You didn’t learn this in driver’s ed

Mazda’s Rev It Up event in Irvine this weekend might be the best opportunity to embrace your inner Andretti -- without risking flashing lights in your rear-view mirror.

The two-day event is free for those who just want to kick the tires of new-model Mazdas. But to lure those with a need for speed, the company is also staging an inexpensive performance-driving school and competition. Three skills clinics will be taught before it’s time to face the track.

Instructor Randy Tolsma, a racer for more than 20 years on open-wheel and stock-car tracks, is one of several who will prep the would-be dragsters. “We supply the cars, the helmets -- lunch is available -- people just need to bring an open mind and be ready to learn,” Tolsma says. “Performance driving is fun. You learn what the car does and how to react to circumstances. All you’ve got to do is leave the ego at the door. We’ll talk to you a little bit, but it’s mostly hands-on training.”

That starts with where to put your hands on the wheel. Tolsma says “9 and 3,” not quite the 10 and 2 o’clock positions many learned in driver’s ed. Other clinics are on car control -- a slalom course through orange cones -- and pulling away from the racing line.

All of those should help on the timed runs. “That course has right turns, left-hand turns, a cone course and a straightaway,” Tolsma says. “We have to tell people: Don’t over-drive the course. Drive within your capabilities on the first run-through, then you can add speed on your second run.”

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Mazda Rev It Up, Irvine Raceway, Marine Way, Gate 9, Irvine. Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entry is free, but performance-driving sessions are $40. Must be 18 with a U.S. driver’s license. Register at www.mazdarevitup.com.

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