Dad invited me to join him on his first trip to driving school. We went to the famous Sebring track and he brought his Porsche Boxster (named for it's "box" type engine and "roadster" styling). There were many, many Porsches, since this specific event was sponsored by the local Porsche Club, but that didn't stop a few BMWs, Mazdas and a few other from showing. We arrived at the track at 7:00 a.m. and the men were giddy with excitment. Polishing their cars, looking at their engines, they were as content as a hundred men could be...
Dad was thrilled though he isn't much for preparation. He managed to borrow a helmet (that wasn't quite up to snuff but they let it slide). Each car has to have a number and we had to borrow some guy's blue masking tape to form the number 4 on his windshield. He was distraught that his car had sat in the evening's dew and he didn't have anything to wipe it down with (I had a bandana that saved the day on this point). We didn't bring any chairs. Some of these guys had half their home shop with them. We had the car. But it didn't deter us. We wandered around looking at cars and dad continued to explain the minute details that set one model apart from another, and the even more minisule details that tell one which year the car was made. It was really quite fun.
Right before his first stint in the car his brother (my uncle) Jim showed up. He had his video camera and two chairs with him. And a better helmet. He also provided me with company during the stretches Dad was on the course. It was really nice of him to join us.
The class works like this: your instructor drives you around the course twice or three times to get you aquainted and then you drive your instructor around the course. A very tough, scary course. Going really fast. While lots of other cars with similarly inexperienced drivers are on the same scary, tough course. Dad did really well according to his instructor but I am really glad I couldn't see more of the course. I will take his word for how crazy some of the turns are...
On the ride back to Tampa Dad quizzed my on the Revolutionary War. It was a great trip.
4 comments:
all i have to say is those pro drivers who teach the ride with the rookies are brave souls ...
but what a cool experience. what was his top speed?
Somewhere around 110. The key here is the corners. The wide tires on these cars squeal (they like to call it drifting) if they are doing it right. :|
Hahahaha I can totally see you cringing in the stands every time the "drifting" occurred!
It sounds like he had a great time.
Now... off to the store to purchase new tires. :o)
I'm so glad you went with me. thanks honey.
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