I definitely agree about having students and trying to drive. I generally refrain from doing it any more, particularly with my race car. There's too much going on during the day to get everything right, so I think it is better to simplify. When you can get back and focus on driving that thing I bet your times will fall off a ton.
Thanks for the feedback. I can't wait to get down there and drive the new track. The full setup will be almost 6 miles long... that's just awesome!