I don't think you should let RHD versus LHD influence your decision about
the purchase of a racecar, although I understand your concern about RHD in
racing conditions. You can get used to it rather quickly.
About 5 years ago I bought a RHD street mini. I was concerned about
shifting on the street but found it wasn't a problem at all, from day one.
Still, I reasoned, it might be a difficulty under racing conditions.
Therefore, I decided to enroll in a driving school with the mini. At the
driving school I never once thought about shifting gears with my left hand
... possibly because the brakes were so bad. Bill Thompson was my
instructor and I remember the look on his face the first time I pressed on
the brakes (it was certainly the brakes and not Bill riding shotgun in the
left seat).
Back to the question. Last year I started racing a RHD sports racer. This
was not a problem which slowed me down or made me less safe in any way;
shift, mirror, sitting on the RH side, none of that. I find it is ease to
go back and forth between RHD and LHD and my 22 year old son finds the same
is true. I do think at first it might take a couple of events to make the
adjustment. If you like a particular RHD race car ... my suggestion is to
buy it!
----- Original Message -----
From: <Erichreich@aol.com>
To: <vintage-race@autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2001 11:28 AM
Subject: RHD
> Hello. I have never driven a RHD car before. I am considering buying a
vintage racer, possibly a RHD example. My concern is making the transition
from LHD to RHD under race conditions. Any thoughts/comments/experience?
Thanks in advance. Erich.
|