At 16, I had a '87 vette with z51 suspension with the crazy 4+3 speed manual and was already taking college classes in mechanical design. Ran 100mph+ every day and learned how to control a car. Did more doughnuts and burnouts that year than I have done the rest of my life. Wouldn't have traded the experience for anything. Grew up standing up in the backseat not wearing seat belts. Didn't think twice riding barefoot with no helmet on the back on my buddy's kdx traveling 75mph on pavement at 12 years old. Were we stupid, yes. Did our parents know about it, most times not. Am I the person today because of it, yes. I was the "responsible teenager" and despite always being the star student, I am the person today because of growing up pushing my luck and my liimits.

Would I let my son do these things, probably not. Would I want him to try, I hope so, it would be normal. We all feel like the responsible thing to say is that this car is not for a 17 year old but I have to admit I wouldn't give anything for my memories of being a "stupid kid".