Quote:
Originally Posted by former 240 s14
Couldn't agree more. I do instruct and am going to make it a post retirement career for me in the future. I was instructing with Nasa Mid-America a couple years ago when a very nice guy came in with a brand new 911 GT3 RS. I walked over and started a conversation with him. By the end of it I had convinced him that learning to drive a slow car fast will only make him faster in the 911. I told him to go buy a cheap Miata, make it safe, then go learn to drive it at the limit. The next event he came in with a new Cayman and asked me what I thought of his Miata, lol.
Driving a momentum car at the limit is so much fun. One of the race cars my main race team uses is an E34 5 series known as Big Red. Getting point byes in that car during races is one of the most rewarding aspects for me.
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Don’t interpret my statement as not wanting to instruct or that I don’t enjoy it or I’m truly scared 100% of the time. After 10 spine surgeries from two car accidents (I was sitting stationary both times, first was head-on and second was rear-ended), I prefer to be in control but, if it’s someone with a modest powered car with a max power-to-weight ratio similar to an e46 M3) or a friend of a friend, etc., I’d still instruct. That’s awesome you were able to talk him into buying a “Miata”
I would not have trouble instructing someone like him. Everyone would benefit from learning the fundamentals while driving a slower momentum car. Similar to F1, future F1 drivers start out in karting at crazy young ages. The kart is a momentum vehicle that prepares them for F4, F3, F2, and, if lucky and loaded with talent, F1. Miatia/Civic Si, BRZ, s2000, e46 M3, e92 M3, f82, C6 Vette Z06, etc. would be a similar progression preparing the driver for the next higher level of performance with solid fundamentals and to make proper decisions in higher stress situations. Unfortunately, now it’s starting with a f82, C7 Vette, GTR, Camaro ZL1 1LE, P GT cars, McLaren 720s, etc.