The idea of driving appealed to me over riding so I selected the late model. As I suited up, I noticed the single seat sprint car sitting off to the side. I asked an instructor if a drive in the winged chariot was possible. He grinned and said, "yes." Off I went to prepare for my drive. I crawled into cramped quarters of the 1,400 pound speed machine. I don't know how the Outlaws get in and out of the thing multiple times in a night. It doesn't help that I have a 6 foot frame, with most of it being arms and legs. With a few bruises and scraped knuckles, I settled into the seat and found my belts. The five point harness would be strands of nylon that kept me planted into my cocoon. Next came the helmet. A black Bell would keep my ugly mug safe. Next came the arm straps and neck roll.
After a quick briefing from the instructor. I was rolled up to the entry way and was left to set a minute. It was strangely quiet and calming. I could see the late model making laps out on the track but I couldn't focus on that. I was focused on what my hands, feet and arms were about too. As I saw the Late Model pull off the track in turn three, I could feel the push truck make contact with the rear bumper of my sprinter. A great roar of a motor was the next thing I felt as I was pushed out onto the track from turn 4. I could feel the car fire and gave it a little gas to help it out. As I neared the start/finish line, I was under my own power and took off. I was amazed at how responsive the car was to even the smallest adjustments. I continued to idle around and take it easy for the first few laps.
As I came of turn 4 of lap 2, I decided it was time to be a hero or zero. One of my dreams in life was to hold a sprint car wide open. I did just that. It may have not looked fast but I did feel that rush of adrenaline that every driver talks about. The front end of the car rose off the ground and the roar of the motor was deafening. The front end came back down just in time to enter turn one and I was able to get a partial slide job going. I continued to try to hit my marks each lap, building up more bravery until I realized I was getting too cocky and almost took the wall out in turn one on lap 5. Eventually I saw the checkers and my ride was over. As I coasted to a stop off of turn two and waited for the four wheeler to push me back to the pits, I finally collected my thoughts. What a purpose built machine! With the stagger in the right rear, the car pretty much turns itself. The main job of the steering gear is to point the vehicle. You mostly steer the car with the throttle and how hard your push it down. Based on this and the angle and line in which you make it through the corner, the number of G forces on your body changes. I also learned that things happen extremely quickly. Driving this sprinter requires 100% focus the entire time. One slip up or false glance and you could go tumbling end over end. I took my eyes off the track once to catch a glance of the flagmen and nearly smacked the turn three wall.
After crawling out and reflecting on my experience, I have a tremendous amount of new found respect for those who race these machines at the high speeds and close quarters that they do. I certainly know that I would never have the nerve to race one on a regular basis. I also can't believe that anyone would ever say that all racing is is people driving in circles. If you are of that opinion, then go see the crew at the Dirt Track Racing School, take some laps and then see if you still say that.
All in all, it was a life experience that will leave a smile on my face for weeks to come. Certainly a great way to kick off the week before heading to Knoxville Raceway this weekend!
No comments:
Post a Comment