Driving Technique - Safety First

[Tommy]

Originally Posted by vatdevil

Need to learn the limits of your skills and the car. Take a driving school or participate in local autocross.

+1

No amount of advice is as helpful as learning the limits of tire adhesion of your car in a safe environment.

One last word of advice. When I was an active pilot, statistics showed that the safest pilots were the new ones and the old ones. The new ones still had a little fear to keep them safe, and the old ones had seen enough to know what traps to avoid. The most accident prone pilots had two or three years of experience. They had flown enough to lose their fear, but were not wise enough to avoid problem situations. ... Try to never loose your respect for how truly dangerous your car will always be if you push it too far.

[kevins2]

As I wait for my car to arrive, I've been searching for driving schools in the Northeast. My preference would be to be able to take my car out, get some instruction and then be able to test the limits in an area where I wouldn't hit something if I spun out. Most of the tracks and programs I've read about have requirements on convertibles that the Cobra 427 model with standard behind the driver only rollbar won't meet. So, I assume a driving course in one of their cars will still be beneficial but thought I'd ask around also. I've looked at large parking lots in the area and haven't yet found something appropriate...and getting permission would probably be difficult since everyone is so concerned with liability. Any ideas? I'm in PA just west of Philly.

Regards,

Kevin

[SunDude]

Originally Posted by kevins2

As I wait for my car to arrive, I've been searching for driving schools in the Northeast. My preference would be to be able to take my car out, get some instruction and then be able to test the limits in an area where I wouldn't hit something if I spun out. Most of the tracks and programs I've read about have requirements on convertibles that the Cobra 427 model with standard behind the driver only rollbar won't meet. So, I assume a driving course in one of their cars will still be beneficial but thought I'd ask around also. I've looked at large parking lots in the area and haven't yet found something appropriate...and getting permission would probably be difficult since everyone is so concerned with liability. Any ideas? I'm in PA just west of Philly.

Regards,

Kevin

Kevin -- Cobra Racing Adventures runs at Summit Point Motorsports Park near Washington DC.

RedEye -- I agree with all of Silverback's comments. And with FWB's.

And Dimis -- Check out my signature...

[kevins2]

Thanks Sundude,

I came across Racing Adventures but didn't drill down enough to see the Cobras. I'll check it out.

Also, you can look at my signature too

[Bobcat]

Kevins2 ... you might look at the SVT Cobra Mustang Club site . They have open track events somewhat close to you and will put you in a novice class with mandatory class room time/instruction and instructor ( lead/follow since you have one rollbar ) . Their next event is in South Haven , MI and they also run Summit Point outside of Winchester , VA .
Since you have a Cobra replica , you will have to join TCUSA , which is the club they set up so non Mustang guys can run with them .
I`ve done two events with them and they do it right and you will get LOTS of track time . This past Memorial weekend at VIR , I got 300 miles on the track .
You will need an approved helmet and a driving suit is recommended , but not required . I run arm restraints since my ERA is an open cockpit car .... about $40.00 from Simpson .
Great group to run with as Ford also helps support them .

[RedEye]

Originally Posted by Bobcat

Kevins2 ... you might look at the SVT Cobra Mustang Club site . They have open track events somewhat close to you and will put you in a novice class with mandatory class room time/instruction and instructor ( lead/follow since you have one rollbar ) . Their next event is in South Haven , MI and they also run Summit Point outside of Winchester , VA .
Since you have a Cobra replica , you will have to join TCUSA , which is the club they set up so non Mustang guys can run with them .
I`ve done two events with them and they do it right and you will get LOTS of track time . This past Memorial weekend at VIR , I got 300 miles on the track .
You will need an approved helmet and a driving suit is recommended , but not required . I run arm restraints since my ERA is an open cockpit car .... about $40.00 from Simpson .
Great group to run with as Ford also helps support them .

Thank you everyone, all great advice. Question for Bobcat, do you know where in South Haven MI that their event will be held (I'm from Grand Rapids, MI) so it's very close for me and I might like to go and watch to find out more about it. Thanks.

[Sminor]

Originally Posted by kevins2

As I wait for my car to arrive, I've been searching for driving schools in the Northeast. My preference would be to be able to take my car out, get some instruction and then be able to test the limits in an area where I wouldn't hit something if I spun out. Most of the tracks and programs I've read about have requirements on convertibles that the Cobra 427 model with standard behind the driver only rollbar won't meet. So, I assume a driving course in one of their cars will still be beneficial but thought I'd ask around also. I've looked at large parking lots in the area and haven't yet found something appropriate...and getting permission would probably be difficult since everyone is so concerned with liability. Any ideas? I'm in PA just west of Philly.

Regards,

Kevin

Hey Kevin,
During London Cobra Show Week (3rd week of June) the Ohio Cobra Club sponsors a driving school at Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course. You will receive world class instruction there and drive your own Cobra through the Paddock Drills and on the actual racetrack, if you want. Mid-Ohio, Ohio Cobra Club and the London Cobra Show all have web sites that will provide more information.
You don't have to be terrified of your car, but you had better respect it's potential. And like Silverback said, Please put GOOD tires on the beast.
Hope this helps,
steve