Motorsports

S-curves at 140 mph take your breath away

Okay. Breathe.

By KELLIE DIXON
Published March 31, 2007

Okay. Breathe.

Seriously.

The instructions seemed simple enough, but my brain had a hard time computing. Just moments ago I felt like a bobblehead with my helmet on, climbing into the two-seat IndyCar.

I still was bobbling but now, strapped into the car with my helmet visor down, the movement was inside my head. I was dizzy, light-headed.

So I reminded myself: breathe.

Retired IRL driver Stephan Gregoire could handle the hard part. You know, navigating the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg track. The first couple of turns - the S's, he called them - are his favorite part.

I concentrated on simpler things. You know, staying conscious.

Oh, but look at the trees above, lining the course. I'm in an IndyCar on the actual streets of St. Petersburg. So cool. So awesome. So ... uh-oh. Bad idea. Ignore the trees.

Back to breathing.

The red button, a guaranteed brake for this rocket ship, mocked me from its spot between the handles.

"Oh, no, heck no," my heart pleaded with my brain. "Just hang on."

"Fine," my brain responded. "But I won't forget where it is."

Fair enough.

Finally we finished the S-curves. I can see why Gregoire likes them. He can have them.

I preferred the softer turns - speed was more exciting to me than twists.

We roared on the straightaways and rocked through the turns. If there was a brake on that thing, I don't remember feeling Gregoire mash it. And that was fine.

We were flying - 140 mph. And just when breathing was becoming natural, we rolled into the pits.

[Last modified March 30, 2007, 23:00:53]