn, then lifts off the throttle and lightly applies the brakes. This causes weight transfer that rotates the car toward the outside of the turn. Then, steering into the turn and releasing the brake pedal while applying full throttle will cause the car to rotate into the corner. Towards the corner exit, the driver may countersteer to control the oversteer. When properly executed this technique neatly lines the car up for the exit while maintaining momentum.[3]
Contemporary usage
Since the 1990s, most cars produced have been front-wheel drive[4] which are prone to understeer. This makes a vehicle stable at high speed but requires larger steering inputs near the limits of adhesion, especially on low-grip surfaces. Skilled drivers are able to use a maneuver similar to the Scandinavian flick, though with less steering input and control the possible slide by using opposite lock.
The ability of a vehicle to handle sudden changes in direction at high speeds without sliding or rolling over is assessed through the so-called moose test. This scenario occurs when the driver is trying to avoid an obstacle (ostensibly a moose, or any other large animal that may appear on the road) in his or her lane and then returning to the lane to avoid oncoming traffic. The succession of sharp turns in opposite directions combined with lifting off the throttle is exactly how the Scandinavian flick is performed. Since the technique is used at race speeds, it's not normal for a vehicle to start a slide while driving at road speeds.
This technique is commonly used in ice-racing in North America and Europe (e.g. the Andros Trophy). On loose surfaces, contemporary rally drivers tend to rely more on left-foot braking for directional control in cornering FWD cars.
Official usage
This technique is taught by some countries in the Scandinavian/Nordic regions during basic driver training. It may also be taught in the UK for professional drivers (e.g. police, emergency medical response, military) who may be required to drive on snow tires in ice/snow conditions, as a vehicle can behave differently and require different driver skills in winter conditions.
Cultural references
It is frequently used by former racing driver Tiff Needell on the motoring programme Fifth Gear and previously during his time as a presenter on the television show Top Gear.
It was also used in Clarkson-era Top Gear, in which Richard Hammond tried to achieve the Scandinavian flick whilst cornering in his "lightweight, mid-engined" Suzuki Super Carry. The result was a less than spectacular roll-over to its side.[5] Additionally, it is featured on Top Gear in an episode in which James May hones his rally skills with Mika Häkkinen in the woods and snowy landscape of Finland.[6]
References
- https://www.bikeradar.com/us/mtb/gear/article/how-to-set-up-for-turns-with-a-scandi-flick-51709/
- "How to: Scandinavian Flick". Car and Driver. 1 June 2009. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
- Holland, Robb (12 March 2018). "Secrets Of The 'Scandinavian Flick' And Other Ice Driving Tricks". Jalopnik. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
- "History Of The Automobile". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
- "Top Gear Man with a Van Challenge". Top Gear Series 8 Episode 8. Retrieved 16 June 2012.
- "Mika Hakkinen Teaches Captain Slow to Drive - Top Gear". Retrieved 18 July 2019.