BMW's are intimidating. The drivers are all dentists. The instructors are all doctors and retired air force pilots. They all look down at any car made in America, except perhaps a Corvette or Viper. All these people do nothing but check their investments, and drive their cars all weekend.

Thus are the stereotypes.

We'll see how the stereotypes stack up next Saturday when I head off to Gingerman raceway for two days of track instruction. I will arrive at 8 AM on Saturday,...