US Airways - August 2013 - (Page 28)

explore Drive Time The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving in Phoenix teaches driving skills at top speeds. By tara titcombe ★ As I pull into the driveway of the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, I’m literally shaking behind the steering wheel of my 2002 Honda Civic. I’m about to trade in these wheels for those of a 505-horsepower Corvette Z06. Outside the school’s office sit rows of Camaro SS models and Corvette Grand Sport Coupes. And then I spot them — the red and white Z06s lined up perfectly, just waiting to be unleashed. These babies go from zero to 60 in under four seconds. I stop, stare, and let out a giggle. What have I gotten myself into? I’ve signed up for the two-day Z06 Experience. According to my pamphlet, I’ll be “powering the Z06 through a series of high performance driving exercises that are sure to push your limits.” There go my nerves again. Two other “students” are taking the course with me, and soon we’re sitting together in the classroom to go over “The Bondurant Method,” a learning-by-doing style developed by renowned racer Bob Bondurant. We learn the details of each focus area: concentration, vision, vehicle dynamics, line technique, and car control. Then it’s time to hop in our cars and practice what we’ve just learned. Our teacher, Tim Rose, has been a driving instructor across multiple platforms for more than 15 years. We start off with some exercises that help us get a feel for the cars. We practice looking where we want the car to go (which isn’t always straight ahead). In a slalom course, I weave my car through a line of cones at different speeds. In the accidentavoidance scenario, I get up to 65 mph and slam on the brakes. Then I learn how to control a car 28 august 2013 usairwaysmag.com From Racer to Teacher Bob Bondurant is one of the most well-known names in racing. Since 1958, he has raced and won in circuits across the industry, driving for some of the most notable names including Carroll Shelby and Ferrari. In 1967, Bondurant was involved in a racing accident that left him thinking he would never walk again. He decided to put his expertise to good use and open a driving school. Today, the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving is one of the best in the world. Graduates include celebrities, racing professionals (including 90 percent of NASCAR drivers), and everyday drivers alike. when it spins out (oversteering) or won’t turn at all (understeering). I’m feeling pretty confident as we end the day with a “follow the leader” session on the road course. I see my speedometer reach 83 on a straightaway and get a little too focused on that number. At the last second I remember to slam on the brakes into a corner. My car’s back end almost comes around, but I manage to save it and get it back on course. I still have a lot to learn. The next day, we tackle an autocross course. Clockwise from top: the Z06 Experience, the author takes the wheel, and the 60-acre Bondurant facility in Phoenix http://www.usairwaysmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of US Airways - August 2013

US Airways - August 2013
Table of Contents
CEO Letter
From the Editor
Did You Know?
Making It Happen
Hot Spots: Architectural Attractions
Wine & Dine: Italy's Gourmet Capital
Adventure: Diving for Dinner
Golf: The Wyndham Championship
Adventure: Drive Time at Bondurant
Great Escapes: Riu Resorts
Gear Up: Tools to Stay Cool
Travel Feature: Seattle's Outdoor Delights
US Airways: Staffing the Skies
Health Matters: Rapid Recovery
Special Section: Historically Black Colleges & Universities
Must Read: The Book of Immortality
Great Dates: Euphoria Festival
Puzzles
Readers Resource Index
Your US Airways Guide
Video Entertainment
Audio Entertainment
U.S. and Caribbean Service Map
International Service Map
Airport Terminal Maps
US Airways Fleet/Customs & Immigration
Passenger Info/Contact US Airways
US Airways MarketPlace®
Giving: Pulling Together
Window or Aisle?

US Airways - August 2013