He was there to help with the advanced classroom sessions and was a totally approachable guy. He gave me some tips regarding my pending introduction to SCCA racing (as soon as next year) and affirmed my decision to begin with a Spec Miata.

Most of these semi/pro racers are really nice guys. I met David Murry in June at the Glen (Patroon BMW open track event) and he was really nice, one of the most laid back guys I've met. He was there helping a local SCCA Miata friend analyze some in-car data.

I also had some email back and forth with Shane Lewis last year about his drink of choice while in the car (Cytomax), after my parents found themselves sitting next to him on a domestic flight out of Atlanta. All nice guys that I've met so far, and more than willing to share their unique knowledge about driving. You just have to engage them in conversation and not act like a total douchebag and they'll basically tell you whatever you want to know, within reason.

I've included a link with some video of me chasing a Porsche in my Miata after I got a tip from Mark to "try not to look at the turn-in and apex cones, and just try to focus on the trackout cone as you enter and progress through the corner."

• Zoom zoom

-Cy
1991 Mitsubishi Galant VR4
1999 Spec Miata

dba Speed Shack - Norwood, MA