Training to Race

Learning to race on a road course can be daunting. Even though it was almost 50 years ago, I remember it well. I had entered a friend’s MGTD at Palm Springs. Those of us who were novices were lined up on the grid. We were told to follow the course car for three laps and then have at it. That was the extent of my formal training. From then on it was up to me. I progressed by talking with others—mostly Ken Miles and Robbie Robinson—trying to use their suggestions.

Perhaps due to my long friendship with Bob Bondurant, I decided to explore the history of  U.S. road racing schools. Now located in Phoenix, Bob’s is one of the oldest and most successful. I’m told that prospective students are placed on a waiting list. The schools are not cheap either; none of them are, including those of the SCCA.