Wonderfully told, Tom! I can tell your relationship with this driving hobby is close to your heart and I'm glad you shared about your experience. I can't say I've really been out over my skis for any hobby, but I do dream. My physical conditioning prevents me from doing a bit of it, but I'm trying to get back in shape to experience the best of what life has to offer. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks a lot Brian. You’re in the heart of the pipeline, with kids and work, but both those demands will lift at some point and you’ll find you still have plenty of capacity for adventure.
Wow, that sounds awesome, Tom! I have thought about getting some professional instruction like that, but the timing has never been right. Europe -- and probably Germany in particular -- would be my choice, too.
It really is great, the instruction, and the way you expand your sense of what is possible. Most tracks that I know of have one-day programs that are really cool and not terribly expensive ... though I don’t know of a track in your area. There must be one? Thanks for reading, as always Graham.
Outstanding writing and perspective about your personal journey, Tom. As another life-long sports car enthusiast who began track driving well after middle age, your story connected very strongly with me. While Spa and the ‘Ring are still bucket list dreams for me, I just returned from a trip to COTA that mirrors your preparation, anticipation and sense of personal triumph. Please keep writing and driving!
Ooh, COTA sounds fantastic (and not such a distance). That and VIR are still very much on my wish list (oh, and Watkins Glen and Mid Ohio and Road Atlanta and ...) Thanks for your kind words.
Nothing beats stepping onto the tar where the action happened. Funny, I never made it there all the time I was living there and now, in France, I drove by Le Mans so many times, it has become a standing joke that we’ll always only “drive by.” 😝 Great to see you actually did it! That feeling. You’ll never forget.
What a great story, and it was fun to read though. I'm happy to have been a small part of this particular journey too, and was hoping to be able to read the full version...now accomplished. I'm so glad that you lived your dream and were able to experience those two legendary tracks!
Welcome to the club, Tom. I wonder, though... I know many who went to Spa and the Ring for a “once in a lifetime” trip, only to go back again and again for a “once in a lifetime” trip many times!
I think it’s fun and extremely rewarding to work at getting good at something that isn’t a job, that is something you do for fun but also challenges your brain and physical body.
I prefer slower expressions of this, personally ;)
A couple years ago Bryan’s cousin was in town working on a racing team down at the track in Kent. All I can think of is Formula One racing - is that right? It’s the lower division racing of the Indy 500 basically. I rolled my eyes and went along with Bryan to be a good sport, but holy cow. What a rush! I really enjoyed it.
Fun trip! Thanks for writing about it in such great detail!
Yeah, there’s multiple tiers of racing below Formula 1, maybe Indy Lights or something. I can’t keep track of them all. It’s hard for me to watch racing because I just want to be in the car, but yeah, it’s a rush.
It’s such a pleasure to read about your passion for sports cars and racing, Tom. Your trips around the globe pursuing this hobby are so well captured and well written (not to mention exciting!). Thanks for sharing!
My newest and incredibly inexpensive hobby is disc golf. I picked it up last summer and have been playing pretty consistently ever since. It’s a blast! I love the challenge, and I really enjoy learning about the different types of throws, different discs/flight patterns, etc. The best part is that most courses are free to play because they’re located in state/county parks.
My god, that’s actually a really great idea: low cost of entry, but high level of complexity, thus requiring significant practice to build skill. Darts might also qualify. Your suggestion is really helpful. Believe it or not, I’m also considering making jam ... jalapeño jam. But that’s very seasonal.
I think you might really enjoy it. You can find quality starter sets (a putter, mid-range, and driver) for $20-30. If you decide to pursue it, take a peek at the UDisc app, too. You can track statistics and find courses on their map for free. (Can you tell I’m slightly addicted? 😅)
Darts would be a great option, too. And my goodness...jalapeño jam sounds incredible. All worthwhile pursuits in my book!
I love listening to and reading people sharing passions, no matter how far removed from my own interests. It just soaks the words with energy - I could feel the excitement and love that you were able to make this happen! (And honestly, most hobbies are pouring money into a black hole by capitalist standards. 🤷♀️)
yeah, I figure about 10% of my audience would give a hoot about race cars ... but I figure everyone wonders how to maximize their enjoyment of a hobby, and wonders how they might use their hobbies to improve themselves. How did that part work for you? BTW, I do appreciate you leaving a note, even if it wasn't quite your thing.
Fantastic, Tom! And a pleasure to meet you and Sara in Germany. :)
If you do come east to drive “our” tracks, please let us know. We’d love to see you again. Add the Shenandoah track at Summit Point WV with its “ski jump” and carousel to your list! Ryan always has his camera on and I love his reaction to you catching air.
I saw Gran Tourismo this weekend and enjoyed it. It made me think about this post of yours, Tom, and I wonder whether you’ve seen the movie, or plan to.
If you hadn’t said something, I probably would have passed it by, but I just watched the trailer and I think I may go see it tomorrow. Thanks for the call out
Wonderfully told, Tom! I can tell your relationship with this driving hobby is close to your heart and I'm glad you shared about your experience. I can't say I've really been out over my skis for any hobby, but I do dream. My physical conditioning prevents me from doing a bit of it, but I'm trying to get back in shape to experience the best of what life has to offer. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks a lot Brian. You’re in the heart of the pipeline, with kids and work, but both those demands will lift at some point and you’ll find you still have plenty of capacity for adventure.
Wow, that sounds awesome, Tom! I have thought about getting some professional instruction like that, but the timing has never been right. Europe -- and probably Germany in particular -- would be my choice, too.
Great shot of you on the track!
It really is great, the instruction, and the way you expand your sense of what is possible. Most tracks that I know of have one-day programs that are really cool and not terribly expensive ... though I don’t know of a track in your area. There must be one? Thanks for reading, as always Graham.
Outstanding writing and perspective about your personal journey, Tom. As another life-long sports car enthusiast who began track driving well after middle age, your story connected very strongly with me. While Spa and the ‘Ring are still bucket list dreams for me, I just returned from a trip to COTA that mirrors your preparation, anticipation and sense of personal triumph. Please keep writing and driving!
Ooh, COTA sounds fantastic (and not such a distance). That and VIR are still very much on my wish list (oh, and Watkins Glen and Mid Ohio and Road Atlanta and ...) Thanks for your kind words.
Nothing beats stepping onto the tar where the action happened. Funny, I never made it there all the time I was living there and now, in France, I drove by Le Mans so many times, it has become a standing joke that we’ll always only “drive by.” 😝 Great to see you actually did it! That feeling. You’ll never forget.
Wouldn’t driving at Le Mans be something! It really was cool to drive where the “real” drives have plied their trade. Thank you!
It would! Until then we’ll do it with the PSVR2 and our Logitech G29 in GranTourismo 🏎️
What a great story, and it was fun to read though. I'm happy to have been a small part of this particular journey too, and was hoping to be able to read the full version...now accomplished. I'm so glad that you lived your dream and were able to experience those two legendary tracks!
Thanks man, you are definitely among the fine set of people I’ve met thanks to this little fascination with speed.
Welcome to the club, Tom. I wonder, though... I know many who went to Spa and the Ring for a “once in a lifetime” trip, only to go back again and again for a “once in a lifetime” trip many times!
It it was only a question of desire, and not also of money, I’d go every year. But hell, I’d go every weekend!
I think it’s fun and extremely rewarding to work at getting good at something that isn’t a job, that is something you do for fun but also challenges your brain and physical body.
I prefer slower expressions of this, personally ;)
A couple years ago Bryan’s cousin was in town working on a racing team down at the track in Kent. All I can think of is Formula One racing - is that right? It’s the lower division racing of the Indy 500 basically. I rolled my eyes and went along with Bryan to be a good sport, but holy cow. What a rush! I really enjoyed it.
Fun trip! Thanks for writing about it in such great detail!
Yeah, there’s multiple tiers of racing below Formula 1, maybe Indy Lights or something. I can’t keep track of them all. It’s hard for me to watch racing because I just want to be in the car, but yeah, it’s a rush.
It sounds absolutely exhilarating! So. What's next? ;)
I’ll tell you, that’s an open question with me ... it’s gotta be less expensive, I know that, but it also needs thrills
Air guitar??? As thrilling as you want it to be... :)
That’s a good one! though I’m leaning toward feeling my fingers on the strings ... maybe darts or disc golf?
It’s such a pleasure to read about your passion for sports cars and racing, Tom. Your trips around the globe pursuing this hobby are so well captured and well written (not to mention exciting!). Thanks for sharing!
My newest and incredibly inexpensive hobby is disc golf. I picked it up last summer and have been playing pretty consistently ever since. It’s a blast! I love the challenge, and I really enjoy learning about the different types of throws, different discs/flight patterns, etc. The best part is that most courses are free to play because they’re located in state/county parks.
My god, that’s actually a really great idea: low cost of entry, but high level of complexity, thus requiring significant practice to build skill. Darts might also qualify. Your suggestion is really helpful. Believe it or not, I’m also considering making jam ... jalapeño jam. But that’s very seasonal.
I think you might really enjoy it. You can find quality starter sets (a putter, mid-range, and driver) for $20-30. If you decide to pursue it, take a peek at the UDisc app, too. You can track statistics and find courses on their map for free. (Can you tell I’m slightly addicted? 😅)
Darts would be a great option, too. And my goodness...jalapeño jam sounds incredible. All worthwhile pursuits in my book!
Amazing words and pictures, Tom - thank you for the virtual adrenaline fix! What a ride!
I love listening to and reading people sharing passions, no matter how far removed from my own interests. It just soaks the words with energy - I could feel the excitement and love that you were able to make this happen! (And honestly, most hobbies are pouring money into a black hole by capitalist standards. 🤷♀️)
I'm not really into racing cars not don't care to read about them. But I'm happy for you that you're enjoying life. Peace ✌️🏼
yeah, I figure about 10% of my audience would give a hoot about race cars ... but I figure everyone wonders how to maximize their enjoyment of a hobby, and wonders how they might use their hobbies to improve themselves. How did that part work for you? BTW, I do appreciate you leaving a note, even if it wasn't quite your thing.
Fantastic, Tom! And a pleasure to meet you and Sara in Germany. :)
If you do come east to drive “our” tracks, please let us know. We’d love to see you again. Add the Shenandoah track at Summit Point WV with its “ski jump” and carousel to your list! Ryan always has his camera on and I love his reaction to you catching air.
Ha ha, thanks so much Kristine. Ryan’s “whoop” is my favorite part of that video.
I saw Gran Tourismo this weekend and enjoyed it. It made me think about this post of yours, Tom, and I wonder whether you’ve seen the movie, or plan to.
If you hadn’t said something, I probably would have passed it by, but I just watched the trailer and I think I may go see it tomorrow. Thanks for the call out
My son and I just went to Gran Turismo last night-really fun. Thanks for the recommendation
You’re welcome!