We'd just subjected our 2003 Ford SVT Focus to a Central Florida Region SCCA Rallycross. Then, we loaded the car up behind our Chevy Performance Colorado and pointed the nose towards Sebring International Raceway. Our Focus was signed up for a Hooked on Driving track day, and we weren't going to miss it just because the car's ignition system was still acting up.
Rather than run on our gravel rally tires, we swapped on the street tires that came with the car. Sure, the treadwear rating was north of 400, but we still had a blast on Sebring's full course. How much track time did we get? More than two hours' worth. The Focus handled the job admirably, aside from randomly losing power and lacking any real suspension damping.
Hey, at least we'll have something to keep us occupied until the next event.
As for the Hooked on Driving event itself, we highly recommend them for a fun, relaxing day at the track. Drivers get lots of track time—five half-hour sessions in our case—and the paddock is filled with friendly faces. Also, Ken, the man behind the Florida events, runs an $800 E30-chassis BMW.
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