[kach22i]

Originally Posted by Won

Sorry, I call BS. Look at all these rally drivers. Control is more important. Also, how do they suppose F1 drivers hold their steering "wheel" then?

I don't see how different thumb positions is BS, just depends if you want to keep them unbroken I suppose.

I found this old thread, supports not locking/wrapping thumbs.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/75819-how-do-you-hold-steering-wheel.html

NEVER hook your thumbs in the wheel, it's a broken thumb waiting to happen if you do.

I too use the 9 & 3 position (on most wheels), but I DO lock my thumbs (snug, but not a death grip) in the wheel. I find that it provides a lot better feedback, and it is a more natural position for your hand. Yes, I am fully aware of the broken-thumb-effect. However, if I'm ever in a position where contact is imminent, or realize that I have just become a "passenger", I will rapidly unhook my thumbs and remove my hands from the wheel completely a split second before impact.

I was told to rest the pads of your thumbs on the facing surface of the wheel -- that the pads will give you the most direct feedback. Plus, you won't snap a thumb.

Thumbs on the face of the wheel, not hooked thru (I actually learned that in fire truck driving school).

Curious, I raced for about 6 years with the SCCA and I took Skip Barber, and I never heard a lot of discussion about hooking or not-hooking the thumbs. Based on this thread I went back and consulted my panel of World Champion F1 drivers for their inputs (Ok, I checked the pictures in their books!)

Jackie Stewart: Semi-hooked thumbs. He drives (drove?) with his thumbs opposite his index fingers. They are across the inside of the wheel rim, but just.

Nikki Lauda: Hooked Thumbs. I looked at a number of pictures and his thumbs went around the wheel rim to be resting on top of his index fingers.

Alain Prost: Hooked thumbs. Just like Nikki.
Ayrton Senna: Hooked thumbs.

They are you thumbs not mine, do as you please. If you are a F1 driver you are doing as you please already.

How to crash
ESPN The Magazine: How to crash in NASCAR, IndyCar, NHRA, MotoGP

(1) If a crash is inevitable, take your hands off the wheel to avoid injury to your thumbs or wrists. If you're still steering the car, make sure your thumb doesn't close on the wheel. Leave it resting on the top of the wheel so it doesn't get jammed in the middle when you hit something.

Trucks driver Lofton recovering from broken thumb
Trucks driver Lofton recovering from broken thumb | News OK

Team spokeswoman Lisa Constable says Lofton will be fitted with a cast that allows him to grip the steering wheel.