Getting ready for the track
Once properly briefed and schooled on basic techniques and rules, we were let loose on the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park’s Driver Development Track (DDT). Well, not entirely loose since the first day is reserved for driving techniques through a follow-the-leader type of drive. For some, this also allowed them to familiarize themselves with the 5-speed, close ratio Elite sequential gearbox.
In this way, we were quickly acclimatized to the DDT’s intricate and technical layout and learned the right line around apexes. Although I have a fair amount of track experience, I found this to be especially helpful for day two where, this time, we were left to our own devices.
Track time galore
I must admit that I was looking forward to day two if only to properly stretch my, and my Van Diemen’s, legs. The 2008 open-wheel race car is powered by a race-prepared 2.3L Mazda engine that develops 170 hp. The car’s feather-like, 1,000-lb weight allows for 0-100 km/hr sprints to go by in just over 4 seconds -- provided the clutch is mastered for a clean 1st gear launch.
This same lightness produces incredible handling and braking performance. 100-0 km/h is dissipated in less than 3 seconds entices the driver to launch the car at full throttle towards the next corner without giving late breaking a second thought.
Some of the greatest pieces of advice I’ve ever gotten from driving instructors in events such as this one is to trust your eyes, and that slow inside = fast outside. The second points to the fact that smooth and easy operation of all driver tools is always better and more efficient than frantic and chaotic shenanigans.
At the end of day two, although the car is truly impressive (and that I’m not so bad either), it was clear that the tires played an important role in making it all possible. They are in fact entirely responsible for putting the powerful brakes, engines, and racing suspension to good use. And remember, these are street tires.
The Bridgestone Racing Academy (BRA)
To partake in such a driving school, one only needs the desire to learn how to really drive (and a few bucks). One of the staffers on-hand explained that some of their students save up for quite a while to live the dream of driving an open-wheel race car on a track -- and the dream can come true.
From first-timer ½-day academies to full-blown three-day race license courses, the BRA offers a slew of options including corporate events and even a mechanic-training course. So, whether you’ve dreamed of being behind the wheel or the one putting them on the car, the BRA once more has you covered.
Check out www.race2000.com for pricing and other information. The staff on-hand is great and I can make you a promise: You will leave with a smile on your face, and you will want to return for the next level of training and practice.
Oh, and if you think this whole idea is unsafe or dangerous, know that this school has gone 28 years straight without ever having to call an ambulance onto the track.
Once properly briefed and schooled on basic techniques and rules, we were let loose on the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park’s Driver Development Track (DDT). Well, not entirely loose since the first day is reserved for driving techniques through a follow-the-leader type of drive. For some, this also allowed them to familiarize themselves with the 5-speed, close ratio Elite sequential gearbox.
In this way, we were quickly acclimatized to the DDT’s intricate and technical layout and learned the right line around apexes. Although I have a fair amount of track experience, I found this to be especially helpful for day two where, this time, we were left to our own devices.
 |
Track time galore
I must admit that I was looking forward to day two if only to properly stretch my, and my Van Diemen’s, legs. The 2008 open-wheel race car is powered by a race-prepared 2.3L Mazda engine that develops 170 hp. The car’s feather-like, 1,000-lb weight allows for 0-100 km/hr sprints to go by in just over 4 seconds -- provided the clutch is mastered for a clean 1st gear launch.
This same lightness produces incredible handling and braking performance. 100-0 km/h is dissipated in less than 3 seconds entices the driver to launch the car at full throttle towards the next corner without giving late breaking a second thought.
Some of the greatest pieces of advice I’ve ever gotten from driving instructors in events such as this one is to trust your eyes, and that slow inside = fast outside. The second points to the fact that smooth and easy operation of all driver tools is always better and more efficient than frantic and chaotic shenanigans.
At the end of day two, although the car is truly impressive (and that I’m not so bad either), it was clear that the tires played an important role in making it all possible. They are in fact entirely responsible for putting the powerful brakes, engines, and racing suspension to good use. And remember, these are street tires.
 |
The Bridgestone Racing Academy (BRA)
To partake in such a driving school, one only needs the desire to learn how to really drive (and a few bucks). One of the staffers on-hand explained that some of their students save up for quite a while to live the dream of driving an open-wheel race car on a track -- and the dream can come true.
From first-timer ½-day academies to full-blown three-day race license courses, the BRA offers a slew of options including corporate events and even a mechanic-training course. So, whether you’ve dreamed of being behind the wheel or the one putting them on the car, the BRA once more has you covered.
Check out www.race2000.com for pricing and other information. The staff on-hand is great and I can make you a promise: You will leave with a smile on your face, and you will want to return for the next level of training and practice.
Oh, and if you think this whole idea is unsafe or dangerous, know that this school has gone 28 years straight without ever having to call an ambulance onto the track.
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