Rick, I agree with you on the driving schools. I, my wife and daughter have
attended some Quattro events and they are very instructional as well as
letting you learn by thrashing your car around. Like your school, each
novice driver is accompanied by an instructor until they are given the OK to
solo. Even then, passing only at designated areas (long straights). My
whole family have become better drivers as a result.
Most marque clubs sponsor drivers schools or track days. Porche, Audi, VW
(in my area), BMW, etc. Hook up with one of those and you will have a great
time.
Safety Fast!
Gordie Bird
'62 MGA
'80 MGB LE
'86 Audi 4kq
>
> Chris Thompson wrote:
>
> > On Fri, 23 Feb 2001, Kai M. Radicke wrote:
> > > This just isn't an issue of racing, but more importantly an
> issue of public
> > > safety!
> >
> > So the real question is, does learning to race at a young age
> create drivers
> > who drive responsibly on public roads because they know how to drive, or
> > does it create drivers who drive way to fast and at the edge on public
> > roads?
>
> Good question -- and I can apply only one data point. My daughter
> first drove on the track last summer. She was 16. We participated in
> a driver's school hosted by the Alfa Romeo and Ferrari clubs. The session
> that my daughter participated in was called "touring" and was for
> beginners.
> The rules required no passing, helmets, a car that passed tech-inspection,
> speeds limited by a pace car and an instructor in the car with the driver.
> Tegan drove her Mercedes 190e (read: power levels approaching a good
> Craftsman chain saw). As the 20 minute session continued the pace car
> sped up allowing the drivers to experience the wonders of turns
> with missed
> apexes! Hallett Motor Racing Circuit is a track with lots of
> grassy run off
> areas. After a few nicely drifted turns and a few not-so-nicely
> drifted turns
> my daughter came out all smiles. I asked her what she though about it.
> Paraphrasing, she said, "It was FUN!" When asked the same question on
> the drive home, she said, "Somebody could get really hurt if you
> drive like
> that on the street." I had achieved my goal.
> I think Tegan is a better driver today because of her 20
> minute sessions
> on the track. She had fun, knows her car MUCH better and knows where
> and where NOT to try those tricks!
> That sir, is my 2 cents worth.
>
> Rick Lindsay
> Diamond Geoscience Research
> 5727 S. Lewis Ave., Tulsa, OK
> Voice: +1 918-747-3456
> Fax: +1 918-747-8599
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