I researched school after school on the Internet: too expensive; too far away; not enough laps.... Fortunately, I stumbled upon the website for sutton stock car school. the information on the site led me to believe that this is where I wanted to go.  But one statement sold me completely: "When you come to Sutton Stock Car School, 'we'll wear your butt out.'" Boy, was that the understatement of the year.

I elected to sign up for a two-day private lesson at the Hickory track. Gary 
suggested Hickory was just just the right size for someone new to race driving. I drove down with my father; Gary drove over with the trailer and car. Other than a few locals testing, we had the place to ourselves.

For the next two days, I received nothing short of Gary's complete attention as he taught me the basics of stock car racing. Gary went to the flagstand; I got in the car. Like a possessed drill sergeant, Gary pounded reference markers into my brain: left inside on dotted line, let off gas at concrete divide, turn in, looking for apex, drifting to apex, hit apex, accelerate, looking for outside line, put right front tire on line, check gauges on backstretch... over and over and over. Somewhere deep down inside, I think Gary received some type of sick pleasure as he barked over the radio every time I didn't hit a reference marker perfectly.

It was definitely an eye-opening experience and frustrating at first. But as Gary persistently demanded perfection on every lap, my comfort level began to rise as lap times began to drop. With Gary's attention to detail, I was able to learn so much about what it takes to race a stock car. No stones were left unturned. I did it until it was done right. I don't think I could have gotten this level of attention and instruction at any other school. By the end of the second day, I was completely comfortable in the car and wished I could afford two more days.

All in all, I probably turned somewhere in the neighborhood of 300 laps. Gary didn't really keep track. And that was just one of the many great things about his school. If I ever do get the chance to race on my own, I feel like Gary has given me the foundation I need to continue my education and race "smart and safe."

If you're thinking about driving school, my advice is GO! Do your own research and find what's right for you. But if you really want your money's worth in both laps and education, then I suggest you give Gary a call. His school wore my butt completely out, and I'm sure he'd be more than happy to do the same for you.