Re: Passing at driver schools

[Bob Stommel <rstommel@xxxxxxxxxx>]

>>Some BMW CCA chapters run their schools with
>>passing only on the right; some with passing only on the left -- all with
>>passing only after getting a "point by" from the driver being overtaken.
>>None of the BMW CCA schools should allow passing on both sides during a
>>particular school weekend.
>
>Ummm... actually, this varies from chapter to chapter, and track to track.
>We often have passing on one side in one part of the race track, and on the
>other in another part of the track.  What is important is that what is
>safest is what is done.  This may entail keeping it simplest for the
>student (i.e. "always pass on the right"), or what is safest for the track
>(e.g. "at Sears Point, pass on the left before turn seven and on the right
>before turn eleven").  It always entails a clear passing pointing signal by
>the overtaken car, and the decision to pass (or not) up to the overtaking
car.
>
>The best rule of thumb is that all generalizations are partly false
>(including this one<g>).
>
>
>Keith Wollenberg

I personally believe that allowing passing on different sides at different
parts of the track is asking for trouble in the novice run groups.  Doesn't
matter what track you're on.  Even the simple addition of one extra passing
zone for just the advanced groups usually confuses a few students and
instructors each school, let alone changing the passing side for different
sections of the track.  But then, we're probably not as smart here in the
Midwest as you folks on the left coast.  ;-)

Rule one:  Keep it simple.  

Bob Stommel 

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