Dave Howard
07-04-2017, 07:35 AM
I've commented in the past about how most of us will never realise the full potential of our cars due to our limited driving skills....myself included. Well, this became quite evident (again) for me yesterday.
Background --- While at a car show on Saturday (Canada Day), a fellow stated how he'd love to see the car at the drag strip. "You need to run the car at the drag strip in Bonfield". I didn't give it much thought.
Yesterday we were out for a drive to the east of North Bay Ontario when we saw a sign for the turn off to Bonfield. Within 10 minutes we had found the drag strip and was surprised to discover there was a "test and tune" day going on. The track manager was extremely nice and toured me through the facilities. It didn't take much coaxing to persuade me onto the starting line. I had to go through a tech inspection and sign a waiver of course. Now, I'm thinking this will be easy. Its like a London Cobra Show Charity ride, right? NOT. I took it easy off the start, not knowing how the car would react to the super sticky track. WOW. The car shot off the line and pulled like crazy. Adrenaline and G-force made me feel light headed. The shift to second was slow and before I knew it the 1/8th mile was done. The next few runs were, well to say the least - SCARY. Wheel spin off the line. Wheel spin down on the track. And the protective wall seamed so close. I got some great advice from the track crew but found the experience was a mental and emotional drain.
So, hats off to drag racers out there. Not as easy as it looks. I'll be back to try it again. Another great driving experience for me.
Background --- While at a car show on Saturday (Canada Day), a fellow stated how he'd love to see the car at the drag strip. "You need to run the car at the drag strip in Bonfield". I didn't give it much thought.
Yesterday we were out for a drive to the east of North Bay Ontario when we saw a sign for the turn off to Bonfield. Within 10 minutes we had found the drag strip and was surprised to discover there was a "test and tune" day going on. The track manager was extremely nice and toured me through the facilities. It didn't take much coaxing to persuade me onto the starting line. I had to go through a tech inspection and sign a waiver of course. Now, I'm thinking this will be easy. Its like a London Cobra Show Charity ride, right? NOT. I took it easy off the start, not knowing how the car would react to the super sticky track. WOW. The car shot off the line and pulled like crazy. Adrenaline and G-force made me feel light headed. The shift to second was slow and before I knew it the 1/8th mile was done. The next few runs were, well to say the least - SCARY. Wheel spin off the line. Wheel spin down on the track. And the protective wall seamed so close. I got some great advice from the track crew but found the experience was a mental and emotional drain.
So, hats off to drag racers out there. Not as easy as it looks. I'll be back to try it again. Another great driving experience for me.