Aaron,
That's right, you're sitting "around" the engine. Your body has a twist to it because the streering wheel is straight. It's very much like being a rock and roll drummer. If you ever play a drum set, your legs are off to the left to work the high hat and bass drum, while your upper body is twisted a little to the right to play the snares, toms and cymbals.
See you didn't know we had so much in common with Charlie Watts (Rolling Stones)!
Paul