Station 3

The third station consists of two, nearly parallel sections. Each has a straight, a relatively sharp curve and another straight. The two sections differ by the placement of a longer and shorter straight. Both sections are used, one after the other, moving clockwise around the exercises. Students are accompanied by an instructor on each pass through the exercise. There are two slightly different goals for this exercise. The first is to accelerate hard down the long straight, and find the correct braking point, in the middle of the corner, for the subsequent stopping point. The goal in the second section is to accelerate down the short straight, continue accelerating through the corner and down the long straight, then judge the braking point and stop at the appropriate point. Sounds simple but a lot of confidence and appreciation of the braking ability of a car is gained in this exercise.

A silver 911 will soon launch onto the course at the 2007 Car Control Clinic braking exercise. No doubt the instructor is talking a mile-a-minute and, obviously, the student is listening.  Photo Credit: Jim Kendler

The afternoon session consists of a full-sized, timed autocross utilizing elements from the three tracks that made up the courses for the morning sessions. The students see the same setups that were used in the morning, now connected together into one longer course. The track surface and the cone placement are familiar by now. So are most of the cornering limits, appropriate speeds, braking and turning points. Overall, we find that the focused and repeated practice from the morning session raises the student's confidence. This session is conducted in three groups, matching the morning session. One group works on the course observing, flagging and communicating with the timing crew. Another group drives, while the third group rests. The three groups rotate between these activities. In this the afternoon session, each student is assigned an instructor who remains with that student for each of the runs. Typically, each student completes three practice and three timed runs. Instructors generally have only two students so there is plenty of time for hints, questions, critiques and strategy discussions.

Larry steers his red Cayman onto the course at the 2006 Car Control Clinic with his instructor peering over his shoulder.  Photo Credit: Jim Kendler

There are always lots of smiling faces at the end of a car control clinic. We hope that participation gives the student an appreciation of their car and its capabilities. We also encourage students to consider entering an autocross or driver education event in order to continue with the fun and excitement provided by these controlled and safe events.

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