[Jeff Higgins]

A good buddy and riding partner of mine just received a gift from his son in the form of a gift card to participate in one of this organization's events. He gets to drive a GT3 at our local track, Pacific Raceways in Auburn, WA.

He is not a car guy by any means, but he does love his bikes. He has zero track experience except for having ridden with me in my '72, also at Pacific Raceways. I'm sure many of the customers who participate in these "drive a supercar" deals have even less, like probably zero experience nor, therefor, any idea what they should be experiencing.

He gets three laps that he gets to drive himself. For $300, or $100 per lap. I pay the same for a full track day, usually 4-6 sessions of 20-30 minutes each. Beyond the money his son spent, though, I have other concerns.

I like to think I know my way around a race track. I would still be very, very tentative in taking a GT3 out without a good deal of time getting to know it. Three laps wouldn't be nearly enough - not even close.

So, how on earth can they take absolute neophytes and turn them loose, for just three laps, in cars like these? Granted, they start with instructors showing them the line, braking points, and general track information like that. But then to turn them loose for three laps (with an instructor in the car, of course) in cars like that? What gives? Are these cars de-tuned or restricted in some way, do they put cones out to re-define the line to slow things down, or what? They can't just let 'em rip, can they?

This all sounds pretty damned contrived and hokey to me. I'm afraid he might be in for a huge disappointment, especially having at least ridden along for a full track day. The on-line reviews show a lot of really disappointed customers who feel they were cheated. So, what say ye? Anyone ever participate in one of these?