From Hooked On Driving (facilitator of the Hooked on MINIs track day events)
Good Day Drivers!!
As 2009 accelerates toward the back straight, we’d like to thank all of you who have driven, coached, or otherwise contributed to our strong season so far – well done!!
This morning we have two simple messages for you…..
First: Father’s Day is around the corner (June 21), and what could be a more guaranteed home run gift than an HOD Gift Certificate!! They’re available in a variety of denominations in the Store portion of our website. Families – we promise that Dad will LOVE this gift!! Dads, now is the time to put out the strong hint of what you really want!! Anything but another tie or weed whacker!!
Second – A very special letter came to us last week from Trixie, a current HOD driver who wanted to share her story. We did remove her real name, but believe us, this is a real letter from a real new HOD driver – and it’s not a unique experience. Please take a moment to read the letter and think about who out there might want to share Trixie’s story AND experience….enjoy!
It was this time last year when my husband excitedly handed me my birthday card. As I read the
card, I have to be completely honest and tell you that my first thought was, “Really? Who is this
gift really for?” You see, for my birthday present my husband gave me a day on the track at
Thunderhill. He could hardly contain his enthusiasm and my lack of enthusiasm took all the
energy out of him. I could visibly see his disappointment that I didn’t share in his excitement for
my, according to him, ridiculously fabulous gift!
So, after a couple of days of thinking this gift wasn’t exactly what I would have picked I decided
to embrace the attitude that at least I could spend an entire day with my husband away from our
two small children. As a Mom, that’s a birthday present I can appreciate!
Our day on the track fell right in middle of the intense heat wave we had in July of 2008 when
temperatures reached 115 degrees. That wasn’t the worst part. It also was during that crazy time
when half of California was burning up in wildfires. So, not only was the temperature 100+
degrees by noon but I couldn’t see much through the haze of the smoke smothering the central
valley. But I was determined to keep up my “good attitude” and not let my husband down.
I sat through the introductory instruction and I noticed there was a little stirring of excitement from
deep within. But I wrote it off. Of course I was nervous. I would be driving my husband’s Lotus
Elise around the track and up to that day I had driven it maybe four times in my entire life!
During my first session I went so slowly everyone passed me, probably twice but I lost count. I
didn’t quite get it. But that was fine by me. I considered it a great success to make it through the
twenty minute session without any damage to myself or the car. Then I went out for my next
session. I had a coach the second time that really took the time to help me improve in baby steps.
First he had me focus on driving smoothly around the track. Then he had me work on picking up
the pace and improve my braking, always focusing on the line and keeping it smooth. Hmmm,
things were starting to click.
Then it came time for a ride in a coach’s car to demonstrate how it’s done. I tell you this set me
straight. My life changed with that five minute demo ride. I transformed from a reluctant wife of
a fanatic track husband to a proud-to-be-just-as-fanatic track wife. I was hooked!
I continued to improve throughout the day and by my fifth session I even passed others on the
track! If Hooked On Driving handed out awards at the end of the day I’d like to think I would
have received “Most Improved.” And the rest, as they say, is history. I love the Hooked On
Driving Team. By the end of every track day my cheeks hurt from smiling all day. For me
nothing matches the thrill of moving around a track with grace and speed and sharing the
experience with my husband makes it that much sweeter.
I want to encourage reluctant wives like I was to consider spending one day on the track with your
husband to see if the same will happen for you. You might even find yourself dreaming about
driving the line. I know I do and oh am I sad when I wake up from that dream.
Lastly, I want to say a huge “Thank You!” to the entire Hooked On Driving Team for making it
such a joy to spend time on the track with my husband.
With Best Regards,
My husband calls me, Trixie!
Upcoming HOD events:
May 30: Palm Beach International
June 6-7: Thunderhill Raceway
June 18: Great Lake Region Inaugural – Autobahn Country Club
June 19: Pocono Raceway Long Course
We’ll see YOU at the Track!!
David, Joe, Henry, Rob and the HOD Team
http://www.hookedondriving.com
Phone: 925-552-8112
Fax: 925-855-9415
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