Racers get the mental edge in Tralee

Racers get the mental edge in Tralee

Motorsport enthusiasts in Kerry and beyond recently had the chance to gain a valuable and  deeper understanding of Psychology in Motorsport.

Ardfert-based Dr Stephen Walsh, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University and an experienced road racer, delivered a two-part lecture series titled “An Introduction to Performance Psychology in Motorsport.

Over 30 attendees, including enthusiasts from Cork and Limerick, gathered on two Monday evenings in January to learn how to improve their mental game.

The first lecture focused on the fundamentals: how to stay focused, control nerves, and use mental imagery to prepare for races.

 Drawing inspiration from racing legends like Ayrton Senna and Sébastien Loeb, Walsh showed how these mental skills translate to real-world racing situations.

Attendees learned practical techniques for improving concentration, managing stress, and using their imagination to prepare for challenging situations.

Walsh encouraged participants to incorporate these mental training exercises into their daily routines.

The second lecture explored team dynamics, leadership, resilience, and communication.

This session provided valuable insights for both individual competitors and team members and focused  the importance of strong interpersonal skills in achieving success.

Walsh is considering taking the lecture series on a nationwide tour by visiting motor club and motorcycle racing clubs in other counties and introducing Psychology in Motorsport to a wider audience.

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