ThunderHill High Performance Driving School (Cont'd)
After each session the group drivers have a download meeting in the main building to discuss the time out on the track, analyze any issues or track elements that are especially tricky and share thoughts on the experience. It was another good opportunity to ask questions and learn from experts. On the right, Mark and I are listening as Terry, our Group's lead instructor, talks us through turn 5.
Between Sessions Mark took a shot of Trish and I with the Mustang, below, left.
In the next session, I had Anand along for the ride. Like George, and all of the staff and instructors at Thunderhill, Anand was helpful and I learned a lot about my driving from him. Below, right, Anand and I are on the grid about to head onto the track.
Over the course of the day, each group has five 20-minute sessions out on the track. As each session progressed, knowledge of the track increased and comfort with the car at higher speeds meant pushing the car harder each time out. Some cars had spins, but most were able to keep it on the track.
On the right, I'm in the chicane at the end of the front straight before turn one.
Later in the day, Mark and I got together and ran some pretty quick laps together. Below, we're coming out of turn 2 in pursuit of a black 'vette.
The most fun and challenging corner on the track is turn 5, the "Eagles Nest". It makes a sharp left-hand kink just at the peak of the hill. On the right you can see Mark negotiating the exit of the turn, a sweeping off-camber right, as I am just coming over the crest. It is a real kick in the pants to make this turn well, as you can't see anything when you take the sharp left.
There are many higher speed corners on the track, as well. Below, after taking the high-speed kink at turn 15, Mark and I race down the front stretch toward the start/finish line.
The day at ThunderHill Raceway Park was a blast. The staff and instructors were friendly and helpful, the race course is fun to drive and challenging as hell, and the facilities are really excellent.
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