From digest.v4.n698 Fri Jun 7 17:29:50 1996
From: fbeck_at_acs.bu.edu
Date: Fri, 7 Jun 1996 19:58:05 -0400
Subject: Re: Advice on driving schools

<CRHarman_at_aol.com> wrote:
>Any advice on how to get the most from the driving school??

I find a "track walk" very helpful. Get there early, and ask if you can do one. Usually an instructor or someone who knows the track well will be willing to walk the track with you, point out the turn-in, apex, and turn-out points and give you some references for them. This also gives you a chance to check out the track surface up close, and to see camber changes or irregularities that you might not see at speed. It's a way for me to get in touch with the track and to integrate it into my mind/body.

Also, a ride around the track in an instructors car during one of your off sessions is a great way to become familiar with driving at speed, shows you the correct line, and let's you know how far the envelope can actually be pushed as your skills increase over time.

The first track day can feel pretty hectic, a lot of demands and things to do. Try to create some time to yourself to think about the laps you have just done, what worked and what didn't. Take care of your body, *try* to get a good sleep the night before, and drink plenty of H20 so as to not get dehydrated. I tend to stay away from sweets and caffeine during the event.

>I'm practicing double-cluthing and heel-toe downshifting......
>....Do "driving shoes" help and where do I get them?

If you master the heel&toe/double clutch, great. If not, don't worry about it. Concentrate on the line and being smooth. Driving shoes are probably great if you're a racer, but tennis shoes work just fine. I can H&T in my hiking boots, and even did so in my heavy sno-boots this winter. My advice is save the $$ and spend it on additional schools.

Have a fun and safe time at the track!

• --Fred Beck

  '73 2002tii Boston, MA