Driving with passion and enthusiasm, especially when you’re behind the wheel of a high-performance machine, is an exhilarating experience. Like many, my younger days were filled with a deep appreciation for the raw power and agility of all-wheel-drive rally cars. I even owned a couple of Subaru STIs, reveling in their capabilities. However, my father, a lifelong Porsche aficionado who owned a stunning ’98 998 Turbo-S, instilled in me a crucial understanding of responsible high-performance driving – a principle that resonates with the spirit of what one might call “john shope’s dirty bird” driving, but with a mindful approach.
Our annual Christmas morning ritual perfectly exemplified this balance. Long before the city stirred, we would embark on a pilgrimage to the Red Rock loop outside Las Vegas. This wasn’t a leisurely cruise; it was an opportunity to push our cars and driving skills in a demanding yet controlled environment, far beyond typical canyon carving. The brilliance of Christmas morning was the absolute solitude. The roads were deserted, offering a safe haven to explore the limits of our vehicles and our abilities without endangering others. From the pre-dawn hours until late morning, we’d immerse ourselves in the pure joy of driving, encountering perhaps a single vehicle on our return journey, well outside our chosen playground in the mountains.
This tradition underscored a vital lesson: the desire to experience thrilling driving, the “john shope’s dirty bird” spirit if you will, can be fully embraced responsibly. The key is choosing the right time and place – environments where risk is minimized and others are not put in harm’s way. Just as we sought the deserted roads of Red Rock on Christmas morning, those seeking to explore the limits, to engage in “dirty bird” driving, should seek out similarly controlled and safe environments.
Consider the analogy of a motorcycle burnout in a parking lot. Common sense dictates staying clear, just as one would never position themselves trackside at a rally cross corner. However, not everyone possesses this inherent awareness of risk. Therefore, the onus lies on those pursuing high-octane thrills, the “john shope’s dirty bird” enthusiasts, to ensure their passion remains contained within safe boundaries. Embrace the thrill, but always prioritize responsibility and the safety of yourself and others. The true essence of “john shope’s dirty bird” driving isn’t recklessness; it’s about skillful, passionate driving enjoyed in environments where that passion can be unleashed without compromise to safety.
