Taft College’s Very Own Speed Racer
Despite the rain, the drivers took the take.
By Veronica Renaker
You don’t have to look very far to find Taft College’s very own “Speed Racer,” just right around the corner!
Exhaust roaring with 700 horse power on a stock block engine, TC student Cameron Brown is your go-to-man if you’re ever itching for a need for speed!
Among the numerous speed events that Cameron enjoys participating in, he found himself whizzing around Buttonwillow Raceway fairly recently. Luckily I made it out to the event to see just how far the limits were pushed in these incredible track-ready cars. For specifics on his cars and track times, check out his Youtube channel 370zForme https://www.youtube.com/user/370Zforme
In a question and answer session:
Reporter: What attributed to your passion for driving?
Brown: “When I first watched Fast and Furious I wanted the 350z that was in the movie. I ended up eventually getting the car and I immediately wanted to drive it fast.
“I learned more about cars throughout the years and I eventually sold it for my Evo X. I took racing classes at Bondurant Racing School and eventually bought my M3 and built it as a full purpose track car.”
Reporter: What advice would you give for those who want to take up the challenge of driving a high horse-power-car?
Brown: “You cannot be afraid because if you are, you can definitely cause accidents to happen. Be confident, not overly confident.”
Reporter: Has your tracking experience helped your driving performance on the streets?
Brown: “Yes. I have had to dodge tires, dodge people, drive efficiently in the rain, know the limits of my car, know how to handle abs brakes. Things like that.”
Reporter: What is the hardest technique that you’ve had to learn?
Brown: “Heel toe down shifting. Which is breaking and hitting the gas at the same time, while pushing in the clutch to change to a lower gear at the same time; essentially using all three peddles at the same time.”
Reporter: What is your favorite track to race on?
Brown: “That’s actually a good question. I think I like the Bondurant track the best. It’s a good combination of turns and obstacles.”
Reporter: Where do you think you can improve?
Brown: “I think that I could improve in carrying more speed into turns.”
Reporter: What’s the fastest car you have ever been in?
Brown: “My car. 700HP Evo X.”
Reporter: Describe the feeling you get behind the power, how do people react?
Brown: “People scream a lot, they usually reach for anything that they can hold on to. It definitely pulls you back in the seat. That’s for sure.”
One of the beauties visiting Buttonwillow
Cameron Brown cracking his BMW E46 M3 on Buttonwillow’s Raceway.
Which would you choose? After a long day the drivers took a break. Helmets are a must! Clearly safety is first.
