Watch Rookies to Racers

Rookies to Racers was a television series that aired on Science Channel back in 2011. It was an action-packed and adrenaline-fueled show that followed the journey of three young race car drivers as they made their way from amateur to professional racing. This show was not just about the speed and high-speed thrill of racing but also about the science and technology behind these machines. The show aimed to educate the audience on the science of the sport, from the mechanics of the cars to the forces driving them on the track, and how drivers master them.

The three drivers featured on Rookies to Racers were all amateur and had little to no experience in professional racing. They were chosen from a pool of thousands of hopefuls who applied to be part of the show. The drivers were Taylor, Jason, and Jesse.

The first episode of the show introduced the three drivers and their racing backgrounds, and they were each assigned a racing coach. The coaches were experienced professional drivers who had competed in various racing competitions over the years. Their task was to mentor and train the rookies as they progressed towards their dream of becoming professional race car drivers.

In the second episode, the drivers were given their first taste of professional racing as they competed against each other in Mario Kart. Although it was only a simulation, it gave them a taste of the speed and competition they would experience in real life. They also participated in several driving tests, where they learned about different driving techniques and handling a car under various conditions such as in the rain or at high speed.

The third episode focused on the essential science of racing. The drivers learned about the physics behind the speed and centripetal force that keeps them on the track as they turn corners. They were taught about aerodynamics, tire technology, and the workings of a high-performance engine. The drivers also practiced on a skid pad, where they learned to control their car better at high speed.

In the fourth episode, the drivers were pushed to their limit as they were sent to Skip Barber Racing School. There, they learned about race craft, which involved analyzing other drivers' patterns, racing lines, and preventing accidents. The drivers also spent some time in a wind tunnel, where they were tested in different simulated conditions to learn how to master the wind. This episode was particularly tense, and some drivers struggled with the new techniques.

The fifth episode saw the drivers sent for their first actual race, and they competed at the famous New Jersey Motorsports Park. The drivers were incredibly nervous, and some of them found it hard to control their nerves. Still, the coaches encouraged them to think about the lessons they had learned in the previous episodes, such as starting a race and using their experience to pace themselves for longer races, so they could finish a race with strength and speed.

In the sixth episode, the drivers were put through their paces as they went head-to-head in three different races, each one with more demanding tracks and longer laps. The drivers fought hard, some pushed past their limits while others struggled to keep up, but all of them learned valuable lessons.

Overall, Rookies to Racers was an excellent show for car enthusiasts, and anyone who loves to learn about the science of racing. It provided an intense and valuable education on advanced driving techniques, the science behind these machines and how to apply it. It was a show about chasing dreams, perseverance, and determination - three key elements that are vital to any new driver starting a career in professional racing.