[kent olsen]

I've been a sports car/performance car nut forever. British cars, then a corvette and then my 911 (for the last 20 years) and now next to the 911, a 65 Vette and a classic Mini Cooper.

I've belonged to many car clubs along the way. They all are involved in some kind of performance driving, be it tours, arrive and drive, autoxes or track days.

Years ago, after not having a performance car for many years, I attended an arrive and drive with a local group. As soon as we left the main highway we were running 75 mph on county roads with no consideration for dogs, deer or bike riders.

I attended one more time but the driving was the same. I liked it but decided if I wanted that excitement I'd go back to track days, which I have done for the last 20 years in the 911.

Sunday I stopped by a gathering of club members and met a new member, just three years with the club. He was telling me about his recent arrive and drive experience. Racing thru the back country, he said he could hardly keep up until all the cars had stopped. Well one of the cars had hit and killed a dog and they stopped to see if it was worth taking to the Vet, but it was dead.

I know it's expensive, $200 or more to go to a track day, BUT. Driving these back roads at speed can expose you to almost anything on the road. Just think twice before you put you pedal to the metal.

Ok I'll get off my soapbox.