Hallett Racing School Teaches High-Performance Driving

Chris Howell, NewsOn6.com

HALLETT, OK -- At the Hallett School of High Performance Driving they have a saying:  "Some people talk about their dreams and ambitions....others live them!"

"We like to keep our classes real small so we get a lot of one-on-one attention," said school owner Scott Stephens.  "Students move at different paces and it's a lot easier for us to take a fast guy and a slow guy and work with them together."

Keith Lancaster is one of the students living their dreams by taking the two-day racing course.

"It's been great, we have a very experienced instructor who goes step by step and guides us through what we need to know," said Lancaster.

Course instructor Dan Crossett said, "Pretty much the first morning is spent on very basic stuff.   That translates into being able to drive a racecar later on.  You have to keep an open mind, racing is a lot like life -- it's a lifetime learning experience, so even I, teaching the course, I learn something every time I teach the course."

Lancaster says there is no comparison to the experience, even with the most realistic computer simulations.

"No way, no way, there's nothing like actually doing it," he said.  "Right there on the road, gravel can pop up and hit you in the face, it's loud, it's a whole different experience, but it's a rush."

Although the students vary in age they are all similar types.

"Thrill-seekers, people who like to do fun stuff, a lot of car guys," said Stephens, the owner.  "Ten-percent of the people are really interested and really want to go racing."

"Enjoyment is just unbelievable, it's just really a great experience," echoed Lancaster, "and I hope it will help me be a better driver overall."