Ideally when we are at work or when we are studying we would like to be totally focused on our task immersed in the book intently looking at the words of the page and ignoring everything else but on the track, this is probably the last place you'd want to be in if you do not want a trip to the hospital!
Today I'm going to tell you guys what target fixation is why it happens, why new riders are especially susceptible to this, and how to fix and prevent it from happening again
What is Target Fixation?
Target fixation is when a rider becomes so focused on an object or hazard that they inadvertently steer toward it, often leading to a crash. This is particularly dangerous in motorcycle road racing, where high speeds and tight corners demand precise control and focus.
An example of this is when you are approaching a corner while on a straight intently looking at a specific curb and instead of looking at the next reference marker while coming closer you are still looking at it and before you know it you are on the grass and can sustain a serious injury that could be life-threatening!
Why does it happen?
Sometimes riders face unexpected pressure such as in final laps where there is an opponent ahead who you feel you can still catch up to, or if there is a rider in hot pursuit of you Target fixation is most likely to occur.
Here are the main and most common causes of target fixation.
Fear and Panic: When riders encounter unexpected obstacles or challenging situations, Anxiety, fear, and panic can set in. This emotional response can cause them to focus intensely on the perceived threat such as a rider's tail light ahead, leading to target fixation.
Tunnel Vision: High speeds and the need for rapid decision-making can cause riders to develop tunnel vision, where their field of view narrows, and they become overly focused on a single point which can be as small as a specific curb or a tire within a tire wall on the track (The target can really be anything that your eyes can see!)
Cognitive Overload: The brain can only process so much information at once. In high-stress situations like racing, the brain may fixate on a single object or hazard, neglecting other important visual cues.
Eye Movement: The eyes naturally tend to lock onto objects that are perceived as threats or sources of anxiety. This is a survival mechanism that helps humans react quickly to danger. However, in racing, this can lead to unintended steering towards the hazard.
Body Positioning: When a rider’s eyes fixate on a target, their body often follows. This means the bike will also follow the direction of the rider’s gaze, leading them towards the obstacle.
6. Track Layout: Certain track features, such as tight corners or sudden elevation changes, can increase the likelihood of target fixation. Riders may become overly stressed and are much more likely to become more focused on objects while navigating these challenging sections.
7. Other Riders: The presence of other riders can also contribute to target fixation. For example, if a rider in front crashes or makes a sudden move, the following rider may fixate on them, leading to a similar mistake.
8. Lack of Confidence: Riders who lack confidence in their skills or the capabilities of their motorcycle are more prone to target fixation. This often happens when they enter a corner too fast and panic, thinking they won’t make it through
9. Overconfidence and Complacency: Conversely, overconfident riders may become complacent and not fully present in the moment. This can lead to fixation on slower vehicles or unexpected obstacles.
New riders are ESPECIALLY susceptible to this because motorcycle racing will be a unique experience completely unlike any other, and one thing you will notice is while on the track most of your thoughts disappear and you have an empty mind which is rare when off the track which is because of the immense mental focus needed for racing (because it could mean your life!)
This is why target fixation is a risk you are likely to face as a new rider, like when I fixated on the outer curb of a hairpin and rode straight off into the grass!
Luckily I didn't fall off or get injured and I was immediately able to ride the motorcycle onto the track and resume the session but it could have been a lot worse so if you are a new rider remember to identify when you are heading into Target fixation!
How to prevent Target Fixation
Focus on the Path: Train yourself to always look where you want to go, not at the obstacles. This means looking through corners and focusing on the exit point rather than the edge of the track.
Visualization: Practice visualizing the perfect line through a corner. This mental rehearsal can help reinforce the habit of looking where you want to go.
Stay Calm: The worst thing you can do is think "Oh no, I'm going to crash, no no no..." and think negatively while riding straight into the target, which will make you more likely to. Know that there is time to make a change and this is why you must remember to identify if you are target fixating early on.
Peripheral Vision: Enhance your peripheral vision by practicing scanning techniques. This involves moving your eyes and head to take in more of your surroundings without fixating on any single point.
Body Positioning: Ensure your body follows your eyes. When you look through a corner, your body and bike should naturally follow the direction of your gaze.
Track Familiarization: Spend time learning the track layout. Knowing the track well can reduce surprises and help you maintain focus on the correct line.
Pacing: Start at a comfortable pace and gradually increase your speed as you become more confident. This helps build muscle memory and reduces the likelihood of panic-induced fixation this is why I highly suggest taking the first few laps of a new track particularly slow just to get a 'feel' of the track.
Feedback and Analysis: After each race or practice session, review your performance and identify where in the track were you close to target fixation.
To keep it simple while you are on the track just remember this law "You go where you look"
So keep looking at one reference marker and then passing to the next smoothly and when you find yourself target fixating simply change where you are looking.
Personally, this has helped me 3 times while I was target fixating and I managed to prevent a crash by remembering this sentence.
Summary
You go where you look is the key takeaway. Whenever you find yourself target fixating, remember to shift your gaze to the next reference marker and do it smoothly, changing focus as you come closer to a reference marker and not at it, which is extremely dangerous.
Target Fixation is a risk that is most likely to occur with new first-time riders, stay aware and you will be on track at all times.
Let me know if you have anything about racing anything and I'll respond immediately or if you would like us to cover any topic on your mind let us know in the comment down below and I'll see you guys next Monday!
Faster. Better. Safer.
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