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Driving can have surprisingly positive effects on the brain and mental health. For many people, the act of driving provides a sense of control and freedom, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. The rhythmic motions of the car, combined with a change in scenery, can be meditative, allowing the mind to relax and unwind. Road trips or leisurely drives can boost mood, foster a sense of adventure, and even improve cognitive function by encouraging problem-solving and spatial awareness. I had the pleasure of meeting Luke Ryker with Track Heroes and he has found that high performance driving can heal anxiety and stress levels. His program, Track Heroes, is tailored for Veterans and 1st Responders and get them time on the track to experience this for themselves in a controlled environment.
My Passion for Corvettes
Since 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette has became a staple in the car industry as part of the American Dream. I have had the opportunity to own some throughout the last few years and they were all worth it to me. I have had the pleasure to take my 2016 Corvette Z06 on a supercar rally known as G-Force Rally. Although driving these cars is an absolute pleasure, they have allowed me to meet and network with new people. Some of which are now some of my good friends.
About Me
Hi, I'm Paul Alex, a Corvette owner with a passion for speed and engineering excellence. I've owned three high performance Corvettes so far and have enjoyed every moment of it. I served in the Marine Corps from 2016-2020 and throughout my service, my primary vehicle was a 2002 Trans Am, which was the gateway drug to my driving passion. Driving has always been more than just getting from point A to B for me; it's about the thrill, the precision, and the freedom it brings. Whether it's feeling the power of a finely tuned engine or taking a winding road with precision, driving connects me to something deeper.
Paul's Garage
Throughout the last 3 years, I have owned a 2011 C6 Z06 Carbon Edition, a 2016 C7 Z06 and currently a 2011 Corvette ZR1. The first Corvette (C6Z06) was a special edition and limited production. The second one (C7Z06) was an overall fun car and I put 36,000 miles on it in 14 months. After that, I was able to get my third Corvette, the Corvette ZR1. This Corvette is considered "peak" by many Corvette enthusiasts as it still outperforms a lot of supercars on the track to this day.
Best Times
The best times to drive are during spring and fall when the temperatures are just right, and the roads are less busy. Summer evenings also provide a great opportunity to enjoy the open road. The summer can get really hot and make it uncomfortable to drive and also can cause malfunction with the cooling system if the car is driven too hard. The colder it is outside, the less traction that you will have, that is why it is recommended to drive for a little while to warm them up before taking hard turns. Driving in the rain is also not recommended due to unsafe conditions, which limit traction control and overall enjoyment of driving.
Beyond the physical thrill, driving offers a sense of community among fellow enthusiasts. Car clubs, meetups, and events bring together people who share a common passion, providing a space to exchange ideas, share experiences, and celebrate automotive culture. There's something special about bonding over the love of speed, craftsmanship, and the constant pursuit of performance.
Best Locations
Some of the best places to experience the joy of driving are the winding mountain roads of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the scenic coastal highways of the East Coast, and dedicated racetracks like Virginia International Raceway or Charlotte Motor Speedway. There are mulitple tracks near Charlotte that allow drivers to take their cars out for a few times during the day to test and experience the thrill of hard driving and taking the turns on a track in a safe and controlled environment.
The East Coast, like the Carolinas, Virginia and Tennessee is a haven for driving enthusiasts, offering diverse routes. Navigating the winding roads of the Appalachians is an incredible experience, allowing you to test your skills while taking in some amazing views. I am a big fan of going through the Blue Ridge Parkway and seeing the state for miles up there. Coastal highways, such as those in the Outer Banks and the A1A in Florida, offer a more relaxed driving experience, where, in my experience has been really enjoyable and not much traffic.
How to Get Involved
Getting involved with any car community is easy. Join a local club, attend car shows, or participate in track days to connect with fellow enthusiasts. I ended up joining a local Corvette club, after being invited, and they can offer some great perks. Some events that happened was free admission to shows, group trips to landmarks or the National Corvette Museum, or big events on the coast. The population are much older than and I am only 26 but it is still nice to hear about their experiences and recommendations on things. Also, with social networking, it is now a lot easier to reach out and find some friends to hang out with or meet up at a local track event.
The entry cost can vary depending on what vehicle you have, or what vehicle you want. Aside from the cost of the vehicle, the rest is the amount of time you will want to sacrifice for the hobby which is purely up to you. Thats what is great about driving, you can do it whenever you want (state and federal laws still apply). Track events will have an entry cost and a requirement for safety gear like an updated and certified helmet, which is usually all you will need to get on the track.
Why Driving?
Driving offers an incredible blend of freedom, precision, and adrenaline. It's about more than just controlling the machine, it's about mastering the relationship between you, your car, and the road. The track is where I find my focus, where every lap is an opportunity to improve, to understand the car, and to connect with the moment. My choice of weapon on the track just so happens to be a Corvette, and for you, that may differ.
