I've only had to give The Talk in earnest once. I had a student in a C6 Z06 that had been supercharged, and stroked. According to the owner the car had over 750HP, and after riding in it, I believed him. The acceleration was brutal. Only the guy was on street tires, with factory brakes, unknown brake pads…

Unless they're an advanced driver, most are just trying to turn consistent laps. Until drivers can consistently run within a second on each lap, most HPDE drivers won't be looking at shaving tenths...and any driver with an instructor in their car at the last session of the day isn't likely to be an advanced driver…

I have a few friends here who are instructors. I just can't imagine what you guys see in a day of doing this. Either way, I have just a ton of respect of the patience you must have in the car.

As an instructor it is my job to keep you within your skill set and my own comfort level. I am not afraid to instruct, but if my student can't or won't listen to my input, or demonstrates significant lack of skill he or she may find their day ends quickly.

RIP.

IMO, this job is the scariest car-related profession ever.

Nailed it, If you want to be "Captain Awesome" just make sure your butt isn't going to bounce that check.

Speaking as a Marine with combat experience: Bullshit. There's also such a thing as situational awareness. If the cop thought shoving this chick into a bench was what he had to do to "protect his brothers," that is a horrific failure of training. I'd hate to see how he reacts to actual danger.

Honestly, I think the SUV driver should get an award for restraint in the face of a life threatening situation. If that was me driving that car, and my family was being threatened by a bunch of thugged out gang riders on stolen bikes.. I would have driven over them.. raised the rover's air suspension, thrown it in…