First Experience - Cobra University

Samurai · #1 (**permalink**) 10-05-2003, 04:29 AM

Date/Time: 7:00am on Oct 3rd
Place: Willow Springs Raceway (Streets of Willow Springs)

First thing, I got to thank Stephen of Cobra University and his crew for giving me a wonderful day of memories. I also have to thank House of Cobra for trailering my cobra to the track for me.

I also got to admit, I think I'm now addicted. I've already spent about 6 hours looking at helmets and gloves and other paranefilia for racing. I don't think my wife is taking to kindly to me surfing so much.

Here's a short list of what I learned:
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1) Paul, the instructor, can beat me around the course in a stock Ford Festiva, easily.

(This was humbling and oh so enlightening)
2) I can't drive. (At least when I first got there. I'm still can't drive, but I now know what a apex is...it's the yellow cone. I hope the next driving course uses yellow cones, otherwise I'll have to learn another color...

)
3) I've learned that I can make Paul, the instructor dizzy going around the skid pad. (Going around the skid pad was a real learning experience. Especially when you "LIFT" on the throttle. It's amazing how fast the rear can come around. What really surpized me was that my reflex did try and occasionally did safe the car from spinning.

)
4) I've learned the line is an ellusive thing, easily shown, but rarely remembered. (If I didn't have cones or an instructor in the car, i don't think I would know what to do)
5) Do put sun tan lotion on. (So I'm alittle red today)
6) Racing tires must be made of glue. (I watched little vintage 'Z' cars carve what looked like a right angle turn all while accelerating)
7) I've learned a whole new level of respect for the cobra and the people who drive them
8) I have enough hp...for now. (Sounds kind of funny, but up until yesterday, I though I wanted a bigger motor. Not being able to apply all of the hp sure does change your priorities. More instruction, then more hp...

)
9) I should have done this 7000 miles ago. (If you haven't taken a course, please do so. It's one of the best things you can do)
10) I'm addicted, and have joined the brotherhood...

Samurai

Bob In Ct · #2 (**permalink**) 10-05-2003, 08:30 AM

Samurai:
Don't assume that everyone who drives a Cobra knows how to go fast. You did the smart thing going to a school. Lots of drivers of Cobras, and other performance cars, are injured and killed because they have the money to buy HP but not to buy training.

The best place to learn how to go fast is at a school. When I turned 50 I took a 3 day school at Skip Barber. It was the best thing I ever did. I quickly learned how quickly the front of the car can become the back of the car at speed. I'll bet the term TTO means a lot to you now. Did you know what it meant before your training? Most drivers find out just before they go to hospital.

Bob

valpodoc · #3 (**permalink**) 10-05-2003, 09:10 AM

Mikek · #4 (**permalink**) 10-05-2003, 09:11 AM

I was there with Samurai this weekend.

First off - I want to mention that he a is great guy and I enjoyed hanging out with him and playing on the track that day.

I also got a ride in his Robnell cobra and let me tell you it is "SWEET!". Very soft ride and far superior handling to my SPF.

Samurai is also being a bit modest here. I spent a good portion of the afternoon chasing him through turns. While I've got all four tires talking to me (make that yelling at me) he's just cruising through the turns like he's on a Sunday drive at 55mph.

My thanks also go out to Steve, Mike, and Paul from Cobra U - Great bunch of guys - all very knowedgable and more importantly "tolerant"... I would highly reccomend everyone take the time to become an alumni.

Samurai isn't kidding about Paul and his Ford Festiva either - Paul can drive!

Special thanks also go out to Mike for taking the time to drive my car and explain to me what it was doing and why.

Also to Steve and his lovely wife for taking the time to organize such a great day. I can't thank them enough.

I also want to thank Dean Woodruff and Rob Rizzo from House of Cobras. They not only trailered Samurai's car up for him - but they spent a good part of the day helping me "shake out" my car, and chasing down a fuel supply problem.

I also want to thank George from Hillborn, who in conjunction with Dean and Rizzo spent a lot of time fine tuning my injection system. With no one else have I ever experienced such incredible "Customer Support"!

Absolutely fantastic motor and EFI system. I may not do so well in the corners - but on the straights - what a rush. Ran up to 7k in an instant and more torque than I can possibly handle.

My thanks to all - and count me in for the next one!

Mike

valpodoc · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2003, 09:13 AM

Sam,
Sounds like a great time. Even better that you've learned the cardinal lesson....it isn't the car that goes fast around a road track it's the driver. A little like golf a lesson will lower your score faster than new clubs. Enjoy.
Roland

PatBuckley · #6 (**permalink**) 10-05-2003, 09:20 AM

Congratulations to you guys!

Remember that in order to really put what you learned to use you have to practice until it becomes second nature. It sounds like you will probably do that Samurai! Some people think that a one day driving course/school is all they need to now be a certified fast driver - not true, as the first time some sort of emergency situation pops up they forget everything and freeze - kind of like taking a Karate class and then going out and picking a fight.

Pratice, practice, practice. Besides - it is fun.

Pat Buckley

Tom Wells · #7 (**permalink**) 10-05-2003, 03:56 PM

Hey guys,

Glad you liked it! Me too! I'll be back

Please don't forget your arm restraints !

(still mending after seven weeks

)

Tom

Samurai · #8 (**permalink**) 10-05-2003, 04:08 PM

Mike:
How's it going! It was a great pleasure meeting you on Friday. I hope to share a track with you again in the future. Mike, did you know Paul holds the lap record at Willow Springs for the SCCA/ITGT @ 01:36.181/92 mph.

PatBuckley:
If I had it my way on Friday, I would still be circling the track today. I found it almost like nirvana when you hit the corner just right. Unfortunately, out of maybe 50+ laps, I only hit a few corners semi-close to the line, but boy were they sweet!!!!! I've already decided that I need another class and more track time.
(and don't forget the sun tan lotion)

Samurai

Samurai · #9 (**permalink**) 10-05-2003, 04:10 PM

Tom Wells:
I'll put it on my list of safety equipment.

Thanks for the advice.

Samurai

RACER X #99 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-06-2003, 06:31 AM

Samurai,

Welcome to the REAL club.

Kind of humbling getting blown away by those little cars. Not to worry, with some more track time you will passing almost all those guys that used to pass you.

Open track, a lot more fun than the alternative.

Cranky

Samurai · #11 (**permalink**) 10-06-2003, 12:14 PM

RACER X #99

I don't know if I'll ever pass that Festiva that Paul was driving. Absolutely amazing what driving skills can accomplish...and he made it look like he wasn't even trying hard.

Samurai

Cobra University · #12 (**permalink**) 10-06-2003, 01:27 PM

Samurai and MikeK,
Thank you much for the kind words...We had just as much fun as you guys did. You guys are great!

About the aforementioned stock Ford Festiva:
Just before going out on the track, Paul the Instructor slides his sunglasses down his nose and says..."This track cannot contain this car."

Tire Size 145/80R-12
Rims 12 X 4
Miileage 46mpg

Yup, Paul can hang it out.

MistressMotorsports · #13 (**permalink**) 10-11-2003, 10:41 PM

Hey guys! I'm glad to hear you had a great time, so did we. I really liked instructing for a small, dedicated, eager to learn group. Hopefully we'll see you again soon.

(Instructor) Mike

Clois Harlan · #14 (**permalink**) 10-13-2003, 02:44 PM

Samurai and Others:

Isn't it strange how easy it looks before you try it. It takes a tremendous amount of concentration lap after lap. Lots of fun but I don't think I will ever learn it all. Glad you enjoyed your session. I hope to take a couple more driving lessons next year.

Clois

Samurai · #15 (**permalink**) 10-14-2003, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Clois Harlan

Samurai and Others:

Isn't it strange how easy it looks before you try it. It takes a tremendous amount of concentration lap after lap. Lots of fun but I don't think I will ever learn it all. Glad you enjoyed your session. I hope to take a couple more driving lessons next year.

Clois

You're not kidding. Someday, I would like to take a corner without having to correct at the end...

Samurai