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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