Delusions and Learning

Most racing schools have a program which is kind of a teaser, a half day session which includes a vehicle dynamics and cornering line talk and then a set number of laps following a pace car. At the Skip Barber Racing School, when I worked there, we used virtually stock Dodge Neons. The racing cars were fully prepared Barber Dodge open wheeled formula cars.

Think of the difference in capabilities. The racing car can do everything, from cornering to power to braking, far, far better than the Neon. Nevertheless, in every session, we had drivers spin out and even crash while trying to keep up with the economy car.

If people, especially car enthusiasts, were as skilled behind the wheel as they often assume themselves to be, this would not be possible. The problem is self-created, driving aggressively without true technical understanding or the ability to keep a high performance chassis in balance.

The frightening part is that these are the folks who buy hot cars, then spend money on chips to add power, suspension kits, and all kinds of other go-faster stuff. Some of that cash would be far better spent on a good advanced driving school, along with annual refreshers. Beyond making driving safer and more enjoyable, as well as making passengers a bit more comfortable, it might nip some of those exotic car club delusions in the bud.