NASA testimonial

[Jim_Ferrell]

As a supporting comment to Speed's NASA suggestion, I had an outstanding experience at Blackhawk last Saturday. It was my first NASA event and I signed up for the HPDE 1 group. I was assigned a great instructor who rode with me for 3 runs and then signed me off to run in Group 2 for my 4th run, without an instructor. There were 4 classroom instruction sessions prior to each run; required to progress to the next level. The instructors used an in-helmet communications sustem so we could talk during the runs.

Passing was limited to the front straight and I felt safe even when I passed a car and then had a car pass me in the same straight. Hand signals were manditory and worked well.

I drove my wife's BMW Z4 with 180 HP and auto trans; I got down to 1:35 lap times in session 4; competitive with some friends in the Porsche club. I give all the credit to the NASA instructor. When the Cobra gets on the road I am sure I will easily be braking harder, taking turns faster, and enjoying a few more horses in the straights; goal: under 1:20.

The next local event is at the Autobahn in July.