There's a lot to learn with SCCA and wheel-to-wheel racing. However, I didn't have to learn how to drive fast. I knew how to from years of COM instruction. I knew how to from visiting all the cool tracks in the expanded area and learning how to read a track. I knew how to from listening to other drivers in COM. I knew how to be consistent from time trials.
The best compliment I received this year was from a 3-time National Champion; "COM taught you all this? You drive like you've been doing this all your life. Skippy (Skip Barber) has nothing on COM apparently."
While I may have skipped a lot of events this year, because they conflict with SCCA, I realize where I started. You may not see me around much next year either. I'm working on double series in the SCCA, plus my National Racing License for the big leagues in 2007.
For those just starting out, or considering it, trust me, start with COM. You'll be far futher along in your skills and discipline than you think each year. You'll have a solid foundation, which puts you ahead of the majority of the field in the next club.
And yes, I still have "pray for rain" on the open wheeled car. I still get lots of angst from fellow racers over it too. Somethings never change.
