Friday- Yuk! Saturday- Eh. Sunday - Great Fun!

[jakp993]

Gang,

I feel a little silly that I started the discussions about lap times, getting caught up in the moment, etc.  Those of you that know me understand that I am the 1st person in line to explain the different mindset required for driver's ed vs. racing.  Yet my posts could be interpreted as my actions do not follow my words.

So, please grant me the opportunity to put my comments into perspective.

Yes, I do keep lap times.  I purchased a Traqmate data acquisition device last year.  Sorry, I'm a geek, and it's electronic so I couldn't resist.  However, I don't even look at the data at the track.  I download it when the weekend is over and I compare sessions, laps, segment times, etc.  In all honesty, that's a pretty stupid way to use the device.  I should be pouring over the data at the end of each session to get the most out of my investment.  But, I don't cause it's just not that important to me at a DE.  My mind is focused on my instructional duties, not lap times.  Trust me, that would be a different story if I was racing.

Next, regarding my comment about getting caught up in the moment.  Yes, I did.  But I did not intend to imply that I drove beyond my safety zone.  I let myself drive close to my normal pace of when I'm solo in the Red run group.  That's not my typical mode of operation when I have a student in the car with me.  With a student, I typically demonstrate everything we discuss in the classroom to the letter.  I brake in a straight line, I use one smooth steering input, I don't follow too closely, etc.  In this case I went a little beyond that.  I looked at the video last night and I'm actually not as guilty as I originally thought.

So, I'm sorry if I gave anyone the impression that I condone, or practice, agressive driving during a DE.  There is no place for agressive driving at a DE.  Friendly competition amongst your buds is fine, as long as it doesn't go too far.

Have fun, but stay safe!

Jack