HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Jimmy Heavlow’s 15th birthday is one he will always cherish since he spent it at the Skip Barber Racing School at Homestead-Miami Speedway driving the school’s Formula Skip Barber cars.
When Heavlow was honored with a scholarship to the school for winning a World Karting Association Triple Crown championship in 2007, he decided to take advantage of the training at the earliest opportunity, leading to a flight into the “most confusing airport ever,” according to the experienced traveler.
The first day of the school’s instruction in the 150hp formula cars is speed limited and familiarization, something necessary for less experienced drivers, as many may never have driven a race car.
In spite of the slower pace on day one, the second day “got really fun,” Heavlow said with a grin, reporting the day included lapping sessions and braking exercises. Saturday was Heavlow’s 15th birthday, with one of his fellow students handing him the keys to a new Ferrari to take onto the track for a spin.
“That was the best birthday present ever,” he said. “That was probably the highlight of the weekend.”
Heavlow described his third day at the school as “really fun.”
“We got to run the whole course; we had the practice starts too. I learned a lot,” he
said. “I think that’s going to help me a lot on the oval, actually. I think I could be successful in the car. It’s so much easier than the Legends car.”
The Skip Barber instructors received high marks from their young pupil.
“They know how to teach that stuff really well,” Heavlow said. “Those guys are great.”
Heavlow’s instruction team was headed by long-time “Skippy School” instructor Steve DeBrecht, who complimented Heavlow, commenting that he was “a great kid – he knows what we wants and can put it into action.” DeBrecht’s team consisted of Don Kutschall and Jonatan Jorge, plus a support staff of mechanics and assistants.
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02-27-2008, 11:16 PM
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