Ed Moulton ... "Your quickest way to improve is to invest in the nut behind the wheel (an old saying, but so true)."
Posted on July 07 2026
How did you start racing?
I started endurance racing after a dozen years of HPDE and almost a decade of instructing. Given I felt comfortable with track events, car control, and multiple tracks, I felt my next big learning opportunity would come in wheel-to-wheel racing. Fortunately, I had a great group of friends with similar goals who invited me to join their team. While it’s only our second year, we’re thoroughly enjoying the camaraderie, new cars, and excitement of each event.
What is your favorite car to race?
Hands down, my favorite car to track is a Porsche 911. My old ‘86 911 air cooled was a blast, and I thoroughly enjoyed it for almost a decade. Lightweight, tricked 3.4L, and no nannies - a great platform to explore 911 handling characteristics at the limits. The 991.2 GT3 was fun, 9K rpm, and the lightning quick PDK gearbox made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. However, I sold the GT3 in favor of older more visceral models, 997s, and now my new favorite is my 996 GT3 Cup RSR tribute - Porsche’s last factory Cup car with an H-pattern shifter. I’ll probably never master all of the Cup car’s capabilities, but it’s a fun new platform for me to continually learn. Regarding endurance racing, our team’s Civic was interesting (front wheel drive), but I’m looking forward to racing our team’s BMW E46 in 2026.
What is your favorite track?
I’ve been fortunate to drive a number of tracks. My top five are probably VIR, Road Atlanta, Barber, Watkins Glen, and Road America. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but certainly my next “new” track that I haven’t driven before stirs up a lot of excitement. Followed closely by “my next track” weekend after making a change to my track car - the thrill of testing and experiencing something new is hard to beat.
Best track day experience?
My bucket list trip to Watkins Glen was certainly one of my most memorable track experiences. I watched videos and drove sims to learn the track and prepare for the event. I thought the uphill Esses would be fun (and they were), but turn 9 would be my challenge. Not! I took full advantage of T9 exit, tracking out to fullest extent - the wall did not instill fear like on the sim. The surprise lay two turns ahead. Who’d have thought T11 would be so intimidating to fully exploit, track out completely, use all the track? Ha! That wall! Why was that wall so intimidating? Maybe because of being on the driver’s side? Sure, I learned to carry speed, sweeping an “S” through T10 and carry into T11, but I left time on the table. What a hoot. Oh, and the uphill Esses. Flat? Certainly, the subject of “flat” depends on the car. But I was able to work up to “flat” by the second day (‘86 911). I was feeling good. Then someone questioned me, “Flat from T1 exit?” Oh! Well, maybe next time.
Worst track experience?
…that one event. …that one situation. The student had been doing great, all rainy morning. Then the unexpected. Instead of tracking out smoothly to the off-camber corner exit as in every other lap, shortly after the apexed passed, a quick steering input was felt. The accelerator was jabbed and the pirouette began. What?! Wait! There’s no saving. The spin, the hydroplane, the slide across the slick grass to meet a tire wall. We stop, all are ok. The response, 'I got a point by'. I replay the situation in my head. It happened so fast, but replays in slow motion.
Right seat instructors, remember to stay mentally ahead of your student at least a segment, but two or three turns as a minimum to help reinforce the skills needed for the conditions.
Advice for newcomers?
Enjoy the experience, be safe, and have fun! Seek good coaching, good schools, and recognize there’s always more to learn. Even when you’re plateauing, ask others for advice. Get a coach back in the car. Your quickest way to improve is to invest in the nut behind the wheel (an old saying, but so true).
Tell us about you?
I’m retired, an engineer, a manager whose career was all about continual improvement. I’m a husband, father, and grandfather. I’m a Christian. I enjoy travel, hiking, adventure bike trips, boating, and I’ve always been a car guy. Certainly, motorsports is my favorite hobby for the immersive, totally focused mindset required to perform. More importantly, I enjoy the like-minded people and experiences encountered across these various paths I’ve traveled.
Final Thoughts?
Keep the balance. No regrets. Send it!
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