Many of the women have preconceived notions of what the track is about – that it's an unsafe, aggressive place best left to enthusiasts. Through the exercises, they learn that the skills they're acquiring have practical applications – making them far better drivers in everyday settings. They learn, through repetition, to override their reflex action to panic – steering safely around an object instead of slamming on the brakes.
Now it's time to put all of those skills together – on the racetrack. Although several of the participants profess to be a bit nervous, all are looking forward to experiencing a real racetrack. Starting out slowly behind a pace car, they learn the correct "line" around the track – the route that best enables the car to stay balanced and in control.
They learn to trust the instructor in the seat beside them, who coaches them when to brake and when to go full out. There's a vast wealth of experience and knowledge in SGR's teaching staff, all are veteran instructors, most have a strong racing background – and one is a qualified psychologist as well as race car driver.
Lap after lap, the students gain confidence and grow noticeably smoother. Hesitation is replaced with beaming smiles and, as they grow braver, some friendly competition.
Morag Malcolm, a young mother of two who was initially apprehensive, is surprised by how much fun she is having. One of the most improved drivers of the day, Morag is paired with Rick Morelli, whose outrageous sense of humour and relaxed competence soon put her at ease. She's also surprised by her own car: "I didn't realize it could do what it does!"
Some of her reasons for attending are commonplace – she'd had a few close calls , realized "how complacent" she'd become as a daily driver and wanted to improve for the safety of her children.
But more poignantly, as a cancer survivor, Morag "took a look at her life, realized how lucky she was and that this was something she'd always wanted to do". She's eager to pursue more on-track training as well as the "Girls' Night at the Garage" car care clinics that SGR holds at an auto repair shop in Markham.
Now it's time to put all of those skills together – on the racetrack. Although several of the participants profess to be a bit nervous, all are looking forward to experiencing a real racetrack. Starting out slowly behind a pace car, they learn the correct "line" around the track – the route that best enables the car to stay balanced and in control.
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| Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com |
They learn to trust the instructor in the seat beside them, who coaches them when to brake and when to go full out. There's a vast wealth of experience and knowledge in SGR's teaching staff, all are veteran instructors, most have a strong racing background – and one is a qualified psychologist as well as race car driver.
Lap after lap, the students gain confidence and grow noticeably smoother. Hesitation is replaced with beaming smiles and, as they grow braver, some friendly competition.
Morag Malcolm, a young mother of two who was initially apprehensive, is surprised by how much fun she is having. One of the most improved drivers of the day, Morag is paired with Rick Morelli, whose outrageous sense of humour and relaxed competence soon put her at ease. She's also surprised by her own car: "I didn't realize it could do what it does!"
Some of her reasons for attending are commonplace – she'd had a few close calls , realized "how complacent" she'd become as a daily driver and wanted to improve for the safety of her children.
But more poignantly, as a cancer survivor, Morag "took a look at her life, realized how lucky she was and that this was something she'd always wanted to do". She's eager to pursue more on-track training as well as the "Girls' Night at the Garage" car care clinics that SGR holds at an auto repair shop in Markham.
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| Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com |