What a fantastic weekend that was.
So, here's the full report:
We pulled out late, about 4:30. Sat in rush hour traffic, and made it to Cloverdale at 11P. That time change always takes me by surprise.
Four hours sleep, up by 5:30am, fast-food breakfast, 15 minute commute, arrive at the track by 6:30. The weather was good. It was a bit damp on Saturday morning. We parked next to the pit entrance. We usually park a bit further away where it is more park like.
Tech Inspection at 7am. It consisted of turning in paperwork.
Driver's Meeting at 8am, then novice classroom session till 9:30.
All the while, the Advance and Intermediate classes take to the track. That sound.
During the meetings we were told about the format. This is huge. Each novice driver gets an individual instructor who will be a passenger for every session. It's mandatory until (and IF) they grant and you pass your solo test. During the sessions, they use an in-helmet comm system to give you detailed instructions on all manner of techniques. Additionally, they may take you out in their car to show you some tips.
The sights and sounds of the morning were awesome and a bit intimidating. There all sorts of cool cars. Vipers, Vettes, Mustngs, imports, GTRs. Wow! We watched the advance group fire up and begin their session. Madison was a bit more than nervous. The instructor offered to take her out for the next session in his Porshe. Afterwards she said - no way Dad... I can NOT do THAT! My car can't do that. Uh-Oh!
After some fatherly discussion, I offered to take her car out for the next session with the instructor to show her that her car can do it. I did. And, I proved a couple of things. First, her car can do this. It handled fine, and had plenty of power. Remember, this is a street car, stock suspension (Ford Track Pack), Toyo Proxy street tires, and various bolt-ons. Second, I was a bit rusty. The communication and instructions I received during the session through my helmet was excellent, and I could see instant positive results. The instruction was that good. So, we convinced her to go out on the next session.
She completed the session (30 minutes) and had a blast. The instructor said she did pretty good, actually better than Dad. TRUE!
[youtube]UdLvI_1T4sQ&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]
[youtube]ecRct11ngLQ&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]
She didn't miss another session. She steadily improved throughout the day. The instructor was impressed.
She was passed a bunch. But, giving appropriate point-bys is an important skill. She was un-phased. She has skill. She sees the track in her head. I don't have that skill. Tim does. She did make a well earned pass - on a new Stingray - check out the Point-by. YEA - it happened. Then he tucked in behind her.
[youtube]k4b44kTliSg[/youtube]
The first day - check, perfect. The instructor was impressed enough to tell her that she can solo in the morning.
The solo session began with the instructor in the car for a couple of laps. He had her take a pit stop where he hopped out and observed from the tower. They threw a couple of flags at her to make sure she can follow directions, and then complete her session. SHE PASSED. Good lines. Good technique. I think maybe the only novice that did pass the solo. So, no more instructor for the day. She promptly pick-up another 5 seconds per lap. We timed a few laps and she was turning 1.33s and 1.34s consistently. That's just a few seconds off my best times I had in my car with slicks, suspension mods, 17s, and 300 more horsepower!
[youtube]9mETAvtRmgg&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]
She went out every session Sunday, and stayed until the end. Tim, Paul, and Jim came out for a visit. UNBELIEVABLE. Good friends and a neat preview for June. Thanks for coming guys. What a thrill. She picked up another second per lap. Facts are facts. She and that V6 Mustang are better than Dad. She's hooked, and I couldn't be happier. We'll be there in June.
So, if you have the desire to try this...let me say that you can do this, your car can do this, and you will have the time of your life. Come on GCC - give this a try.
There are 4 of us committed to run in June. There should be more. The novice class has plenty of available spots as of this posting. Let's go!
She'll be wheeling her Mustang around the road course Saturday and Sunday. Talked to Mark tonight, and the exhaust upgrade is in place and he was in the process of replacing the brake pads with new. We plan to leave the commuter lot on 40 just east of 270 at 7am, and be back by 7pm ish. Let me know if you're interested.
