Learn To Drive, by The Mechanic

Good call.

So did Donna just accidently out herself as The Mechanic? All of the other post have The Mechanic for the byline.

@jeevsdew

If you go with the big names (Bondurant, Jim Russell, Skip Barber) I'm sure you'll have a blast. And it's a humbling experience to sit next to a real racecar driver while he's working away.

I was lucky enough to go to Bondurant a couple of years ago and I yearn to be able to go there again. Does a car guy need convincing to go to a place where he can spend 2-3 days hammering around a race track in a Corvette with specialized, race winning, instructors coaching?

In any case, the skills I learned have saved my bacon in a big way 3 times to date. Going to one of these places really is investing, considering what you're likely to save in repairs and insurance rates.

I'm a good driver, not a great driver. I can say this because I've raced for a good 10 years in road racing and rally... and while I can't hold a candle to the top drivers, I tend to hover around the bottom of the top ten. I always try to learn from the better drivers, but there are some things that can't be taught.

There are alot of delusional enthusiasts, though. The whole modding without a clue scene is an epidemic... its so bad that a lot of them don't even get a proper wheel alignment. You spend $10,000 on coilovers and then go to Firestone to get aligned... what a joke?! lol. People may scoff at Stock Car racing (NASCAR) but they are experts at suspension set-up and that is sorely lacking in the Tuner scene.

These enthusiasts spend a fortune on go-fast parts and don't set up their cars properly. I'll go to the track with a bone stock car and beat them badly. Then I offer to help them and they just brush me off and give me the stink eye from a distance... *shrug* That is just the wrong attitude if you want to better yourself. Their loss...

For those who don't have a handy race track, other high end driving school, or big budget available (Skip Barber and those folks are not cheap), these options should help one to be less "squidlike":

Visit the local friendly DMV office before your drivers license expires and read its latest driving manual? You may be surprised how laws and recommendations will change over time?

Take into account weather conditions? Ex: In Portland OR, a sudden snow storm had tons of people on the sides of the roads or stuck on hills because they were not prepared.

Turn down (or off) the texting, cel phone and other driving distractions?

I am not The Mechanic. I found a hand-written note (in his own blood) on my desk and I posted it for him while he was on the road. -- Donna

The mechanic must be going soft. I agree with him completely.

I took an advanded drivers course many years ago (not a racing course but I plan to someday).

When I started I figured I would ace this without trying... and I was wrong. After 3 days of driving around an old airfield I learned more then I could image I would.

By learning how to drive I have never needed my ABS to avoid an accident or needed stability control to manage a skid... and in 30 years of driving I have had no accidents.

Courses like I took should be the starting point for all drivers. Those who want to spend big bucks to buy fast cars should be required to take courses like the mechanic mentioned.

I don't expect many to listen though. Most people I talk to think spending even one car payment on learning to drive correctly is too much.

I believe I can drive my car next to its potential.

I achieved such skills by getting a car with very, very little potential ;o)

At least I stick to sticks, but I can't properly do a heel-toe downshifting quickly for the life of me.

@santiagofdz

Thanks for the tips! Now when deciding on the vehicle that I should learn with, should I pick a cheap rwd (miata, 240sx, 350z, etc.), fwd (Honda, ms3, etc.), or awd (wrx, evo, etc.)?

It recently occurred to me that in a few years I could probably afford a decent weekend fun car. I could either get a used Corvette, or a used Miata and a good driving school. I'm going with the latter, and the faster car will come next.

ditto oscarmv. i can usually predict exactly when my very-low-limits vehicle is going to reach that limit, and how to recover from going slightly beyond. but i know the difference between me and a good driver is being able to keep the car at that limit, and know what to do if/when i get way beyond it. hence i figure i can't drive for crap... and i try to avoid doing anything really stupid to prove that point :-/

but trust me, some lessons and a whole lot of track time are up there around mandatory on my priority list for when i get a car with much higher limits.

I don't consider myself a "good driver" but i do consider myself a "safe" driver. I don't excessively break, I don't slow traffic, and i make sure my passengers don't get carsick from crazy G forces. I'll settle for that. TO face the fact I'll probably never have a R8 or even a corvette to experience a really good stick shift car. But i do think I am a decent driver, I mean my first car was a really old stick pickup truck with the heaviest clutch ever (I remember my left leg going numb after 15minutes of driving) and my dad will yell the crap at me if he ever even felt a gear change.

@Jeevsdew

Get a crappy old used car. You will screw it up and when you do get even a "new" stick car you will actually be able to drive it with out stalling it and actually be able to appreciate what ABS and stability control systems do for you.

oh, also, gorgeous picture. i believe i speak for a lot of folks when i say... WANT.

(both car and skills to reproduce picture!)

Some said he has the mouth of Iron Maiden, all we know is... he called Mechanic.

the slowest car on the highway are always Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc.

Most people buy cars don't because they are fast, because they feel good about the car when they are driving it. and most people are happier when they drive a fast looking car, so it is something called "my happiness counts". It's the same as SUV drivers, and 90% of SUV buyer can live with sedans, but they feel happier to drive an SUV because "I can see it better/I can be safer, etc". Same thing, go to learn how to drive...

Amen Donna...err... the Mechanic. A driving school is going to be my bachelor party with my buddies. I know I can't use my G8 to its limits, and I dearly want to know how. That being said, I am safe, and I'd rather be safe than fast.

When I was a kid I used to compete in the Go Cart competitions while living in Eastern Europe. My coach used to say that there is no need to see someone drive a car to know his skills, just look at how he sits in the seat and holds a steering wheel. I’m not a race car driver so I can’t speak from my own experience but as an every day driver I still hold the steering wheel with both hands, unless I’m on the phone, and sit, as some people say, close to it.
I agree with the Mechanic about car modification and driving training. Very good point.

I couldn't agree more. And I can say in all confidence that I am NOT at the level of driving I'd like to be at. I don't pretend to be better than I am. I'm good enough not to get into any collisions so far since I've been driving (6 years. I'm 24 now) and that's it. As a budding freelance auto journalist, I know one of the things I need to do is up my driving skill level. I ain't no poser. I wish others would just be man enough to come clean too.

I'm an OK driver. I've done many autoX, so I have good control @ low speeds, and I've done probably 15 track days, but not frequently enough to consistently handle oversteer @ high speeds without freaking out.

One thing I've noticed is that I'm a pretty slow learner when driving a car other than my own. I know lots of theory, I know how to heel-toe, but I just don't have a great feel for what the tires are doing unless I've spent a lot of time in the car.

Even though I'm not great, I still have a blast doing it.

For those interested in a fun way to see what you can do, check out your local SCCA region and try some AutoX. It is relatively safe, typically filled with friendly enthusiasts, and isn't too tough on the pocketbook. Track days are also fun, but certainly more dangerous and much tougher on the brakes and tires (although AutoX will still tear through tires pretty quickly).

-T

It always nice to see people driving fast with their tuned cars... especially when keeping up with them with a stock Opel Corsa. :)
I'm not saying I'm a great driver, but it seems I'm better than average.

But as the said in Top Gear by James May... "average in Finland, anywhere else it would be brilliant". ;)

I like to think I'm a good driver, but being professionally trained with more safety in mind than performance, I think I'd have to admit that I'm a controlled, safe driver rather than a good performance driver. Either set of skills still comes in handy though when attending autocrosses.

BTW, interesting how you grouped the Z drivers with the WRX/STI boy-racers. I've always thought it, but to hear you say it--wow. Thanks! ;)

Driving? I'm better than most drivers, which isn't saying much. I can park the hell out of a car too. However, I rarely drive, and have only gotten to take one driving class so far, so I wouldn't stand a chance on a track. When it comes to riding motorcycles though, I stand out a lot more (which still doesn't say much). I was far and away the best rider in my MSF course with barely two weeks of riding experience prior. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that a bicycle is my primary mode of transportation. If you stuck me on a motorcycle right now though, I doubt I would do particularly well since I haven't ridden since November. When spring rolls around and motorcycles become a better choice, I'll take the advanced rider course.

A lovely bit of hypocrisy and cherry picking by the so called mechanic here.

1.) Anyone taking their car to the track and trying to find their own limits and the car's deserves praise, not scorn. These days, most decent track day organizers will not allow a newbie on the course without at least a half day of instruction and familiarization. And most individuals attending a track day with a good organization will go faster and experience higher g-loading on their first day than they ever have on the street. Furthermore, the idea of hooning around in the canyons, with traffic, road hazards and no runoff, becomes a lot less palatable after experiencing a real racetrack. Finally, drivers bitten by the track bug suddenly become a lot more focused in their modification choices. In summary, encourage people to go to the track, regardless of how they regale their friends with tales of speed. It's an almost wholly positive endeavor.

2.) Comparing the lap times of even a relatively slow race car with street cars that must be driven home is pure idiocy. Simply fitting DOT legal race tires will knock 4 seconds/lap off for most cars, which is a bigger gain that even a couple hundred additional hp will generate for most vehicles. On top of that, expecting someone to drive their $100k (or even $25k) street car, that they must drive home and then to work the next day, to 10/10ths is ludicrous. Even if you're a seasoned pro, the risk isn't worth the reward. Doing so at a track like Willow Springs, where a fast car will see corner entry speeds in excess of 120 mph and mistakes have huge consequences, is just stupid.

3.) Modifications have many purposes. Most of the time, most street drivers are travelling in a straight line and the biggest thrill available is quick acceleration. Deal with it.

Leave it to a "journalist" to take a great cause (better driver training and education) and screw it up with stupid comparisons and weak strawman arguments.

I would love to learn to drive better, but I can't spend big bucks on it. (Insurance + $30/wk gas + $75/wk tolls + NY parking tickets + maintenance on my 110,000-mile vehicle doesn't leave me the means or inclination to throw more money at my "automobile experience".) If The Mechanic can provide some useful ideas of where the common folk can go to learn to drive for a reasonable investment of time and money, I would find that much more helpful than what he has so far emitted in this column. -- Dave

I'd like to think I'm a good driver. I'm not cocky about it, but, I feel more confident than my friends do, at least.

My father taught me how to drive standard, in an industrial park, in the small mining town I grew up in. My mother taught him, and the person who drives in 5th gear, while driving 60km/h. For a while, I drove like this, and it just felt wrong -- as it was. I decided to drive the truck, by sound, and feel, not by constantly monitoring the RPM gauge (sp?). Fyi, it's a 1991 Ford Explorer, currently has 110,000km on the odometer, no rust.

Time went by, and I inherited a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier coupe. It was an automatic, that belonged to my mother, I took it because I felt sorry for driving my father's baby, and it had slightly better fuel economy. The 10 months I owned it was hell, not that the car gave me much trouble, I just hated it. It just felt numb, and dumb, did what it wanted, and the stupid engine. I literally cringe every time I hear a cavalier/sunfire engine.

Anyway, that fall I purchased a 2001 Civic coupe, and got rid of the p.o.s. Cavalier. This one's a standard, and it's clover green. Haha, my friend named it Cecelia, and it just stuck. I'm off-track here.
What I'm trying to get at, is that, each car, regardless of its make and model, has its own personality. You have to get to know your car. Push its limits, listen to its engine. Drive it just to hear what it's saying to you, not to get you from point A to point B. Once you get to know your car, then you gain confidence with it. You know its limits, you know its strong points -- and.. you need to be able to tune out distractions. I'm the person to completely stop talking, mid sentence, while making a maneuver that requires concentration, or to shut off the radio, doing the same. (This could be a sign of something else, but I'd like to think it's just my brain prioritizing things).

This being said, I have sent text messages, while driving, only a couple of times. It's usually followed by a "oh my god, why did I not just die then?"-feeling, so I try to stay away from it.

I have a friend who bought a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer, base model, with a standard transmission. If my memory serves me correctly, the base engine has ~150hp. My civic has 117hp, I believe. I'm also unaware of each vehicle's power to weight ratio. Just given the data on the horsepower, I was certain that his brand new Lancer would beat my Civic, no problem. We, drag raced, I guess, on an abandoned airstrip, outside of town, and, he had a "hard time" keeping up with me. This goes with the whole, driving in a straight line, thing, but I dunno...

I'm too lazy to write any more, because I'm half asleep. I just got home from working night shift.

Based on what I said, would you consider me a good driver? Maybe just cautious?

Comment on this, please. :)

A-HA! I know who "The Mechanic" is! First name begins with "J", the last begins with "B". How much do I get to keep my silence???

johnnyichiba@gmail.com

Dammit. That's: johnnyichiban@gmail.com

James Brown?

I'm an OK driver.

I've attended perhaps 15 track weekends with the Audi Club of North America, which has helped me improve every aspect of my driving.

My suggestion for anyone who wants to learn to be a better driver without spending the $$$ required to attend something like the Bondurant school would be to investigate driving with a marque's club on track weekends. For instance, the Audi Club offers literally dozens of High Performance driving events every year at tracks all across the country, and doesn't even require that one drive an Audi, but you do have to join the club. There is extensive instruction for novices, combined with lots of track time and an opportunity to meet some like-minded people. Check here for more details:

http://www.audiclubna.org/component/jevents/year.listevents/2010/01/19/-

I've owned 3 cars in a row that had north of 400 rwhp: Modded TransAm WS6 Convertible, Modded Corvette C6 coupe, and now a Caddy CTS-V.

I love driving, and I try to have fun where I can. However, South Florida is flat and only has 90 degree turns. When I hit the occassional onramp or offramp, I'll have some fun, but not too much as to put my car or my life in jeopardy.

Now, could I go out on the local autocross lap and beat someone in their Neon even though my car can lap the Nurburgring in under 8 minutes? Absolutely not. I just haven't invested the time and money in running laps. Would I like to? You betcha! I'd love to hit up one of the driving schools, but parting with 5 grand or more just is tough for me to do.

So, I guess I some could call me a squid because I don't autocross (but would love to!). So, if you think I'm a squid, I'll see you tomorrow night at Palm Beach International Raceway (Moroso) to see gets to the end of quarter mile first. ;)

church123:

lol, i have rolled into work with a tire smoking and half way off the wheel, bent suspension, rear sway bar scraping the ground, covered in mud... racing gear, tools, and spares in the back, lol. i would just fix what i needed to get home and all was well. its not ideal, but thats what i had to do to race... and it was worth it.

if you have money for a Porsche and plan to race it, i would hope you had another form of transportation...

Definitely still learning here. I'm decent with an manumatic (auto with manual shifting), but still learning on the true manual front. I only just learned manual over Thanksgiving and started autocrossing last year.

I did get some compliments on how I did pretty decently for a first-timer, though. I still could improve my times by a few seconds on a 45-second course.

Guess I'll just have to continue with the practice ;) Dang!

I'm a great driver! That is, so long as by "great" we mean "haven't killed anyone".

In reality, I would fall pretty fairly into the "squid" category. I drive a Pontiac G8 GXP, and its limits are actually pretty wildly high. I know to always be smooth and never jerk the wheel, brake early and accelerate through, outside-inside-out, and... that's about it. Oh, and I know what a heel-and-toe and a double-clutch are. And that would be about it.

I've taken my car to an autocross event in the past, and I'm going to take it to more events in the future. Some time I also want to take it to an HPDE event put on by NASA (National Auto Sport Association). That kinda in-car driver training time would do wonders, because I DO want to learn how to REALLY control my car at the limit.

You know, this entire article is silly. Think about it:

American, European, and other road systems are not designed for performance driving at the edge of a vehicle. They are designed to allow a vehicle to be operated safely.

Personally, I drive along a very twisty road for about 3 miles on my way to and from my job every day. And once or twice I really pushed my Saleen Mustang (and scared the crap out of myself), but I don't do that on a daily basis? Why?

1) It's illegal for me to be driving at the speeds I was doing at the time.
2) It's dangerous for other motorists, as if someone else had been oncoming and I had lost just a little bit of control, I could have hit their vehicle.
3) It's dangerous for pedestrians. This is a country road, but sometimes on the way home I'll see kids playing outside. I don't want to have to explain to someone's mom why I just ran over their toddler.
4) It's dangerous for my car. There are a lot of dogs (I saw six loose dogs, all with collars, on the way home yesterday). Hitting even a 50lb lab at 50 mph will do a significant amount of damage to your vehicle.
5) It's dangerous to me. If I were to have a wreck, even if I come out uninjured, it would create alot of difficulties in my life, like getting to work.

The kind of driving that The Mechanic is talking about should be confined only to a proper race track, and not "mountain roads" or any other public roads. The fact of the matter is that being on the edge means that you're just an inch from falling off a cliff.

You're average driver has no need to be able to drive in a performance manner. In fact, I would go so far as to say that noone "needs" to be able to drive at this level. The entire purpose of a car is transportation in a timely manner, and not excitement. Obviously, life is more enjoyable when you can have some excitement in your humdrum activities, but it's not necessary.

I really feel like the author of this article is making the same comparrison between your average driver and a proffessional racer that could be made with your average local high school football team and the NFL. And I can play football with my friends in the back yard without having to be an NFL level of player, so why should I feel bad that I drive safely instead of pushing my vehicle?

By the Mechanic's rating system, I'm probably a poor driver, because I drive safely and only go in excess of the typical legal limits when allowed to do so. For example, if I wanna go fast in a straight line, I drive down to the drag strip in Baton Rouge.

What's scary to me is the fact that someone may read this article, go take a class or feel that they don't need a class, and then push their car beyond the limit of their control. And they'd be doing this to "prove The Mechanic wrong" and get themselves injured or killed in the process.

If you are looking for an inexpensive way to start to "really" learn to drive, commit yourself to going to your local SCCA chapter's next three autocrosses.

If they are a half decent region, they'll take good care of you.

After a few years of Solo II, I'm in the upper portion of the 25% . . . I'd say I'm running at 95% my cars potential, and I can now hop into most cars, do a couple of runs, and post a decent time.

Silly article, but true nonetheless. It's for the posers out there, in their fancy cars who come right up to your bumper but then pull back like chickens in the corners while I show them the proper line, brake just before the bend and accelerate out of the turn at top rpm....and they become little dots in my rearview mirror.

I have next to no real driving skills but can still race circles around just about anybody on the road, because most have even less ability and no idea how to get the most out of their cars, and everyone slows down more than necessary for turns. It's all about the corners, baby! Any squid can go fast in a straight line.

I've always said that 80% of people consider themselves above average drivers.

I consider myself average. What's that tell you?

I'm not that skilled of a driver and I'll admit it. I just like cars (and boats, and trains, and aircraft...). That said, it really annoys me when people drive on the road like they have something to prove whether they are technically a skilled driver or not.

What's scarier than whether or not we think we are good drivers is all of the idiots out there that think they are and obviously are not. Good driving is also a matter of perspective. Good driving on public roads and good driving in relation to being able to push a car to it's limits without loosing it are two totally different things. Sadly, I think most are ill prepared for either one! Blame it on DMV, driver's ed courses, or whatever, but most of us could be better. Some of us could be much better and some us need a reality check and realize that we aren't as good as we think we are. Also, newer cars handle pretty well. Alot better than anything even just 20 years ago! So some get a false sense of ability just by virtue of that alone (read: ABS/DSC/ATC, etc.). I've always wanted to go to a performance driving school. I have taught myself alot over the years...mostly through trial and error and mostly on public roads. Yeah, not a great idea, but what's a guy to do, right? Anyway, I think a good basic defensive driving class on a closed course should be mandatory for everyone to get a license. Kind of like what I went through to get my M class to ride my motorcycle.

I agree with church123

I would consider myself currently in the competent category, but that is not to say I don't have aspirations of becoming a much better driver. I am pretty good at heel-toe, and absolutely incapable of left foot braking. I fall somewhere in between can and can't for the other skills listed. I am constantly seeking to improve my skills which only improve with experience. I am pretty young when it comes to driving. I hope to some day learn to control a car very well. I don't expect myself to be the Stig or any other pro racing driver for that matter. All I want to do is improve my skills, get faster, and learn some car control.

Alright. I guess you guys aren't taking me seriously...perhaps a little encouragement.

First name: Ja..

Last name: Ba....

johnnyichiban@gmail.com

As an HPDE instructor since 1997 I can state that very few novice students know the first thing about car control and/or vehicle dynamics. Having attended several press intros I'll just say that some journalists are very good drivers, but many are simply abysmal. What's really frightening is that in both cases those bad drivers almost always believe that they could be the next Schumacher if they could only get a chance at the wheel of an F1 car...

High Performance Driving classes through BMWCCA changed the way I drive. I got far better in my first two day course and continue to improve.

If I were going to put a label on the way I drive, it would be "Defensively Aggressive".

I've been driving for more than 47 years & have never had a chargeable or at-fault accident, & haven't had a moving violation of any kind since Jan. 1966. For 15 of the 47 years I was a big rig driver, tankers & fwy doubles (twin 45' boxes). And no, the moving violation was not in a big rig.

I did attend a Skip Barber 2 day driving school in Oct. '08, was definitely worth the time & money.

I think everyone should spend at least a week riding shot-gun in a big rig.

I thought I was a good driver, until I attended the Bondurant School Gran Prix course in November. It wasn't until then that I realized how much I DIDN'T know about high performance driving. I learned a ton, and it was a great experience. It was very entertaining and humbling to ride along with the instructor - it's incredible how much control they have over the car at the limit. Almost like the car becomes an extension of the driver, and there's a direct connection between the driver's brain and what the car is doing.

While these schools are expensive (nearly $4k for 3 days), it is without a doubt, the single fastest "mod" you can do for the money. It's funny when you think about it, because most people into modding, wouldn't blink at spending $4k to make their cars go faster through modification, but most people would complain that $4k is too much to modify the most important part of the car: the driver.

The added benefit of high performance driver training is most of the skills you learn on the track can also help you in everyday driving including emergency situations and accident avoidance. Learning car control will always be an asset.

Like almost every other education investment I've made, it was one of the best investments made.

@jeevsdew

IMO I'd recommend you start with a cheap rwd car, like the miata. It isn't real fast on a straight line but it's nice and talkative on corners, so you'll be able to sense what's going on easily and thus be able to see what you need to work on. The potential issue with a MS3 or a WRX/EVO is that they're quick on a straight line and offer a decent/good amount of grip, so if you screw up, you're gonna going very fast when you do.

Kurtamaxxxguy makes a good point in that good schools are not cheap; but I am convinced that I got my moneys worth, and that I have saved money by going there, since 2 of the 3 big scares I had would have set me(or my insurance co.) back more money than the cost of the course. A cheaper alternative would be to go to a karting school. A good one day course should be around 300 bucks in a CRG-kart(which does 0-100mph in around 6secs and will top out at 120 mph while cornering at 2.5g). If you can drive one of these properly, you'll probably be able to handle any road car. Mind you, it's a good idea to start with a more conservative go-kart course, since you don't want to screw up at 120mph in what is a 4 wheeled tray made of small tubes.

---

Obviously, going to one of these schools is no excuse to drive like an ass everywhere; unless of course you turn up to be the next Gilles Villeneuve who did indeed drive ridiculously fast everywhere.

i am one of those v8 guys that has a cai/tune and suspension mods and i freely admit i can not touch the potential of my car.

i have some formal driver training but i've only had one open track day under my belt and i was definitely one of the slowest cars there.

i first rode with an experienced driver with a 350z whose only upgrades were track pads and he rode the ass of a z06 who would not give us the point by...

having said that, i suspect i would be a lot faster if i didn't have to worry about driving my car home! if it was a car i felt more comfortable testing the limits on i probably would have been a little faster.

but anyway, definitely not the fastest, but i didn't spin out in the grass or crash and that was the most important thing to me!

looking forward to the next track day!

in defense of many automotive journalists:

how many actually say that they are awesome drivers? do they even necessarily imply it? maybe some readers assume it, but i don't know why they would.

aren't they journalists first and enthusiasts (maybe) second and probably actual "drivers" some where down the line?

do i need to know how well my nissan versa handles on a hpde? sure, it becomes more important for those shopping for sports cars, but did anyone here just PRESUME that donna derossa could kill us on a road course? do we care?

journalists review minivans, trucks, suv's, crossovers, etc... do you have to be an f1 driver to do that?

i want them to report the statistics and news and over time i'll know who i trust when it comes to actual descriptions of perceived handling performance, ergonomics, sound, etc...

all that is preliminary, anyway, because nothing beats a test drive.

when it comes to the exotics and high end performance vehicles, a good publication will bring a known/proven talent to really test the car and the journalist will write it up....

Love the picture.

@johnnyr3

Are you saying Jack Baruth at Thetruthaboutcars? He is pretty cynical and that would be his style of article

I think I'm a decent road driver. I try to follow proper following distances, signal every time I want to change lanes or make a turn, don't speed (much), make space for other cars when they signal that they want to get into my lane, keep my mirrors adjusted properly and use them constantly, look as far ahead as I can, keep from changing lanes excessively, and generally try to affect the flow of traffic as minimally as possible.

Am I a decent performance driver? Not a chance; a squid would beat me in a race. But I want to get good, and hope to take a proper course in the near future.

It's funny that the article pic is that of an R8, because I recently attended the Audi Sportscar Experience. We had a choice of Audi's S model cars. Learned to slalom the cars, proper racing line, braking and acceleration techniques. I took the course, because while I felt I am an above average "street" driver, there is no place to safely explore how one's car handle's at it's limits. NYC neighborhoods don't have any tracks in the area. I've also taken an MSF motorcycle course, and was the only student in my class to earn a perfect score (no point deductions). But even with these courses, there are so much more to know about vehicle dynamics.

As nice as the Audi course was, it would be useful to take another racing course without QUATTRO equipped cars, and all of the electronic nannies. How to induce or recover from oversteer at will. Some of the best vehicle control I've seen are at the hands of rally drivers and drifters.

At the end of the Audi class, we got to ride shotgun in a V10 Audi R8 with the instructor, who REALLY opened it up. As was said above, it was like the car was an extension of his nervous system. Until I can chase down that instructor and make him sweat, pass him and make him chase me, I'll always be an above average street driver and so-so track driver.

I tend to agree.
After attending my first instructional track day I was hooked. I learned a ton and saw first hand as drivers of fast cars either drove slowly on track or even dangerously.
I ended up organizing my own instructional events at the track and invited in as many first timers I could in order to show them what "real driving" was about. Most were street racers with modified cars, some with 500 or more hp and many left the track at the end of the day with broken cars or otherwise humbled. It was quite gratifiying to see them get knocked down a per or two.

With the exception of a truck and a lowly mitsu mirage, I've owned nothing but sporty, manual cars with "track ready suspensions" like a SE-R spec V and currently a 06 Civic Si. I could afford an evo or STi but I learned it's just as much fun taking a 200hp car to its limits as it is a 3 or 400 hp car.

Also, something I've picked up from HPDE events: EVO and STi guys are damned sloppy on track. They use AWD as a crutch that hides their lack of ability. Nothing against the cars, I love them both but I could teach my grandmother to drive an EVO fast.

I think alot of people here have it right. Unless you can afford to dedicate a significant amount of time on the track you, will cannot drive any given car to its potential. This is true for a pro-driver learning a new car or a novice learning to race his daily driver. I don't think the question should be whether or not you consider yourself a good driver, rather it should be whether or not you know your limits.

As far as the tuning scene, its more about show than go, and always has been. Comparing it to true racing skills is apples and oranges.

"most performance car owners couldn't drive an Accord as fast as it can go, a point proven every week on Top Gear when they put a star in their reasonably priced car."

Good point. A car is just an instrument afterall, but I'm pretty sure just about anyone with moderate skill can outrun you in an Accord if you were driving a G-Wiz to its full potential. Its a moot point. A better car will make you a better driver, but it is only half of the equation. Its like driving a golf ball. Anyone new to golf might not hit the ball well no matter what type of driver (golf club that is) they use, but an intermediate golfer will benefit from a better club. Being a "good driver" is moving scale and isn't black and white. Pro-drivers with epic skills in that 10% still make mistakes and crash. Don't belive me, watch rally racing. We are all squids! Its only a matter of time.

johnnyr3, Jason Bateman?

I've been driving since I was 4 (golf cart, go cart, etc). I began to seriously drive when I was 12 (Eagle Talon TSi w/ 5-speed). I really developed some skill when I was driving my dad's '86 Alfa Veloce. I've continued to develop in my current car. I have 16 serious years of driving experience, 5 years of SCCA experience, but no official education.

Am I a squid? Definitely. I probably only push 60% of what my baby can do. But I challenge you to find a handful of folks who can drive a supercharged track-ready Honda S2000 at the limit for a prolonged period of time.

Johnnyr3 - It's Special Agent Jack Bauer!?

I used to be convinced that The Mechanic was Mr. Braur, but the Neon reference blows that theory.

I am definitely someone who needs some professional instructions. I thought I was good driver until I drove with some friends who have been through professional driving schools and attend track days regularly. Also, anyone who thinks they are a good driver should go go-karting and see how they do, my first time out I was 2 laps down to the leaders.

Great Article!

I'll just go ahead and say I cant drive, sure I can drive safely on the road but I still lack lots of experience. Maybe someday I will get the chance to go on a track day and attend a driving school but I am just to busy for that stuff, I have other priorities. There is just one thing that bothers me about the article, pretty much everybody is a squid like it or no. There is just that one person much better than you, I dont see how anybody can consider themselves good when you have people like Loeb and Walter Rohrl.

I know I may sound like a poser here but I beg to differ. I am the one who sees people with spoilers and fancy paint on Lancers and RX7s messing around on the public roads. I then proceed to dust them in my bone-stock 2006 Honda Civic. I think if you can have an average speed of over a hundred in a stock civic then you are definitely meeting the potential of that car. On the other hand there is nothing I loathe more than following a 911 turbo or a Lamborghini in the gated community I often drive in. To me this behavior is screaming look at me I have a nice car my dad bought me even though I can't drive it. People should buy cars they can have fun and go flat out in, not buy a fast car and then drive it like they drove the hybrid they learned in.

I can't drive. I said it.

Given my age (20) and what I drive (99 F150) I'm better than average for my age group at least locally can I drive my truck to its limit? No but at the same time I can drive a bit closer to that limit than my peers and thats good enough for me.

I know I'm going to get bash for saying this but I learned a lot of the very basic concepts and ideas behind high speed driving or just defensive driving from video games like need for speed doesn't hold a candle to a actually education or experience but its better than trying find out in the real world.

I can drive. But then, I've taken classes - and I very much take The Mechanic at his point. If you own, well anything, you owe it to yourself to learn how to use it. If you don't, you're just not getting what you could out of it. Maybe you're a poser. A squid. Or maybe you just don't know any better. Own a fast car? Learn to drive it fast. Driving it will be that much more fun - and you'll probably come away a safer driver as well. Imagine that. Faster = Safer. Okay, Training = Faster *and* Safer - but you get the idea. Classes are expensive - but if you're into driving I guarantee it'll be just about the most fun you've ever had.

arkitect
"I know I may sound like a poser here but I beg to differ. I am the one who sees people with spoilers and fancy paint on Lancers and RX7s messing around on the public roads. I then proceed to dust them in my bone-stock 2006 Honda Civic. I think if you can have an average speed of over a hundred in a stock civic then you are definitely meeting the potential of that car. On the other hand there is nothing I loathe more than following a 911 turbo or a Lamborghini in the gated community I often drive in. To me this behavior is screaming look at me I have a nice car my dad bought me even though I can't drive it. People should buy cars they can have fun and go flat out in, not buy a fast car and then drive it like they drove the hybrid they learned in.."

An '06 Civic dusting Evo's and RX-7's .... that's a laugh! I suppose you are correct to some degree. A Civic doing 100 mph is definately faster than 911 Turbo doing 65. I hope you meant beating these guys on a track, because racing in traffic on a street or highway with no finish line is a pointless comparison.

Jealous much? It's amazing how you can judge someone's ability to drive just because they have a nice car. Ever think maybe they earned it?

Let me clear some things up.

In no way am I saying that mine is the faster car. What I am saying is that people who drive those cars don't know how to do it properly. It is not because of the cars that I'm faster, its because I know how to drive. I'll let it be known right now that a driver in a 4door si toasted me the other day.

I'm not saying people can't drive if they have nice cars. I'm saying that if they have them they should use them properly, if you have a Ferrari you should drive it like a ferrari.

Street Racing is no pointless comparison, the two racers acknowledge their intentions and then you get down to business. I've been doing it for a few years. It's certainly less expensive than a driving school.

It absolutely is a pointless comparison. Noone really wins and it takes mediocre skills to stomp on the gas and go in a straight line (read the article again). Even if you can shift and launch a manual car properly, that doesn't make you anywhere near being a good driver. Street racing is infantile and reckless, plain and simple. I just hope you realize this before you wrap your car around a tree.

And just out of curiosity, how are you suppose to drive a Ferrari or any sports car on the street? Just because you have all that power, doesn't mean you should drive it like an idiot. It would be like a pilot in an F-22 Raptor dropping its payload on schools just because it can. It's called good judgment, try using it next time someone wants to race you at a traffic light. A 2-ton machine is no joke. You've been watching Fast & Furious way too many times. Car crash+medical bills+increase in insurance+possible jail time or worst is not cheaper than going to a driving school.

OK, i am an enthusiast, i just bought a 2008 350z, this is the first RWD car ive owned...Honestly im learing to drive it, not fast, not well, just learning to drive it. So im a squid, but i guess we were all squids at one time. Im proud to be an enthusiast, i read all the mag sites daily, i have couple of subscriptions, i watch top gear religiously and i own a RWD 2 seater, its ok i cant drive it fast yet, maybe if driving schools were more available in Puerto Rico i would go to one, but the Art of driving fast has in no way a connection to enthusiasm. So i like to imagine im Rhys Millen everytime i take a corner or drive through a series of bends, big deal!!! who cares if i dont know how to drive, thats the main reason why i read this!!!!!

Drifting in snow (not on public roads hopefully!) is an easy way to learn control at low speeds. this also puts less strain on your suspension/tires/etc. i find that vastly entertaining without having to spend a lot of time or money -- a good place to start in the real world after Gran Turismo. ;)

You are Very right, Mechanic. I've read/studied the concepts of everything you mentioned. However, (respectfully), some of us are stuck with driving by handcontrols (automatic + LH = gas&brake + RH = steering). B/C I can't do Left foot braking ((I understand it but no left foot ... uh oh! or drive a stick (requires too many hands y'know)). Shall I be a sqib forever, or can you drive your best with only 2 hands also?

I completely agree! I drive an SRT4 Caliber, but I don't know how to really drive it. I'm like 1.5 seconds off Inside Line's best 0-60 time. I have the car, now I just need the skills.

Even if you're a squid, you can still shave 0.3 seconds or more off your quarter mile time with the WOT Box from N2MB Racing! http://www.n2mb.com/wotbox

Wow, this mechanic guy really thinks he's God's gift to driving. Way to talk down to your readers! GREAT call. You know, this reminds me of a lesson I learned a LONG time ago: people don't like to be reminded that they are beneath you, even if they really are.

You don't have to be fast to enjoy driving. Hell, I enjoy kicking the tail out and sliding--you know, driving slower, but having more fun.

Look, people golf to have a good time yet they still buy good equipment--and most of us aren't PGA level players. Yes, a pro golfer could hit the ball farther off the tee with a wood driver than I could with a massive titanium piece, but that doesn't mean said pro enjoys getting out and playing more than I do.

Nobody likes douchebags who act like they are pros and are really "squids", but this article reeks of a has been race car driver talking down to a bunch of enthusiasts that frankly don't have the time, skill, or desire to set lap records. This is our hobby not our job, please don't talk down to us.

Tried e-mailing you, Mechanic, but the address doesn't seem to be working. Anyway, like others here, I'd love to learn how to "really" drive. But, do you have any suggestions? Though I completely agree with your article, you left many of us the same as we were before. It's not wise to dedicate a whole article on how most drivers suck, tell us to go learn how to really do it, but not provide any resources to us normally paid folk with families, bills and responsibilities on where we can go to achieve this new education without breaking the bank.

Like another poster mentioned, I live in the NYC area and can't seem to come across any reasonably priced, advanced driving schools in my area. Any suggestions? Thanks.

I agree with detroitbandit. I find that more people could benefit from FINANCIAL training than learning how to drive around the track faster. We all get a little financial training, the Mechanic can then bad mouth about Vette and Ferrari drivers instead I guess.