[klayfish]

Cranky,
I think your comments about the old guys racing and the young guys waxing and relaxing is sad but true. I think the too many of the young guys think they are the best drivers in the world and don't need open track schools. And besides, for them, it's "cool" to show it off to the general public how fast they can go. And foolish thinking like that is what can create insurance problems.

I agree the Cobra is a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands, given it's power to weight. Someone who's used to a family sedan, or even an average sports car, the Cobra is a whole new experience. Sure, the 'Vette is really fast, but part of me thinks the Cobras' speed is a whole different "kind" of speed. It doesn't accelerate smoothly like other cars. It's crude overpowering and wild.

I'll stand with you on a soapbox and preach about how valuable an experience these driving schools are. For anyone considering driving schools like PDA, I'd be happy to tell them my story of how I went to my first event almost having to be dragged by Club Cranky kicking and screaming because I was afraid of hurting the car. But it was a pheonomenal experience and I would recommend it be mandatory learning for all Cobra owners. I will also say the same about autox. Though not as fast as open track, it teaches you tons about car control. I used a lot of what I learned in autox when I got to my open track events.

By the way, getting back to the insurance topic. Yes, we insurance people do read these forums, but it's the hope that many will take Cranky up on his suggestions and learn how to drive their cars and handle their power.

Steve