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<MISC> Comments from an "intermediate" driver on NY Chapter Schools

I was not at the Bridge for the famous roll a couple weekends ago, so I
won't comment on the causes of that particular incident.  I am also *not*
a seasoned veteran of driving schools like some who have commented. 
However, I have attended some schools, numerous ice time trials, and I
feel the evidence of safe events is quite clear.  Even the attitudes
openly expressed by the people running the school can contribute to the
overall sense of safety.  Anyone who has ever observed Bjorn Zetterlund
conduct a Drivers' Meeting knows what I'm talking about.  [maybe it's that
ultra-serious look he gives you that makes you feel like the slightest
transgression will get you Banned for Life! 8^)]

Just as a datapoint, I do prefer NHIS and Lime Rock to the Bridge, since I
believe I can concentrate on developing my driving skills on a slower
track better (I'm running a 528e 5-spd).  The PCA loves the Bridge - the
911s can really scream there.  But that's just a personal opinion.  Not
everyone will enjoy every track.

What *deeply* bothers me is the following remarks of Steve Musolino and 
Walter Selva to the BMW list through their Psychic Advisor, Mr. Jeff Tarr.

First Steve's remarks:
>  spectacular at the Bridge. So be very careful about appearances. Second, 
>  and most important, the modern cars permit a rank novice to achieve 
>  cornening speeds that advanced drivers could not in modified cars 10 
>  years ago. This with essentially no skills whatsoever. They show up 
>  in M3s, turbo Porshes, etc with track rubber and chips, and they have 
>  NEVER been on a track or a skid pad yet. 
...
>                                                              The cars
>  do the driving now and there is no incentive to actually develop 
>  skill. 
...
>  Another factor is these unskilled drivers get the car loose for the 
>  first time at very high speed and usually get into big trouble. Those 

Steve, you are *absolutely* correct that the differential between the
cars' capabilities and the average drivers' capabilities is greater every
year. Knowing this, and knowing that you have these inexperienced Boy
Racers signing up for your schools, why doesn't the NY chapter *require* a
safety school before allowing people on the Bridge?  It's funny - you are
an excellent driver, very familiar with the hazards of the Bridge,
competent at getting into and out of trouble while driving the Bridge, so
you know what it's all about.  I would HOPE you would be MORE vigilant
about making sure these newbies have MORE training than most driving
school newbies.  You make it sound like this is totally out of your
control!  That's unbelievable! 

>  So if anybody out there thinks they can do better, please take over 
>  running the school for me and second guessing why cars crash in my 
>  schools.

I'm sorry you were taking criticisms personally, since it prevents one
from hearing what people are saying.  I think everyone who has commented
here simply is concerned with making the schools safer.  I agree with you
wholeheartedly that people should recognize the risk involved.  However, I
am a bit nervous that the person *running* the school takes this attitude. 
If you really feel that there are people coming to your schools "with no
incentive to actually develop skill", YOU SHOULDN'T ALLOW THEM INTO THE
SCHOOL and possibly endanger the rest of the attendees.  Or you should
have MORE stringent prerequisites to prepare students before letting them
on the track.  If they don't like it, and don't DEVELOP the incentive,
tough shit - they don't get to drive. 

And then there were these outrageous remarks by Walter Selva:

> I often hear candy-asses in paddocks at different tracks in the Northeast say
> things like "Oh, I'll never drive the Bridge---I hear that's a real dangerous
> place."  I say they should stick to things like conversing about their CD
> players and cupholders and leave their "performance driving" to the
> arrow-straight New Jersey Turnpike.  Last year I exited the Bridge's Turn 1
> in an M5 at approximately 130 mph, drove down a grassy and sandy hill with
> the brake pedal pulsating wildly (ABS was on---if it was off I would have
> come to a stop instead IF I KEPT THE FRONT WHEELS STRAIGHT, that is) and
> re-entered Turns 3 and 4 at approximately 80 mph without a single bit of
> damage to my vehicle.  I must tell you, I was quite impressed with my
> performance. A flagger at Station 1 later told me he had radioed "We're gonna
> need an ambulance" as soon as I OTE'd at Turn 1, and then the flagger at
> Station 4 called it off when he saw I re-entered. 

Walter, you are one crazy dude!! 8^) Er, I don't know why you feel the
need to brag about your personal driving skills.  I would expect these
types of remarks from a Boy Racer, but from the bloody CHIEF DRIVING
INSTRUCTOR????  Your ability to handle YOUR car has nothing to do with the
questions raised here.  I am flabbergasted that this is your response. 
There are not 20 experienced Walter Selvas in each run group.  This is
precisely the reason why it would make sense to take MORE precautions. 
Perhaps a track walk for ALL Drivers prior to getting on the track should
be mandatory, not just for the driver that f**ks up.  It would seem that
in a 2-day school, if safety is truly the first priority, time could be
found for this exercise. 

I have always disagreed with the paid flaggers concept used by the NY
Chapter at the Bridge.  I would understand if this decision was totally
out of the hands of the Chapter.  I don't believe this is the case. If
it's not the case, it seems rather elitist to pay extra to avoid flagging
duty.  However, even if that IS the case (e.g. local regulation), then
other precautions should be taken to educate the students - perhaps just
assigning them to the flagging stations as observers, as a minimum, with
their attendance determining whether they get to drive.  I am happy to
flag when I attend a driving school - it is all part of the experience. 

I think the "danger" in Bridgehampton is not the track as much as the Boy
Racers (rich kids?) that attend the schools combined with the few marginal
instructors (most are excellent).  Unfortunately, after reading these
remarks, I have to wonder whether the general tone of the instruction at
the NY schools adds to this perceived "danger".  I have spectated, and I
have heard first-hand recounts of both students and instructors at NY
Chapter Bridge schools.  I'm certainly not an expert.  But these attitudes
expressed by Steve and Walter seem to be equally dangerous.  I'd like to
simply assume they were having a REALLY bad day when they spoke to Psychic
Tarr.  I think CCA influence would be very beneficial in resolving these
questions. 

Best Wishes to all Chapters for a Safe and Fun Driving Season,
 .steve.
1983 528e, 265500 miles
1987 528e,  97200 miles
BMW CCA #83901
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