Driving Skills and Motorsport

As I mentioned in my last post, both my children and I attended a Mt Cotton Defensive Driving course. The day I undertook the training, there was a couple of work groups doing driver training for their employer. There were company 4WDs, sedans, wagons and a small bus! I had my trusty automatic 2006 Subaru Outback, a great car and excellent for distance driving. I was doing a far bit of that back then. 

We practiced straight line braking, emergency lane changes, zigzags through traffic cones. There was a talk on basic vehicle maintenance and how air bags work. The biggest eye opener was when the instructors demonstrated braking distances at various speeds. We had to stand beside the training track (at a safe distance) and guess where the instructors vehicle would stop. The speed was increased with each passing run. I think every one of us fell short of the mark for the top speeds. 

The last challenge for the day was the skid pan. The track was wet with a dash of diesel to help our sliding task. I was instructed to stay in second gear, unbalance the car and then keep it on the track for two laps then pull in. It certainly was a challenge but I loved it as well! Depending on the various corner angles this also tested your car skills. The drivers in the bus and 4WDs certainly were entertaining as they practiced, but it was also good to see their commitment to safe driving skills.

After my visit to the Mt Cotton Defensive Driving course, one thing led to another. After a V8 experience at Queensland Raceway in 2013, I was keen to continue my driving skills and finally achieve a life time goal. I found myself a 2002 Subaru Liberty and tried a street sprint day at Lakeside. An iconic track where the likes of Brock, Johnson, Richards, Bowe, Perkins, Grice, all of legends in Motorsport had raced there. I studied YouTube videos to learn the track before the big day and was shaking in my boots. My trusty family mechanic checked over the car for me before race day and the rest is history. I drove my stock standard Subaru around Lakeside with total respect and admiration for racing history. It was a buzz!

Now that I’m in my 50s, over the past few years I’ve attended Rallycross Sprints, Street Sprints at QLD Raceways and Lakeside. I’m also a CAMS Member, Ipswich West Moreton Auto Club Member, iRacing Member, completed a half day Rallyschool course and volunteered with the 2018 Dare to Be Different program.

What I have learnt... It takes practice, practice and more practice! The driving community have been so helpful. I may not understand all that is talked about in the paddock but I love to listen and learn. I’m amazed by the history, knowledge and passion for cars that so many people have. No matter your budget, there’s something out there for you and there should be more of it.
I’ve learnt - eyes up, head straight, look through corners, look where you want to go – NOT at what you might hit, quick glances with eyes, fast hands and feet, co-ordination, focus, control heart rate, emotions and breathing, safety and equipment, vehicle maintenance and capacity, fitness. It’s everything you need for driving on public roads!

I’ve had my share of spins when I’ve made mistakes, but that’s how you learn. It dents your pride but that’s OK because you’re in safer conditions than on the roads. Officials are keeping an eye out and offer advice. There are no power poles, houses, gutters to cause injury to yourself and others. Sure, there’s a risk but there is less risk on the track than for those that choose to take risks on public streets. These are the people with little skill. My dad always said “if you want to race, do it on a track with safety gear on”.

From what I’ve experienced, I wanted to help people gain more driving experience. I would dearly love my own training track one day but for now I’m also excited by the developments in technology. This is how iDriveSim Training was born. 

Don’t let anyone tell you it’s just a game when you are improving your skills to be a safer driver. It works, I know so. When you get the chance, pick up the phone and give me a call to learn more – I’d love to share more with you.