Joe:
Congratulations! I have just completed my Novice Permit and went through the school earlier this year. Let me see what I can put down for my thoughts:
1) Don't expect the school to answer all your questions. But, don't be afraid to ask all kinds of questions. My school didn't cover some key things (like "What do I do if I spin off track and am stuck in the gravel?" or "How does grid work?") and I had to learn just by following the leader and/or asking at the track (everyone is very helpful, especially if you start off with "This is my first time...").
2) How much experience do you have with your car? Do you have some seat time? How reliable has your car been through that? I only had help for 1/2 the first day of my school and was fortunate to have the car break then (just an oil cooler line, no big deal). If you don't have help and something breaks, people will offer to help (we had 12 corner workers and 5 other competitors offer) because they want you on track just as much as you do.
3) Relax and have fun. The instructors are there to help you and make sure that you are safe. My instructor kept telling me that I was doing well and I kept telling him where I was screwing up. He just said "Well, correct the problem!" and off he went.
4) Sign up for the 2nd school waiver. You have nothing to loose and they will refund your money for the second day. If you do well the first day and the car is in good shape for the second, run it for the seat time. There will be -NO- pressure the second day (if it's a double) and you can pack up at anytime.
5) Drink plenty of fluids. Start hydrating 2 days before the event. This is not a joke! It will help keep you fresh throughout the day and you will see others starting to get tired.
6) Get in the habit of always checking the flag stations. ALWAYS!! If you see a flag, a quick head nod will let them know you see it (not required, but really nice to do). The workers report to the Chief Instructor as well so, even though your instructor may not see something, they will.
7) Do not have to talk to the Chief Steward. However, if you should do something wrong, know what you did and admit it right away. Do not argue with him/her.
8) Have all your gear in order, know the GCR, and treat everyone with "Yes Sir, No Ma'am" type attitudes. Give them all the respect they deserve!
9) If you do do something not smart (I cut off a Neon and watched him going spinning at a high rate of speed), find the driver and talk to him/her. The Neon driver was very surprised that I came over and talked to him and we shot the, well, you know, for a while between sessions. He really appreciated me coming over, to say the least!
10) You will make mistakes. Everyone at the school knows that. They expect it. The key is to learn from them and move on. If you can do that, you'll have no problems getting through school!
Well, that's my highlights that I can think of. If I think of more, I'll post them.
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Bill
Planet 6 Racing
bill (at) planet6racing (dot) com