"Speed is easy to orchestrate if you have the right technique," he said, telling us how to BLIP between downshifting to take the speed disparity between the engine and the transmission. "Just tap on the gas to rev the engine back up, let go of the clutch and use the ball of the foot on the brake pedal." I was repeating in my mind,"Brake, clutch in, Blip, clutch out....huh??"
"Don't get frustrated," he added, looking at my perplexed expression. But then, the clincher. Provencher warned, " DON'T brake and turn, when in doubt push on the gas pedal!"
From there came a mention of spinning out and going off the track. I was beginning to feel insecure. But, onwards. There were clothes to try on and I am never one to turn down a new outfit, especially one that makes me look like a professional racer and costs over $3,000.
Designer duds these were not. Our industrial flame-retardant jumpers were your basic blues complete with gloves, socks, shoes, snood and a helmet. My costume was a bit big---could have used a good tuck-- but I was suited up and ready to go.
The day would consist of three 20 minute sessions on the track, which translates into one hour of straight adrenaline, with heart rate of 160-180 beats per minute. Now that's an aerobic workout!
