Driving School 2016 brought 18 UMN members and their machines to the EY Centre. Vacant parking lots had been transformed into a series of driving challenges by UMN volunteers. Traffic cones set out a path through slalom, lane diversion, emergency braking, and G-force trials. Instruction was excellent and drivers of all skill levels were given encouragement and the opportunity to hone their driving abilities. Repeated trials helped participants better anticipate the course ahead, set up for the next challenge, and yes, maybe learn from the odd mistake. Over the morning, each pass through the cones led to more confidence and a greater appreciation of our little Miatas.
In the afternoon (after a great lunch) training challenges had been transformed into an adult fun centre. Each element of the morning exercises had been integrated to form a road course. Participants then competed against themselves to finish the course in hopefully every quicker and smoother runs.
A lot can be said for the empowerment that comes from carving a line through a bunch of traffic cones, the rush from listening to the song of straining rubber, the enjoyment of steering with throttle only around a skid pan, or the comradery gained by doing so with a group of like-minded and supportive individuals. This was Driving School 2016.
A large team of volunteers pitched in to set-up the course, grill hamburgers, set up canopies and transport equipment. Performance Mazda supported the event by lending us their trailer and BBQ.
A big “thank you” to Event Coordinator Claude Gelinas for his meticulous planning, including ordering up the great weather. Special thanks also go to the fearless Driving Instructors, Bruce Fortier and Mike Dilaurohis who, voluntarily, sat in cars that spun out in tight turns and devoured traffic cones! Editor’s Note: No traffic cones were destroyed during the event, although more than a few were permanently deformed and disfigured.
