Six months ago I thought DE was an abbreviation for Delaware

[MikeKling]

Earlier this year, at my first RTR meeting there was much talk about “DE�?.  Why was there so much interest in Delaware? I wondered.  Soon, I realized that DE was an acronym for something else.  After my first caravan, several members suggested I try AX.  This time I quickly asked what that was all about instead of trying to assign some arbitrary meaning.  I attended several Autocross events under Steve McMorn’s leadership.  Great experience, great camaraderie. 

 

After many conversations with several members I decided to try DE.  What better way to start than with a brand new track and the first  RTR event at Thunderbolt?  All went smoothly.  I set up with my AX friends in the sand.  Safety Tech passed no problems.  Driver’s meeting was next.  BIG emphasis on no going off the track, lots of talk about dust and dirt.  Off to class, then an hour or so break to hang out.  Everything was going to plan.

 

I hadn’t found my instructor, but surely he would find me in staging.  Anticipation faded to despair as each car passed by me and onto the track.  The last car was on the track and I was left behind.  Then I spotted someone, helmet in hand, running toward me.  George Busch quickly introduced himself.  Should I make a comment about the name or just ignore the coincidence?  I chose the later.  He wasn’t scheduled to instruct, so he had no “chatterbox�?.  “No problem�?, I said (actually I didn’t know what he was talking about).  Off we went.

 

At turn four I learned about dust and dirt as it quickly filled the interior of the car.  Thirty seconds on the track time and now I was off it.  George’s calm voice quickly got me reconnoitered and we headed for the penalty box.  “What happened?�?, the headset guy asked.  Like I had a clue.  George rescued me with the right answer before I made matters worse by saying something wrong (or stupid), and we were off again.

 

The remainder of the first session was pretty hard.  My confidence bag now totally empty, with one exception; George Busch.  I had total faith in his ability to get me through this.   He then invited me to ride with him on his next run.  He continued his instruction as he drove, explaining everything he was about to do and then executed.  Amazing.

 

Sitting with my AX friends waiting for the next session, I had serious doubts about going out again.  About the worst you can do in AX is mangle some orange cones.  The stakes were clearly higher with DE.  Jim Wirth told me he hated his first day as well, and to give it another try, it’ll get better.

 

I wouldn’t have blamed George for feeling that he drew the short straw with me.  He got thrust into instructing and got what would appear to be the event problem child (me).  For our next session he bought a “chatterbox�? (the ear piece and microphone thing, I learned) and now we could clearly communicate.

 

Fate often provides interesting twists in life’s journey.  George Busch was without question the absolute best person to have as my instructor.  He must have instinctively known that I was going to need coached.  With his voice in my ear at every turn, I was able to get through without incident.  I even got the checked flag, along with everyone else, just like my son’s T-ball games.  Everyone’s a winner!

 

Saturday was a great day.  Speeds picked up.  Turns went smoother.  Even passed a Boxster.  My confidence was restored and I ended the day feeling great.  George had to leave Saturday night so I had another instructor on Sunday.  Kevin was great as well helping fine tune my turns.  In fact, every RTR member exhibited the highest degree of professionalism throughout the weekend.

 

To you George Busch, I would like to offer a special thank you and my heartfelt gratitude.  Without your guidance and patience I never would have lasted the weekend.

 

And to answer the question asked of all newbies, yes, I’m hooked!, see you this Spring.

 

All the best,

 

Mike Kling

[JeffConklin]

Great write-up!  I've said this to a lot of people..If you enjoy your first DE , this is a hobby for you.  The first one is always deflating.  Maybe thats a good thing. 

 Anyway, welcome to the club.  See you out there next year.

 

Jeff

[Mark Fox]

 Good to see you had a safe and fun event.  That is what it is all about.

[Brian Minkin]

Mike,

Its an up hill road from here.  You will get more great instruction from a variety of instructors as you advance and track driving will become as natural as driving down the street.

You were not alone in struggling on your first day.  My student also a first timer had a tough time putting it all together and had a spin (2nd session 1st day) but by the end of the weekend he was getting smoother and enjoyed his experience.

Welcome to your latest addiction. 


 

[George3]

Mike,

Thank you!!!  I'm at a loss for words, but thank you very much for the kind words.  You my friend, are an excellent student.  You were attentive, responsive and had incredibly great track awareness for a Green student.  When cars were approaching from behind, you already had your arm out just as I was asking you to do so. You picked up the line quickly and from there you hit your marks "consistently."  Every time!

Day two was a "huge" improvement for you in learning the line, picking up more speed and of course, your confidence factor went through the roof!  I think you are a great driver and will pick up the line of different tracks in no time!

GOOD JOB, Mike!  I hope to see you out there again!

(BTW, any word on the brake pads)

[Phokaioglaukos]

Mike, I was working pit out when your assigned instructor did not show and George jumped in the car. I'm VERY glad you had a good experience. Thunderbolt is not the easiest track for a first time, but it's a very rewarding one, as I'm sure you now agree. Congratulations!

P.S., if only the "other" George worked as hard as his job as our George works at his driving!

[michael lang]

Very well done Mike. I know the feelings you were having about going out. It was 3 years ago I went to my first FATT at Summit Point, I was sitting in the driver's meeting and thinking maybe I was in over my head. Now, probably just like everyone you have talked with, you can't wait to get to the next event. Congratulations! I hope the best for you and that you will continue to go to other DE events because without other drivers, we have no sport. Very well done.