ain't just about being fast
We all have that one person in our lives that we do not trust behind the wheel; either they drive too fast, or they are just really bad drivers. Sometimes, they can’t navigate well, or you feel like they would push you off a cliff.
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For the past two months, the coronavirus has forced previously noisy and productive streets into sleeping highways. The usual bustling cities of Los Angeles and New York are now no more. The parking lots filled with varying types of automobiles seem like ghosts lots with no one and nothing on them. The rush hour is history. However, where others see blankness, some may see it as an opportunity to race in the streets. They see a speedway.
Lately, police across the United States have had reports of street racers turning the clear-out highways into their personal race grounds. In the Southern California area, racers challenged each other at deadly speeds at intersections to do burnouts or car stunts. The large crowds that gather because of these street races are not at all safe in light of COVID-19, police officers say. In addition, some supermarkets leniently allow more than what is required of their customers inside their stores. What’s worse, they sometimes don’t require them to wear gloves or masks. And with these crowds starting to gather in the intersections when they get out of the stores to stop and watch the races, there is a very high likelihood the spread of the infection will occur.
Cities At Risk Due To Street Racing
The dangers of street racing, particularly in a pandemic like the one we have now, cannot be over-emphasized. It is definitely dangerous, with or without the existence of the virus. A report from the Los Angeles Times stated that almost 200 people died due to speed competitions in Los Angeles County alone between the years 2000 and 2017.
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In Sacramento City, police officers said that they had trouble dealing with several street races that caused crowds of a hundred or more in different locations during Easter Sunday and other holidays. In Oakland, sheriffs arrested participants of three separate sideshows in their streets.
It seems that street race enthusiasts are taking advantage of the COVID-19 lockdown to do what they’re not supposed to do in the streets. They’re trying to escape from getting caught, especially in areas where the pandemic situation is more severe, and police and other city officials are busy handling the situation. When cases of street racing increased, members of organizations advocating safe driving and racing went out of their way to personally hit the roads to promote awareness of the dangers of racing on the highways and intersections, especially during these challenging times. Not only does it risk death by accident but also death by virus infection.
Additionally, state and city officials have tightened their protocols concerning social distancing. They have implemented additional violations and penalties for street racers as well as spectators who tolerate and watch these races. In California, several sideshows were reported earlier this month, and one led to a crash involving a police officer’s vehicle. The racers have been detained and have been dealt with according to the rules and regulations of the city in relation to street racing and gathering crowds during the lockdown. The spectators who were caught were also issued a violation ticket. Officials only hope that the growing financial dropdown will be sufficient enough to discourage some of them from watching and joining racing scenes.
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Sadly, police officers often have difficulty handling drivers and spectators during scenes where crowds are relatively larger, as they are very much undermanned. Only a handful of officers break up sideshows that involve over 300 people. Arrests have become more dangerous and challenging.
It is only the officials’ hope and prayer that these street races will no longer persist in the weeks to come – that speed racers will understand the depth of the problem. They hope that they will cooperate and do their role of keeping the infection from growing further by following the rules placed on their cities.
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I can still remember decades ago when my room was filled with posters of my favorite cars. Now, I don’t see many posters on the walls of rooms and stores. The generation today is more interested in seeing their dream cars live in closed garages and showrooms and is into the modern classic vehicles with V6 or V8 engines that rock their worlds. These models are fated to just grow exponentially in price. Here are some 4-star classic automobiles that are loved by the modern generation (hence, the name modern classic) and are destined to make very good investments.
The Solid Porsche 996 Turbo-S
This supercar is built with a 3.6-liter engine that gets you to 60 miles/hour in barely 4 seconds! But you don’t need to know all about the stats and numbers to acknowledge how awesome this car is. Take a look at those impressive curves that have made Porsche the famed and loved brand that it is today. The 996 offers great value for your money, as Turbo-S and similar models provide high-quality performance.
The Classic Jaguar Cruiser XJS-V12
If you have a luxurious family trip planned for this year, this beauty would be the best option. It’s a combination of the company’s 80s style and a more modern soft top. Whichever angle you look at it, it remains as grandiose as ever. This cruiser is worth having because of its proven durability, its rust-free features, and a price that’s relatively affordable compared to the new competition that has continually gone up. Fasten your seatbelt as you tour in this V-12 convertible.
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Makinen’s Mitsubishi Evo Lancer
This rallying car is much more than your ordinary Evo, and your kids will love it if you bring them to school in this! Tommi Makinen’s championship car model boasts of its retail affordability and market demand. Plus, car owners are raving about the red Makinen edition, which is the most sought-after color.
The Sporty BMW Z4M Coupe
There are only a few cars that are foreseen to appreciate in market value, which can be attributed to the previous car models, and this BMW is one of them. Its previous models are currently in demand, so you may make money with this one even in the coming years. There have been more than a thousand right-hand driver coupes that were manufactured, that being proof that this model deserves to continue demanding a premium.d
The Reliable Mercedes SL-500
Because of its continued high-quality engineering standards, German cars have been known to be among the most reliable car brands in the world. The Mercedes SL-500 is a luxury car that has been consistently manufactured over the last 50 years, which is why it’s worth checking into.
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It was introduced in the 1950s and has since then proven to be among the top designs that the Mercedes Company has ever created. Because of this, it continues to be manufactured to this day. Big engine R-129s like the 5-liter and V-8 are the best options if you are planning to purchase a racing car that performs excellently and with high investment potential.
Conclusion
So what’s your best bet? As for me, I will surely have difficulty choosing between these modern and classic beauties. If you’re looking for a classic with a touch of the present plus a speed that overwhelms you, then go for one of the cars above.
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Everyone who has experienced racing a car knows that the sport is as dangerous as it is exciting. New models of cars are getting faster as the car industry is continually reinventing to keep up with the competitive car business. Racecar drivers thrill their fans by driving 200mph and above and risk their lives in the hands of their seasoned mechanics, engineers, and pit crews who are focused on keeping their cars safe and ready to race.
But because of this extreme kind of sport, racers must be keen enough to watch out for their safety and the safety of their racecars as well. One of the most important rules in World Racing states that ‘you and you alone are responsible for your safety.’
Below is a list of safety considerations that racecar drivers must remember while their lives are at risk at the wheel.
The Racecar Driver Must:
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Takeaway
Keeping these considerations in mind plus a keen awareness of maintaining patience and the wisdom to make the right choices will make a tremendous difference in the life of racers old and new. Just as we strive to keep ourselves safe at work and home, we must consider our safety if we want to be live a long race driving life.
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Racecar driving is an exciting and thrilling sport, let alone a fulfilling career that a lot of people wish to become. However, only some are curious about the steps to take to become an accomplished racer. If you do love driving cars and driving is something that you want to take seriously, it is possible to not only dream of becoming one but to achieve the dream by testing the waters to determine whether or not racecar driving is for you.
Learning About The Sport
Of course, if you are a racecar enthusiast, we’re guessing that you do spend time watching local and international races, be it at the dirt tracks in your community or the interstate where you want to check out the next Schumacher. Follow your favorites by searching as much as you can about backgrounds and secrets through the web. Read about the different racecars and how each automobile operates its mechanics, and its safety features.
Check Out Go-Kart Tracks
You can start with the easiest and the most enjoyable for kids and adults alike. Go-karts come in different types. There are slow and simple ones that kids can ride on, and there are larger and faster ones that can give you a sense of whether car racing is something that you want to pursue. Practice driving go-karts in a small track then proceed to the larger ones. Go-kart tracks are relatively safer, plus there are attendants who can guide you along the way so you can try taking your driving to the next level. Additionally, gauge your attitude towards driving.
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Enroll In Driving Classes
Some racetracks give opportunities to ‘racer wannabes’ and offer driving classes from beginner to advanced levels. If you are serious in your pursuit of becoming a professional racecar driver, you would consider enrolling in classes so that you will finally get the feel of how it is holding that wheel with that surge of energy and thrill running through your whole body while driving through the tracks. It also allows you to meet other hopefuls who can share experiences that you might still have not experienced yourself. You can give yourselves some helpful tips on how to become better at your game.
Time To Purchase A Car
Getting a new car must be on your list of priority tasks if you want to be a racecar driver shortly. Invest in a vehicle that is not very expensive yet a model that is popularly used by professionals. When you choose a car, bring your trusted mechanic along, someone who knows what you want (you must have one even before starting your journey). The mechanic can capably check for safety features and other important elements needed for your car to be in good racing condition.
Join A Sports Club
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Joining a professional sports club like the Sports Car Club of America allows you access to reliable knowledge and resources to help you participate or learn more about car racing opportunities. You’ll have connections nationwide and pretty soon worldwide, with the privilege to watch first-hand car racing events throughout the year. And when you’re ready, you’ll have your opportunity to compete.
However, if competing is not something you are looking to pursue, you can always live your life knowing that you have fulfilled your dream of becoming a racecar driver. Kudos to you!
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Because race drivers are just so tough and energetic, a lot of people want to know what they eat. Although some don’t consider car racing as an actual sport, getting ready to hit the racetracks is as critical as playing football and other physical sports. Car race drivers need high-performance nutrients to maintain and their physical and mental health. Moreover, race drivers can take care of their mental and emotional state better through platforms like BetterHelp.
It is a fact that talent is an inevitable factor in performing efficiently, and fitness in driving, whether it’s a race car or any other automobile, is done by consuming the appropriate food that’s best for you.
The diet required to be prepared and ready to drive one that:
Fundamental Nutrients Needed To Fuel The Race Driver
We all know that different types of food carry different nutrients as well as varying roles. A seasoned driver is aware that he must consume the right kinds of food to increase metabolism and burn excess fat as well. And the fundamental fuels that he needs to perform exceptionally are, as always, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Race drivers can also follow social media pages that provide reminders of what a healthy meal is. The content of these platforms incorporates expert advice from trained professionals who specialize in mental, emotional, and physical health.
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Carbohydrates are composed of starches and sugars, and their healthy, simple components are what feed the brain and body. Whole-wheat grains, vegetables, and fruits are examples of these simple carbohydrates. Before a workout, about 40 units of carbohydrates are recommended, which should consist of apples, leafy greens, cabbage, and beans. Post-workout, on the other hand, like pumpkins, bananas, potatoes, bread, and cereals are best for the body to recharge.
Fats are also among the important foods that help power up the brain, but consumption of fats should be restricted to those that contain Omega-3 fatty acids. These types of fats, which are found in plant oils, krill oils, fish oils, and egg yolks, are vital in forming neuronal membranes in the brain so that the nervous systems function effectively. The function of fatty acids is important to be incorporated into the race driver’s diet.
Proteins are required at higher levels, and the higher levels are what power the driver to drive at higher speeds. A sufficient supply of fish, red meats, dairy, and eggs, incorporated with grains, vegetables, and essential vitamins like A, C, and E, enables the driver to maintain focus and sharpen his memory. Ultimately, all these nutrients are the driver’s fuel for health, muscle tone, and energy.
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Other Recommendations
As a race driver equips himself with a diet filled with everything necessary for him to have the energy, focus, and vigor to drive safely and responsibly, he must also remember to keep himself hydrated at all times. While he is on the wheel, his body water is lost through perspiration. Dehydration causes slowed responses, driving slip-ups and other negative results. Drink a lot of water before and during the race. Sports drinks, although not so much recommended because of their sugar content, can be made an exception, especially when engaging in strenuous or physical sports like car racing.
As a person who enjoys racing, it is crucial on your part to be in perfect shape when it comes to hitting the road. Make sure that you are in good condition before you drive your car. Take note that the failure to do this can be dangerous not only for yourself but even for the other people around you. Because of this, you need to see to it that you will focus on having improved mental wellness. Fortunately, there are several ways how to make it happen. Apps like BetterHelp allow you to monitor your mental health and make changes as necessary.
In today’s article, allow us to provide you with a complete list of some lessons from a psychologist on how to do it the right way.
Below are the things that you must do regularly if you want to experience an improvement in your mental health:
Be Fit Or Physically Active
The first thing that you must consider is to get moving so that you can avoid having a sedentary lifestyle. Remind yourself that it is crucial on your part to engage in exercises or other physical activities. You must see to it that you will attend sessions at the gym or set aside some time to complete home exercises. Stop making excuses for not doing this. Otherwise, you will only end up getting mad or regretting your choices. Another good thing about being physically active is that you increase the supply of dopamine in your body. A recent study also shows that the more a person exercises, the higher his supply of happy hormones becomes. “The more you are active, the more you decrease your risk for chronic diseases, including cancer.” Whittney Thoman, Senior Exercise Physiologist, said. So, no matter how busy or hectic your schedule is, do not forget that taking care of your body is a primordial consideration before you can make yourself available to other people.
Follow A Balance Diet
Are you aware that eating right is not only good for your physical health but also your mental wellness? The moment you achieve your fitness goals, you will be surprised to find out that you rarely get into a bad mood. At the same time, you will begin to notice that you no longer get annoyed easily. The reason behind this is that you feel confident in everything about yourself. Aside from this, your body is also reacting positively because you are beginning to take in more healthy food choices instead of food items that can have adverse effects on your overall wellness. “A balanced diet that includes lots of fiber helps keep your gut system running efficiently by helping to support a more diverse gut microbiome.” John M. Grohol, Psy.D. said. Once you experience a healthy weight loss, you will start to feel lighter about yourself. Together with this is the liberating feeling and awareness that you can get everything you need as long as you exert efforts to make it happen.
Be With Happy People
Another thing that you must never forget is to surround yourself with the right set of people – from your work colleagues to your friends and even family members. The moment that you realize that someone is too negative for you be sure to avoid that person right away. Do not wait before you realize that it is too late on your part to walk away from the relationship. Keep in mind that the longer you surround yourself with the said person, the sadder or more depressed you become. “Your environment, both your social and natural surroundings, can greatly impact how you feel.” As Marjie L. Roddick, MA, NCC, LMHC used to say. Whether you admit or deny it to yourself, the negative individual can influence the way you think or act. If he keeps on complaining about certain things, you will end up becoming a worrier just like him. It is the reason why you need to keep your distance while you still can.
Seek Professional Help
Some people engage in racing activities for fun, while others do it professionally. The second group of racers usually has a therapist or psychologist that they can get in touch with any time they want. Even if the said professional car racers are always in top shape, we cannot expect everything to remain the same. There are times when they may break down because of too much stress and anxiety because of their perception of themselves combined with the expectations of other people. Just like these individuals, you must also not be afraid of seeking professional help when necessary. Just because you are talking to a mental health expert does not mean that you are crazy or insane. Instead, it is only a way of making sure that you can get the right help whenever you need it.
Remember to follow the tips and tricks mentioned above if you want to become an accomplished racer. Remember, the best way to ensure your mental wellness is to engage with a mental health professional. It can be highly beneficial for you in the long run when it comes to coming up with practical coping skills. Be mentally prepared for whatever may come your way.
A lot of people all over the world get injured almost every day due to car accidents. Usually, they suffer from fractures, internal bleeding, to brain damage. In some unfortunate circumstances, it even causes instant death. That is the reason why a lot of experts feel concerned about it. Almost every day, a therapist, psychologist, surgeon, and other medical professionals encounter people who have been in a crash.
After a traumatic car situation, it’s best to seek immediate help from apps like BetterHelp. Talking to a therapist through online counseling will help you overcome the trauma from the crash that can have adverse impacts in the long run.
Perhaps that explains why a lot of these professionals would entirely recommend these road safety tips.
Wear A Seatbelt
It is a no brainer. Every time someone is driving out on the road, he always has to click-clack front and back. Keep the body attached to the car seat all the time while driving. Also, a person should note that he is also responsible for his passengers every time they get in as well. Those people in the back seat receive no exemptions to accidents, so there has to be an assurance to check on and remind them always to wear their seatbelts on.
Keep Eyes On The Road
Eyes on the road should be the only thing that a new driver should focus on because everything else can wait. There is no other amount of emergency call or text that should make someone pick up a phone while driving. Yes, some people can master the art of doing two things in the car at the same time. But it’s not entirely advisable. No one can tell when accidents will hit. So, better be safe than sorry.
Never Drink And Drive
One of the probable causes of vehicular accidents in the world is drunk driving. It should ring a bell. Never drink too much and attempt to drive. There is no valid excuse for that. If someone is going to drive, then he shouldn’t drink. If he wants to drink, then that individual should not run the car for miles. It is just as simple as that. Never mix these two things because it always ends up in an unfortunate state.
Stick To The Speed Limits
The speed limit is everywhere on the road. It is there for a particular reason. Its purpose has something to do with the width of the road and the different road conditions. It is understandable that there are tons of cars that can run hundreds of miles. But it is not enough reason to consider the highway as a race track. Do not wait until something unfortunate happens on running a vehicle at a fast speed because no one will like its ending.
Always Check The Car
It is entirely straightforward, but a lot of people don’t do. With that, individuals end up getting hurt, damaged, fractured, and dead. So before anyone would consider running the vehicle, especially in a long drive, there is a need to check the car. From tires to the engine, the driver should maintain the vehicle’s good running order. If in case he is not sure about the condition of the car, he can always call someone that could help.
Distance Driving
It is vital to allow a distance between cars. A driver should not stick his bumper on the back of someone else’s car. But how will someone measure the specific distance? Well, the calculation is not by a literal length but instead through time. This means that every moment the new driver is behind another car, he needs to count at least three seconds before moving his vehicle. But if the automobile in front is moving slowly, the driver on the second car should double that slow pace.
Allow Visibility
Allowing the car’s visibility is a must, especially during nighttime. However, it does not mean that the vehicle should be on high beams all the time. Be very considerate towards other drivers and make sure always to dip the light. Do not keep them on full because it is dangerous for an oncoming car. It can cause an accident and sometimes cause road rage. Keep the lights low, particularly when another vehicle is approaching and turn them up only when it hits an open road.
Use Hazard Lights
Hazard lights get installed in the car for a great reason. However, a lot of drivers turn it on when there is bad weather. It is not wrong to do it, though. But the problem with that is there’s nothing there to distinguish cars from a particular broken vehicle in the middle of the road. Hazard lights should be used when there is a hazard. Meaning, when the automobile is moving slowly in traffic, and for some reason, the car is having a problem.
Safety is always everybody’s priority. With that, driving on the road has no exemptions for it.
Driving a superior-performance automobile on the racetrack is just thrilling and adrenaline-provoking. Just like driving for family, you face several rules in terms of safe driving without frightening your passengers, but it doesn’t mean that you cannot learn how to drive a racing car securely. Racecar driving schools are there for a purpose – to teach drivers to respect the street, respect their car, and respect their restrictions while driving the track at high speed.
High-performance cars were designed to be fast and agile, and one’s driver knowledge is widened when you are learning to handle a sports car at a dependable racing school. A road tutorial and the right racetrack coaches enhance driver education and skills and will make you a better driver.
Driving fast doesn’t necessarily mean driving carelessly. It only means learning to drive some of the most popular automobile models in ways that push them to their maximum speed while looking amazing at the same time. Beating corners with tires screeching has never been more exciting with the right racetrack course guidance. In this guide, you will learn to drive a superior performance vehicle much better than you could have dreamed of.
Preparing For Corners
Racecar drivers drive with discipline, and part of that discipline they have is about preparing themselves. You need to focus on the smoothness of your drive so that you’ll be able to drive with considerable speed and remain safe. You have to be in tune with the car you’re handling, feeling every roar and vibration and knowing the next thing to do with the car. In making clean turns, you’ll need a particular level of readiness.
Downshifting, on the other hand, should be something that must be done before you turn around a corner and almost always in a straight line. Balance should be established before making that turn, and you can do a few balancing practices at a normal intersection at a regular speed. This way, you can sense how your car feels and how its weight is spread along the car’s body when you hit the brakes and turn the corner.
Going Smoothly
When you’re learning how to drive a superior-performance racecar, the driving coach won’t miss teaching you to drive smoothly. You need to go easy with your input, as any snappy movement can disrupt the car’s balance, which can often lead to mistakes. Coaches will always remind you to take a breath and pause before doing anything so that you can handle the car safely and securely without getting anxious at high speeds.
Taking Your Time
Patience is a virtue, definitely in driving. You are eager to drive your high-performance automobile to its maximum speed, but you want to do it patiently. Always remind yourself to hit the brakes, take that turn, and accelerate when you’re in a corner. If you’re doing the movement twice over, then you must observe your errors and what you’ve been doing incorrectly. The cars of today are intelligently designed and very competent, sometimes even more competent than the driver. Learn to listen to your car and take things one at a time.
Watching The Road And Looking Forward
If you want to stay focused and not get anything wrong in the middle of driving a fast car, then you better keep your eyes on the road. If you have enough focus, your subconscious will lead your hands and feet to where to go and when to hit on the appropriate gears to deliver a smooth drive. A smoother drive also means a balanced car movement. The result is a great grip and a more harmonious relationship with your high-performance car. Watching the road and looking forward keeps your mind focused only on driving and listening to what your car is telling you.
Knowing How And When To Brake
Superior performance racecar driving heavily depends on you to drive with speed and safety. You can’t drive safely if you’re panicking and your feet are everywhere, stepping on the brakes erratically and untimely. It seems that you just can’t wait for the car to stop. Think wisely before deciding what to do next, and consider your performance as an easy one. Step on the brakes with a light foot and release it appropriately, like a sponge. Your driving coach will tell you that driving with your tires screeching is not the safe way to drive, although it may look macho and fancy. That’s not the way to drive smoothly. Practice with the brakes. Learn when to step on it on time.
Balancing Your Throttle
This is one of the most important lessons you must learn to achieve fast and safe driving. A racecar coach should only promote his students to the next level if he masters the art of attaining equilibrium on the accelerator. Along with your course and your driving experience, you will learn that when you accelerate, the weight transfers to the rear, and when you step on the brake, the weight shifts to the front of the car. These principles affect the kind of grip that your vehicle has. Consequently, managing your throttle is very vital. You must maintain a balanced throttle when you approach a corner, and this means preventing the car from cruising with your foot off the gear.
Lastly, an equally essential rule about driving at speed involves managing the weight shift of the vehicle. Check everything, starting from the chassis. It needs to remain flat and without any pressure on all four tires. If this happens, it creates a lean, placing too much pressure on only one area of the car. So before you even rev up your racecar, it isn’t balanced anymore. And that’s a no-no.
When you’re on the wheel, always imagine that there’s a glass of water on top of the dashboard that you need to keep from spilling. If you can do this successfully, then you’ve learned how to drive a high-performance car. Pace yourself. Learn the rules by heart, and it won’t be long until you are a confident, smooth, and safe racecar driver.