Not only can you nearly sit in an IMSA driver's car, I've let fans sit in my car at both IMSA and SRO races. Bringing them across the ropes, snapping a quick photo, and then putting them in the driver's seat for more photos has brought some of my happiest moments in my racing career. You'd think it's the podium, a great battle, or a really good interview on TV, but as we're told every race weekend, it's about the fans. Doing my part to bring joy and happiness to them is amazing.
I’m no track driver (maybe someday!) but will second the value of fan access in several series (notably IMSA). The ability to roam the garage and watch the teams work and do grid walks offers perspective that’s hard to match in other sports. It (safely) narrows the gap between participants and the rest of us, and that’s a good thing.
We have had great success in New England Region SCCA with the CRE program. From teenage drivers to an 80yo father of the regular driver, spouses, sponsors, crew members alike, many have experienced “race driving” in a safe and controlled environment.
No track car at the moment, and no race car ready to play, so I use my PS4 sim each F1 weekend to see how close I can get their times. Granted my F1 game is 2017, so not enough car available to get me up front, but a newer version is on the way. Watching the in-car shots always allows me to pick up something of value which I then can try myself. Sure beats watching hockey! Oh, sorry.
You are so right Ross! After my recent trip to the ‘Ring and Spa, I wondered what other sport allowed a mere mortal (myself) to tread on the same path as the gods of the sport. I think golf might be the only other sport.
Couldn't agree more! I just caution folks I talk to not blame me when they are, too, addicted to this amazing sport!! I do think our best option for introducing others is to do your absolute best to learn how to drive and instruct as well as you possibly can. Providing an amazing experience for our students is the most positive thing we can do to introduce, or reinforce, how amazing this sport is!
When I arrive with my car early in the morning at Daytona, the lights are just coming on and I see, "The World Center of Speed" on the grand stands and I am in utter awe. I cannot believe I am there and in mere hours I will be hustling my own car around that same track where some of my racing heroes have won, lost, toiled and even died. How am I so lucky? Whenever possible I give rides in my 996 street car turned track only car. I invite others to see and feel what it is like. Everyone, myself included, leaves with a smile.
True, but it’s much harder and more expensive to get track time to practice driving than most other sports where you can go to the local field or court easily.
Racey Thoughts: Our Sport is More Accessible Than Any Other
Not only can you nearly sit in an IMSA driver's car, I've let fans sit in my car at both IMSA and SRO races. Bringing them across the ropes, snapping a quick photo, and then putting them in the driver's seat for more photos has brought some of my happiest moments in my racing career. You'd think it's the podium, a great battle, or a really good interview on TV, but as we're told every race weekend, it's about the fans. Doing my part to bring joy and happiness to them is amazing.
I’m no track driver (maybe someday!) but will second the value of fan access in several series (notably IMSA). The ability to roam the garage and watch the teams work and do grid walks offers perspective that’s hard to match in other sports. It (safely) narrows the gap between participants and the rest of us, and that’s a good thing.
We have had great success in New England Region SCCA with the CRE program. From teenage drivers to an 80yo father of the regular driver, spouses, sponsors, crew members alike, many have experienced “race driving” in a safe and controlled environment.
https://ner.org/club-racing-experience/
No track car at the moment, and no race car ready to play, so I use my PS4 sim each F1 weekend to see how close I can get their times. Granted my F1 game is 2017, so not enough car available to get me up front, but a newer version is on the way. Watching the in-car shots always allows me to pick up something of value which I then can try myself. Sure beats watching hockey! Oh, sorry.
You are so right Ross! After my recent trip to the ‘Ring and Spa, I wondered what other sport allowed a mere mortal (myself) to tread on the same path as the gods of the sport. I think golf might be the only other sport.
Couldn't agree more! I just caution folks I talk to not blame me when they are, too, addicted to this amazing sport!! I do think our best option for introducing others is to do your absolute best to learn how to drive and instruct as well as you possibly can. Providing an amazing experience for our students is the most positive thing we can do to introduce, or reinforce, how amazing this sport is!
When I arrive with my car early in the morning at Daytona, the lights are just coming on and I see, "The World Center of Speed" on the grand stands and I am in utter awe. I cannot believe I am there and in mere hours I will be hustling my own car around that same track where some of my racing heroes have won, lost, toiled and even died. How am I so lucky? Whenever possible I give rides in my 996 street car turned track only car. I invite others to see and feel what it is like. Everyone, myself included, leaves with a smile.
True, but it’s much harder and more expensive to get track time to practice driving than most other sports where you can go to the local field or court easily.