| Crude hits an all time high and the price of gas is | | | | Defensive Driving School and Mini-Autocross |
| rising faster than the fumes escaping from my open | | | | sponsored by the New Jersey Section. We had many |
| gas cap. Editors rush to publish gas saving tips, "check | | | | newcomers to the event and you should have seen |
| the tire pressure, tune-up the car, take the junk out | | | | the grins, ear to ear."Time trials, autocross, and the |
| of the trunk." And they go on, you've heard the | | | | acceleration run. Yes, another sport and another |
| tune.There is a contrarian view. Over inflate the tires, | | | | vocabulary to master. Here's some of the lingo and a |
| put extra stuff in the trunk (helmet, tools, driving | | | | few things to keep in mind if you're game for the |
| gloves), check the suspension and the brakes, and | | | | track less traveled.First Things First: Performance and |
| pray the nut holding the steering wheel doesn't lose it | | | | defensive driving classes are offered at almost all of |
| going into the turns.Soon you could be hitting the | | | | the driving events. Instruction often takes place both |
| track with a full tank of over-priced premium. It's flat | | | | in the classroom and on the track. You'll gain essential |
| out pedal to the metal on that next acceleration run. | | | | knowledge from experienced professional instructors |
| Just thinking about it makes your heart race. The | | | | in a non-threatening environment. Consider a class |
| arm twitches as if the stick shift for a dogleg five | | | | mandatory before taking your first lap around the |
| speed is inches away from your office chair.No doubt | | | | track.Silver Bullet: Long before you hear the sound of |
| some automobile owners are having more fun than | | | | the starter's gun, your car needs a thorough |
| others. How so? Each year auto clubs sponsor driving | | | | inspection. Tires, suspension, and brakes must be in |
| events on numerous racetracks throughout the | | | | excellent working order along with other mechanical |
| country. Within the last year members of the | | | | systems. Even if you're the world's best |
| Mercedes-Benz Club of America ran full-throttle at | | | | do-it-yourselfer have your mechanic conduct a |
| Virginia International Raceway (VIR) and at Mid-Ohio | | | | complete inspection of your vehicle before taking |
| Sports Car Course, not to mention the dozens upon | | | | your car to the track. A second opinion can't hurt. |
| dozens of autocross events held throughout the | | | | And of course, while the car is on the lift have your |
| country.More than likely, there are several such | | | | pit-crew tune it up.Time Trials: Strap on your helmet |
| events in your area. Greg Calabro is one organizer | | | | and grab the wheel. |
| and he said, "Last year I organized the Mid-Atlantic | | | | |