LESSONS FROM HITTING A WALL AT 100 MPH 

Lessons from Skip Barber Racing

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Racing Formula Fords, while not F1 or NASCAR, you learn about the focus, precision and patience needed to succeed or fail behind the wheel. Working with some of the best racing instructors in North America you learn your world needs to actually slow down while maintaining the best and fastest line around the track.

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You learn about the importance of knowing all the cracks in the asphalt at Sebring, Road America, Bridgehampton or Pocono and how to place your front wheel on those cracks to maintain speed and safety.

 

You also learn, as I did during my last race, that missing the crack on the back stretch uphill turn by 1 inch can be disastrous. I was at the famed Lime Rock Raceway in Connecticut and carrying too much speed into the turn. That forced me to hit the brake and slamming straight into the track wall. I destroyed a brand new car that didn't belong to me and lucky to survive to tell the tale.

 

Sitting in the infield infirmary with my heart racing at 220 bps after hitting the wall at probably 100 mph, I actually felt the calmest I have probably ever felt in my life. As I was leaving the track, I experienced a rush disappointment and extreme failure. But as I healed in the months that followed, I realized this was a lesson well learned.

 

Key take away: Listening to people who are experts in their field, perfectionist in their craft, extremists in their passions is the smartest way to succeed and avoiding disappointing failure or lost opportunities.