David Pearson to Offer Beginning Driving School at Martinsville Speedway
25 June 1998
Martinsville, VA---Beginning race drivers have the opportunity to learn from one of the best ever when the David Pearson Performance Driving School comes to Martinsville Speedway Saturday, July 25.The beginner school is conducted in a one-day format in which students attend a one-hour classroom lecture and then take five 10-lap driving segments in an Allison Legacy race car with instruction from Pearson.
The goal of the beginner school is to teach both novice and limited experienced drivers the correct fundamentals of driving a race car so they can develop positive habits early in their careers.
"Racing is more like ballet than boxing. You have to be smooth," said the past Winston Cup Champion. "It's a blending of raw horsepower and grace."
Pearson, who was known as "The Silver Fox" during his racing career, compiled many records and 105 wins that rank him as one of the best all-time stock car drivers in NASCAR history. The school has re-kindled Pearson's enthusiasm for racing.
"We definitely try to teach our students all that they are capable of learning in the time available," Pearson said. "While we also welcome those enthusiasts who just want to come out and have some fun, we do make a concerted effort to teach as much as possible to those who sign up and want to learn how to become a better race car driver.
The school offers in-car cameras, for an additional cost, that record the student's laps and provide them with the opportunity to take the tape, along with the instructor's comment sheets home for a lap-by-lap evaluation. Pearson said he believes the camera provides a unique tool and enhances the beginner's ability to improve his skill level. Pearson added that use of the in-car camera is an additional cost but, "We feel it is a very valuable tool that will enhance the learning process."
The one-day beginner school at Martinsville costs $750 per student and includes everything needed to participate for the day. Anyone interested can contact the Pearson School at (904) 788-3774 or e-mail at davidpearson1@juno.com.
"All we ask the students to do is show up with a positive attitude and a smile, and we will take care of the rest," Pearson said.
Martinsville's next racing action is the Taco Bell 300 NASCAR Late Model Stock race on Sunday, Sept. 20. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12.
The NAPA AutoCare 250/500 weekend is September 25-27. Bud Pole qualifying for the Winston Cup Series and the Craftsman Truck Series begins at 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25 to set the top 25 starting positions.
The NAPA 250 for the Craftsman Truck Series is at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26. Tickets are now on sale for the NAPA 250 for $25 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. The NAPA AutoCare 500 for the Winston Cup stars starts at 12:30 on Sunday, Sept. 27. Great tower seats are available for $55 to $60 and concrete bleacher seats are $35-$40. Call (540) 956-3151 for tickets.
