Spring Mountain Motorsports teaches teens to drive

Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump has announced its new, hands-on specialized Teen Driving School as one of the latest performance driving programs at the sprawling 200-acre professional motorsports facility with private 3.5 mile road course.

Priced at $495 for teens, one-day courses taught by professional drivers are held one weekend each month and are designed specifically to teach teenagers many critical skills that are not taught in traditional courses, such as how to avoid accidents and honing safe-driving skills. Plus, parents get the peace of mind that their child has the best protection while driving.

The students will attend a six-hour program that includes taking specially equipped "skid cars" that stimulate slipping and sliding to learn how to avoid crashes and come out of skids safely.

Teens will learn how to deal with a variety of real-world driving scenarios, including how to control a vehicle when things go wrong. The teen safety course consists of an introduction to ABS, accident avoidance, slalom car control in both dry and wet conditions, precision backing, cornering, seating position, dealing with distractions, emergency situation maneuvers, controlling emotions, and basic vehicle maintenance.

Spring Mountain offers a range of vehicles from its fleet for the teens to drive during the school, including Mini Coopers, a GMC Yukon, Chevy Suburban and an automatic Chevy Corvette.

"This is a great opportunity for teens to learn how to drive in a safe environment and avoid accidents, plus build a foundation of safe-driving habits," said John Morris, president of Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch. "Our teen driving school is dedicated to teaching driving skills, car control, behind-the-wheel defense and helping kids gain a positive attitude when they're driving."

Upcoming summer sessions for teens ages 15 and older are scheduled for July 25 or 26 and Aug. 22 or 23; fall courses are available, too. For information, reservations and future sessions, visit www.racespringmountain.com, call 800-391-6891 or e-mail sales@racespringmountain.com.