I spent Saturday learning under the tutelage of Tony Morris Sr. The classroom was a 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S, and I was the only student. The school was the Mission International Raceway in Mission BC. The course was speed, and plenty of it.
Local racing legend Tony Morris Sr. led me through five on-track sessions over the day. His one-on-one coaching, enthusiasm for the chase and extensive racing expertise honed my driving skills and buttressed my courage as we soared around the twisty road course gobbling up lesser performers.
Whether driving a Ferrari 458 or a Shelby Mustang, competitors didn’t have my secret weapon onboard. Tony’s instruction had me dancing the 911 like Fred Astaire twirling Ginger Rogers. I had complete control of the girl and placed her in the perfect line through each corner allowing me to close the gap time and make the pass time after time.
Now, I don’t profess to be anything more than a typical urban motorist, but thanks to the right vehicle and right instruction last Saturday, I became the classic George Bernard Shaw Pygmalion story. I’ll write a more in-depth account of my transformation from the automotive gutter to the track in coming days. Until then, this snippet of Saturday and my day in the Carrera S classroom will have to suffice.
Of course, the only school day that I’ve ever hoped for a detention – and it didn’t happen.
Local racing legend Tony Morris Sr. led me through five on-track sessions over the day. His one-on-one coaching, enthusiasm for the chase and extensive racing expertise honed my driving skills and buttressed my courage as we soared around the twisty road course gobbling up lesser performers.
Whether driving a Ferrari 458 or a Shelby Mustang, competitors didn’t have my secret weapon onboard. Tony’s instruction had me dancing the 911 like Fred Astaire twirling Ginger Rogers. I had complete control of the girl and placed her in the perfect line through each corner allowing me to close the gap time and make the pass time after time.
Now, I don’t profess to be anything more than a typical urban motorist, but thanks to the right vehicle and right instruction last Saturday, I became the classic George Bernard Shaw Pygmalion story. I’ll write a more in-depth account of my transformation from the automotive gutter to the track in coming days. Until then, this snippet of Saturday and my day in the Carrera S classroom will have to suffice.
Of course, the only school day that I’ve ever hoped for a detention – and it didn’t happen.
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| Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com |