Driving School & Testing @ Lime Rock
On the first of July, 2001, we headed to Lime Rock, CT so Bobbie could attend the Skip Barber Advanced Driving School. (What a
natural she was :-) ) While she was in class, I took the Cobra out and did a little
testing on the main track. Here are the pics. Scroll down to learn more about
the trip!
We finally rolled in and found our hotel in Connecticut and Bobbie started her class early the next morning. Ironically, she ended up with Terry Earwood, the same instructor that Harry and I had 14 years ago! Bobbie had a great time in her classes. There aren't many pictures of her since I didn't want to disturb her class. Bobbie adds: the main goal going in (since I didn't know what to expect) was to not embarrass myself. Not only did I achieve that goal, I was actually good at many of the manuevers. I can't say enough great things about the organization of our the school and the incredible skills of our five instructors. The days were very fast-paced. Much information was presented and we were expected to execute the skills then and there. It was really a lot of fun. I wish I were back on the autocross driving throught the chicanes again! I can't wait to take my next class.
The whole area had neat cars and the track was busy with people testing cars for the upcoming SCCA race. Look at the pictures and you can see a Ferrari 308 and a Dino that a guy had just bought that day. And that was just in the parking lot of the hotel. When I came over to admire one guys Aston-Martin he graciously allowed me to take his $175,000 car for a ride. I declined, but it wasn't easy!
Tuesday meant more class for Bobbie and play time for me! The guys on the track were serious about getting ready for their race: on the first turn of the practice sessions I already had guys trying to take the inside line! The track was very slippery from rain, dirt, and stay-dri. I ended up spinning twice, but it actually helped since it let me learn some more about the car.
It was a fun time and Bobbie learned a lot. The trip back was long again and we got to stop off and see the Kanes the next day before dropping the Cobra back off at Bryan Dobyns Motorsports for some more minor work.