Downshift Rev Matcher - DRM

Overview

The Downshift Rev Matcher from MaxG

For decades, the ability to "heel and toe" a downshift has been a skill necessary for racers to master. This downshift technique is braking with the toe while blipping the throttle with the heel to match engine and gear speeds. It is a difficult skill to acquire and requires constant practice and use while street driving so as to be proficient for on-track use.

The Problem

Braking at or near any given vehicle's maximum rate while moving one's foot around on the pedal and simultaneously blipping the throttle is an almost impossible exercise. The two track urgencies are acquiring the correct gear for exiting the corner and simultaneously avoiding locking the rear wheels caused by poor matching of engine and transmission speeds.

The result is lap times are not as good as they otherwise could be; you lose the race.

The Solution

The MaxG Downshift Rev Matcher. Blip a button on the side of the shift knob.  Move the shift lever to the lower gear.

The Positive: Smoother, faster and more consistent downshifts, and a greater rate of deceleration; a better chance to win the race.

Secondary Benefits: The MaxG rev matcher works great for the more casual downshifts in street driving. The wear and tear on the clutch disc and pressure plate is reduced.

The components of the DRM are very simple to install and adjust. The system is composed of a few brackets, a shift knob with the blip switch, some wire and the solenoid. Add an hour's effort and the driver can rev match a downshift better than those of us that took a year to quasi-master the heel/toe technique.

Never underestimate the serious danger of locking up a rear tire while braking at racing speeds. A quick 360 degree view of the local scenery is the usual result.

Other notes to consider

If you are adept at the "heel and toe" technique, very good work. But, the clear challenge exists; can you heel and toe and brake at the maximum rate at the same time? Track competition demands you do so. Doing so, in my view, is enormously difficult, even after seventeen seasons of competitive track effort.  Maybe it was just me.

Should you be just learning the technique, forget it. Use the DRM and turn your attention to other aspects of competition driving. 

The MaxG Rev Matcher fixes the whole problem for you. With the DRM one can now put full concentration and effort into just the braking function and let the slight twiddle of one finger handle the "heel/toe" chores.