Why have you never tracked your car?

[Clois Harlan]

I know before I decided to put my Cobra on the track all I wanted to do was MAYBE get some quarter mile time runs for it. Then I met John Russel who was waiting with me along side his cobra in the staging lanes at TIR. John asked if I had done the road course the day before and then started to explain to me how much fun and safe it was. Not yet convienced I started following some of the threads that addressed those that put their cars on road courses at VIR, PIR, Road Atlanta etc. I seem to remember reading some of Racer Al, Coyled, Racer X among others posts. I couldn't wait until I could put my cobra on a raod course.

You know it has been the most fun I have had that I didn't have to lie about later. Don't get me wrong my first time on the track I was nervous and had to pee about 5 times before they called my group to the hot grid. Since then I have became a much better driver and learned a lot about my self, my reactions, my ability to brake (brakes and tires are one of the most important aspects of putting your car on the track), as well as what my Cobra is capable of doing or not doing. All this in a safe controlled environment. I only wish I had got on the track 5 years sooner. Perhaps the very best part of "racing" or getting in some track time are the friends I have made from all over the country and from a half a dozen foreign countries. The people that show up at the race track are some of the best friends you may ever make. These folks care as much about you making a session as you do and they have always been there to help if I ever needed help.

In short, if you haven't had the opportunity to put your Cobra/Coupe/GT 40 etc on the track, I would encourage you to find a track near you and take a lesson from one of the veteran drivers (most are free to participants). That is what the Cobra's were all about in the 60's. Of course most of our cars are so much safer and better than those that were raced back in the day.

Street racing is not safe or legal but a few sessions on a road course could save your life should an emergency arise. Of course this is just my opinion and I am sure others may have as many reasons why not to track their cars as I do for it.

Clois Harlan