DE, Why Bother?

[Canine64]

Originally Posted by Larry Herman

I love to race - period. Give me a choice between a great DE venue and a so-so race, and for me it is not a choice at all. Take everything that you get from driving at a DE, and that is just a small part of what it takes to race. Tweaking the car in practice to get it working as best as possible. Getting that perfect lap in qualifying. And in the race, trying to stay in front of the car behind, while trying to pass the car in front, while planning on how to deal with slower cars, while driving for all you are worth on autopilot is what makes it for me. Passing a car because you can, not because they let you. Plus it gives me the opportunity to only worry about myself for the weekend, something that I get very little time to do at a DE or otherwise.

I totally agree with Larry on this topic. As a relatively newbie to racing (about 15 total races), the rush from wheel to wheel racing dwarfs any excitement I get from a typical DE. You need to focus 100%, forget the typical DE taught line, and figure out what your plan of attack will be.

I was very reluctant to go PCA racing for a number of years as I thought the typical DE and instructing would be enough of a fix for me. I had a conversation with 2 very experienced and successful Club Racers (Charlie Boyer and Colin Mazzola) who convinced me that the only way for me to get better, turn quicker lap times, and have way more fun was to go racing. Three years later, I am 100% sold!!! And absolutely nothing can compare to the start of a race when the Green drops!!! Everyone should experience a race start at least once!!!

Mike

[hughp3]

another great thread.

I know why I do not race, I am not worthy yet (or maybe never). Just had Leh Keen take me for a spin in my own Cup car. Good Lord, the gap is very wide for me to make up those 5,6 seconds.