The University of Texas is hosting its 130th spring …
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Amateurs test drive on COTA track
Weekend that almost wasn't brings 140 drivers
Updated: Sunday, 13 Jan 2013, 9:43 AM CST
Published : Sunday, 13 Jan 2013, 9:43 AM CST
AUSTIN (KXAN) -
Drivers are excited to take off and live out a childhood dream, playing the part of a race car driver at least for one weekend at the Circuit of the Americas.
But the organizer from the Drivers's Edge high-performance school who rented this track for the weekend was more stressed out weeks before the race than drivers are today.
The Circuit Of The Americas actually canceled their contract with the school a few weeks ago with little explanation. But school directors say they were able to negotiate with COTA and carry out this weekend event. Still, they're not sure if they’ll ever get to come back for a second run.
"If it was up to me yes, but honestly it's not up to me, it's up to them," said Rick Schwalenberg of the Driver's Edge Performance School out of East Texas."They need to see if this kind of thing fits into their scheme of things and their business plan."
The school, a side business for Schwalenberg, signed up 140 people for this weekend in a matter of hours. Many drivers paid to be here more than a year ago and some admit being a worried this weekend wasn't going to happen.
"Yes, I got the emails when I was on Facebook and it was a tumultuous day or two," said weekend race car driver Daniel MacFadden of Houston, "And we're so glad that they let us come because it's a great event, even in this weather. "
But most drivers say that's all in the rear view mirror, now it's time to play race car driver, in what could turn out to be a once in a lifetime experience.
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