High Performance Driving for Amateurs
It’s a jungle out there!
I’m talking about the freeways. The traffic seems to be getting worse, not better, despite improvements in public transportation. While road rage here in the Pacific Northwest is not as bad as other part of the countries, defensive driving is becoming more and more important.
How would you assess your skills?
A recent US driver’s poll conducted by GMAC Insurance used a 20 question test to geographically categorize the most knowledgeable drivers. and then ranked that knowledge by state. Washington came in tied with Iowa at 9th, with an average score of 80.7. For the record, I took the test and came in at 90%.
But book knowledge is one thing. Knowing how to take care of yourself out on the roads is another.
If you’d like to improve your driving skills, do what the professionals do and head to the track.
ProFormance Racing School at Pacific Raceways offers one day driving courses design to improve your street survival driving skills, teach you advanced car control techniques, and give you a little taste of the thrill and excitement of high performance driving.
What will you learn?
You’ll start the day with a classroom session, learning all about vehicle dynamics and skid control. The afternoon will be spent in a hands-on-the wheel driving session on the road course where you’ll get a chance to practice what you’ve learned. Don’t worry — classes are small and taught by professional race course drivers, with an instructor ratio of 1:2. An instructor will be in the car with you during the road course work.
School cars are available, however the course is about helping you learn how your own car performs, so using your personal car is recommended. Brakes must be in excellent condition, and tired in good condition with adequate tread depth. Seat belts must be in working order.
This is no wimpy driving course either. This is the track where the professional race on the weekend.
Helmets are required (Snell 90 or 95 rated). If you don’t have your own helmet, the school has them available for loan at no charge. Wear lightweight and close-fitting clothing, along with soft-sole shoes.
Location: Pacific Raceways, 31001 144th Avenue SE, Kent (map it)
Date & Time: Day long courses are typically held on Monday and Tuesdays. The course is conducted rain or shine. Check the schedule for available slots.
Price: $535 (personal vehicle), $935 (school sedan), $1,135 (school high performance Lotus Elise).
Teen driving classes, advanced driving classes, and a wide variety of special events are also available.
Photo credit: flickr
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Tags: b5media, car racing, city blogs, destination blogs, driving, driving schools, high performance driving, Kent, Pacific Raceways, professional driving, ProFormance Racing Schook, seattle, Seattle tourism, seattle-traveler, the-seattle-traveler, travel, travel information, vacation, Washington, Washington-StateRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Getting Around - Local Transportation, People - Interesting Local People, Sports & Recreation
Seattle1/5/09 6:53 PM PST°
3 opinions for High Performance Driving for Amateurs
cjcm
May 27, 2008 at 7:46 am
This type of facility should be available in every city in the world.
Geoff
May 30, 2008 at 3:26 am
I’m on my way!
Mary Jo
Jun 23, 2008 at 9:54 am
The course and the track are great for learning some defensive techniques, as well as for getting a little taste of speed. You’d feel right at home, Geoff.
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