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5 everyday driving tips from a Porsche Carrera Cup racecar driver

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(BPT) - As engines roar and tires screech across the track, the Porsche Carrera Cup North America continues to captivate racing enthusiasts all over. The growth of motorsports culture and the fanfare surrounding the professionals behind the wheels has taken off thanks to the popularity of hit television programs, cutting-edge technology, and intense team rivalries.

This year, the momentum of the Carrera Cup teams on the track will be fueled by ExxonMobil and its Synergy Supreme+ premium gasoline as the official fuel of the series. And, whether it is powering racers around high intensity speedways, or keeping everyday drivers’ vehicles in top performance, Synergy Supreme+ premium gasoline keeps your engine 3x cleaner for better gas mileage.*

Tips from the professionals

The keys to performance success and safety on the road remain the same — professional racecar driver or not. Get the most out of your driving experience with these five tips from the Porsche Carrera Cup North America Championship leader, Loek Hartog:

Limit distractions: Maintaining a stable environment inside your car helps avoid any instability outside the car. While racecar drivers will do things like breathing exercises to stay calm, everyday drivers should mitigate distractions like loud music or phones to focus. Zeroing in on nothing but the road will allow for the smoothest driving experience.

Stay mentally sharp: Driving is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. During a race, professional drivers rely on their teams’ communication to help them avoid fatigue. You’ll often notice racers communicating with their pit crew or over the radio to discuss the car or racetrack’s conditions. While this information is helpful for their performance, it also assists their mental engagement during a race. For any long distances, plan breaks to disrupt your routine and stay engaged. Hydrate and eat well to avoid heavy foods that could lead to drowsiness.

Fuel up smarter: Make sure you are always putting high quality fuel into your car to get the most premium performance possible. We fuel up with Synergy Supreme+ premium gasoline on the track, and you can too! By downloading the Exxon Mobil Rewards + app to sign up for ExxonMobil Rewards+, you can find your nearest Exxon or Mobil station and use the app to earn points to save every time you fill up.

Plan your route ahead: Just like racecar drivers meticulously prepare for their tracks, planning your route in advance can give you a significant advantage. Familiarizing yourself with your route beforehand helps you stay focused and confident on the road while eliminating the distraction of relying solely on GPS. Being aware of potential hazards can help you avoid surprises and drive more confidently. One fun tactic racecar drivers often use to study and practice their tracks is VR simulators to ensure they’re prepared for every twist and turn. Apply this same level of preparation to your daily driving for a smoother, safer journey.

Drive on the defense: While a racecar driver will do things like avoid unnecessary lane changes and check their blind spots, the everyday driver can stay alert and on the defense by scanning the road ahead of you (10-15 seconds ahead) instead of staring in one place. Keeping an eye out for hazards and preparing by lane positioning and changing speed/gears is what makes defensive drivers the best drivers — both on and off the track.

Tips and practices such as these are what make a sport as exhilarating and exciting as motorsport racing possible. But these tips don’t just apply to the professionals. The everyday driver who employs these tactics from school drop-off to long road trips is far less likely to experience danger and collisions on the road.

Join the racing revolution

Now that you have what you need to be the best driver possible, you can enjoy the safety and relaxation of smooth driving — and save the thrill and excitement of motorsport racing for watching from the comfort of your home.

ExxonMobil and Porsche invite fans to buckle up and get ready to embrace the exhilarating fun and excitement that can only come from Motorsport racing. Be sure to follow @exxonmobilstations and @porschemotorsportnorthamerica on Instagram to stay updated on the latest news.

*Based on comparison of Synergy Supreme+ gas compared to Synergy regular gas in port fuel injected engines. Actual benefits are based on continuous use and may vary depending on vehicle type, driving style, and gasoline previously used. Concentration and availability of our proprietary additive package may vary based on factors beyond our control.