The Key to Safe Driving Program at Dublin (Ohio) High School had Simon Pagenaud's unwavering attention. There's always something to be learned.
Pagenaud was a guest instructor during the July 27 program, which included instruction in the physics and dynamics of driving, defensive driving and responsible behavior, wet-braking, emergency lane changes and collision-avoidance, slalom and weight-transfer maneuvers, and adverse weather conditions.
“Defensive driving skills are important for every driver, especially beginning teen drivers,” said Pagenaud, who a day earlier was on the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in the No. 77 Schmidt Hamilton HP car in preparation for the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio this weekend.
The class was taught by professional driving instructors from the Mid-Ohio School, which has offered performance driving and defensive driving programs for adults and teenagers since 1993. The Key to Safe Teen Driving Program was established in 2009 by KeyBank, with the overall goal of improving the driving skills of teen drivers and raising awareness about the need for better training of young drivers.
The program this summer encompasses 24 sessions in 14 cities in five states.
Mid-Ohio race weekend selling out quickly
Almost 300 motor home camping spaces at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in addition to full weekend and race day grandstand seats for the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio have sold out.
Grandstand seats for Aug. 4, featuring IZOD IndyCar Series practice and three rounds of qualifications, are available in limited quantities. There also are a limited number of tent camping spots available for the race weekend, in both the family campground and the regular campground. GET RACE TICKETS
Large field for Sonoma Raceway test Aug. 17
Twenty-three drivers, including Firestone Indy Lights regular Sebastian Saavedra and two-time defending race winner Will Power, are scheduled to test Aug. 17 at Sonoma Raceway in preparation for the GoPro Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma on Aug. 24-26.
The test will be open and free to the public. GET RACE TICKETS
Of note
IZOD IndyCar Series driver Justin Wilson has partnered with Milwaukee-based social media trading card company Meet-Meme.com on a program that includes a QR code to allow fans to quickly follow him across all of his social media platforms. Go to http://mtme.me/justin … Meet Team Penske drivers Ryan Briscoe, Helio Castroneves and Will Power at the Meijer (8870 Columbus Pike) in Lewis Center, Ohio, from 6-7 p.m. Aug. 2. ... Ticket-holders are invited to the Taste of Mid-Ohio (6-9 p.m. Aug. 3) in the IZOD IndyCar Series hospitality area, which will feature the culinary talents of hospitality professionals. Proceeds from the event benefits CARA Charities and Friendly House. GET TICKETS