I'm no racecar driver. In fact, I was the kid who used to get kicked off the go-cart tracks for showing a complete lack of aptitude for the sport (and causing more than a few cases of whiplash, I'm sure). So it was a mixture of bemusement and terror that crossed the faces of organizers at the Bridgestone Racing Academy when I retold this story before plunking myself into one of their $72,000 Van Diemen formula cars.

Myself and a group of journalists from across Canada and the US were treated to a day of racing school about two weeks ago at the fabled Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, Ont. Not knowing quite what to expect, I was surprised to see that, yes, we would in fact be driving racecars. No more lawnmower engines for this guy.

The morning began with introductions and an emphasis on safety - not just our own, but the safety of those $72,000 Van Diemens. We moved through the day learning about safe stopping and following distances, shifting (only an up and down shift, which was neat), our good friend centrifugal force, and, of course, what to do if you feel yourself losing control (especially around the concrete wall on corner 12). "And did we mention the cars are worth $72,000? Yes? Okay. Moving on."

After about two hours of in-class instruction, we were suited up with racing gloves, socks, shoes, balaclava, helmet and full-body suit. Suddenly things were getting very real and my cold, clammy hands could no longer be blamed on an over-active A/C unit.

We received further instruction on the track during a walk-around the car ($72,000), and then we were ready to ride. I was mercifully slotted into Group B, meaning I would at least see some fellow amateurs in action first before seeing images of security escorting me off the premises flash before my eyes.

The first group made a successful run (with only one driver who couldn't drive a stick having difficulty) and then it was our turn. I was grouped - of course - with the guys who brought their own racing suits and helmets, recanting stories of their best times on other tracks. My goal? Avoid a lawsuit.

The group was instructed to follow a lead car at a pokey pace until we got into the swing of things. I revved the RPMs up past 2,000, eased off the clutch and took that first corner. Didn't stall. Good start. We couldn't have been going much faster than 30 km/h for that first handful of laps, but you certainly got the feeling of the car's handling capabilities. The Van Diemen certainly put my Elantra to shame (no offense, Hyundai).

After only one stall (touchy clutch) we broke for lunch before getting ready to get back out there again. My second run? Exhilarating. I read an article recently about a celebrity who likes to race cars in his spare time because it's the only place where he can stop thinking about the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. I know exactly what he means. When you're driving, your mind's thinking about that next corner and nothing else.

The cars pack 170 hp, which doesn't sound like much, but when you consider the car only weighs 1,000 lbs, you're talking more like 500 hp plus. So when you hit the straightaway before the last turn and floor it, your lips are folded neatly behind your ears. What a rush!

After two more rounds of laps (we did maybe 100 laps total on the day), we packed it in for the day (the rain started on cue about five minutes later). I had done it. No crashing, no spinning out, no security, no lawsuit.

As you looked around the racetrack at the end of the day, there was a grin on every face. Drivers were trading war stories: "Did you see me take that last turn? Are you car number 2? How fast do you think we were going? Are you sore too?"

Bottom line: it was an awesome day. The Bridgestone Racing Academy is open to the public and considered to be among the elite racing schools in North America, even compared to some of the monster operations down south. It's not cheap, but then again how often are you going to get the chance to drive a real Formula racecar?

I highly recommend the experience and encourage others to check it out here: www.race2000.com. Many, many thanks to Bridgestone and the staff for allowing me to put their 24-year injury-free record in jeopardy. Not to mention their car. How much was that worth again?...

Oh, and if the staff at the Magical Midway in Orlando are reading this, is it possible for you to remove my name from the blacklist? Thanks.