We have a very dedicated group of track junkies with our support crews ( very understanding spouses, thank you all). We usually travel together and this helps new participants get welcomed into the group. New drivers are mentored by one and all to make it easier to understand the process of registering, taking the car through the tech line before going on to the track. New drivers progress from green to yellow with in car instruction, then to blue- solo then to white- intermediate and finally to black- advanced. Drivers are on track only with drivers of similar ability which is why we progress as we become more proficient.
We were fortunate to be able to have students at the last two events as restrictions were relaxed. Both instructors and students had to wear masks and apparently, many were comfortable with this arrangement since we had a good turnout of students and instructors.
Many times we will have a social hour at the track after the track goes cold meaning we are done driving for the day. Then we go to our rooms and get ready for dinner as a group. This year proved challenging since we were concerned about indoor dining. Fortunately, all our meals were outside with the exception of one. Since we were a group of 10, we had our own private room indoors so were felt comfortable eating indoors.
This proved to be a very successful season for DER drivers. Three of us were promoted to the black advanced group- Bob Puffer, Chip Williams, and yours truly. This certainly does not mean that we have nothing more to learn. On the contrary, when we drive with other advanced drivers we find ways to improve by watching other drivers and talking with those drivers and sharing tips with one another.
If you think you would like to try driving on the track and joining a really enthusiastic and close knit group, we have a ground school every year in the early spring and explain all the requirements necessary to participate and answer any questions you may have.
Here’s hoping we see you at the track.
Roland Morin
