Driving school Experience

[Carroll DeWeese]

I went to the 4 day Bondurant school just before they whet to Corvettes. I was probably 5th best out of the 6 students on the first 3 days. On the 4th day, we drove rear engine Ford Formula cars. I could run everybody down in those cars. I was either 1st or 2nd best student in the class in those cars. I recommend racing schools to anyone.

Seat time is key. You can read all you want, but you only really learn by putting theory into practice. You have to drive on the edge to learn how to drive on the edge.

You do not need to drive a Cobra at the school. You are learning principles and how to "read" and "feel" a car on the edge. Front and rear wheel experiences are both useful for understanding how cars react. When you get back into your car -- street or Cobra -- you will be a better driver. Perhaps 80% of "race" driving is vision and anticipation. You will learn throttle control. You will learn to become smoother. Smooth is fast. You will get to know yourself and your limits better. You will learn how to react. Some natural reactions get you into trouble. You should become better in avoiding trouble.

You have had many suggestions for school. Go to the best that you can afford. Go as long and as often as you can afford. It is money well spent. Perfect practice makes perfect. Your body forgets. You need refresher experiences in the future to maintain and increase skills.

School is FUN! Enjoy yourself.