Quote:
Originally Posted by gferil
Yeah let me look into some kind of instruction before I sign up for this one. Does the BMWCCA car control clinic count as one?
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No, on-track experience is required for NCRC with their driving school or a similar outfit. It's not just about car control--being on the track requires you to be aware of the line, braking zone, flag stations, and those around you. A good start with an instructor and/or driving school can really help with that. DS involves classroom time, follow the leader (learn the line), flag practice, and structured passing practice (pointing by, passed car and passing car responsibilities), etc. NASA is doing a two day HPDE at Thill in August--highly recommend that one if you can do it (you'll learn tons during a NASA weekend). I may be going to that one--will let folks know if that is the case.
Also, the BMW Car Control Clinic is a pre-req to get into the equivalent of driving school with BMWCCA. A Car Control Clinic is fun, and will teach you a lot you'll use on track, and is good general prep.
I took a second CCC with the local Porsche club one a month or so ago, and even with having spent time on the track I still picked up another thing or two (so did Krissi). I highly recommend CCC to anyone--if for no other reason than it gives you more skills to deal with bad situations as they arise on the road. (Krissi credits her first Car Control Clinic with saving her from some idiot 2 days after she took the course. She was able to "drive out" of a bad situation using the skills she'd added. Good stuff.)
I can also ride along with you (or someone else) if you'd like. Totally agree with Lon about learning to drive the line and master smooth inputs. Speed comes with time, and learning good habits pays off down the road.