2011 Kia Optima view

Ask anyone who knows me and they’ll tell you I have no memory (think Momento sans violence / intrigue), so it’s entirely possible I was told I would be driving a car on a race track when I accepted an invitation to go to Miami for a look at the new 2011 Kia Optima Turbo.
2011 Kia Optima view


2011 Kia Optima view


2011 Kia Optima view


2011 Kia Optima view


2011 Kia Optima view


2011 Kia Optima view


2011 Kia Optima view


2011 Kia Optima view


2011 Kia Optima view


2011 Kia Optima view


2011 Kia Optima view



Being asked to sign a stack of waivers (ok, two) wasn’t going to slow me down, since I’ll sign anything (though have no recollection of doing so), and it was off to the Palm Beach International Racetrack for a few spins.
I realized just how over my head I was during a brief course overview, when the word “chicane” was mentioned and roundly understood by the other attendees. “I am screwed,” I said out loud to no one in particular. And then they handed out helmets. Helmets? Approaching the cars with a face etched in an odd mix of terror and glee, I receive a total of four words of advice from a fellow driver (“Slow in, fast out.” Brilliant. Thanks.) I climb in and calmly come up with my game plan: floor it, follow the skid marks, slam on the brakes, repeat.

• 2011 Kia Optima Turbo Test Drive in Miami « Antenna Magazine