Looking to go to Racing/Driving school; need opinions!

[4830Deuce]

http://www.racingschools.com/rs/home.php?cat=988





That's what my Dad has his eye set on. Anyone familiar with this school?







edit: As soon as the 2006 schedule comes out, we are booked . We will be doing the first week in June...Anyone else interested ?

Actually i ahve a buddy that has been wanting to go for a while now...ill ahve to tell him...so i do ahve something to add to this... :Geezx



-Justin

 

[Accumulator]

HomicidalSloth- I'd use the school's car(s) if at all possible, for all sorts of reasons.

 

[saling4]

Heck Sean, If you go to that school you can come over and detail my wifes Tribute. :2thumbs:

 

[C. Charles Hahn]

HomicidalSloth- I'd use the school's car(s) if at all possible, for all sorts of reasons.

Agreed. The cars these schools use are generally NOT completely stock, and are specifically set-up and tuned for the track(s). If you take a personal car out there, you're either going to start breaking stuff, or not have optimal control (accident hazard).

 

[Corey Bit Spank]

My mom did the skip barber school when she worked for MarkIV. She seemed very happy. Of course she didn't pay a dime, so anything is fun then, haha.

 

[pontman43]

HomicidalSloth- I'd use the school's car(s) if at all possible, for all sorts of reasons.

I would also bring your car and use that too, if you plan on racing your car in the future, so you know the physics of your own car.

 

[HomicidalSloth]

I would also bring your car and use that too, if you plan on racing your car in the future, so you know the physics of your own car.

Yeah, that would be my main reason for going in the first place - to get to learn my car on a private track. Plus, just seeing what it's capable of is half the fun.

 

[Brad B]

Places like Bondurant, Barber, etc are fantastic, naturally. Top notch. But for those on more of a budget you can get excellent on-track experience and classroom instruction over a two-day weekend by checking out the events sponsored by the various local car clubs in your area. Usually they are sponsored by clubs such as Porsche, BMW, Audi, Mini Cooper, Acura and the like. You drive your own cars at these events but you do not have to own these types of cars or belong to these clubs to participate. You will see all types of cars on the track. These typically cost under $300 a weekend- quite a bargain!



I have participated in these DE's (Driver Education) events for a few years and although the learning never stops for me, I now instruct novices for BMW, Porsche and Mini events.



Believe me, you'll be pushed to the edge and learn a lot, but it's all very safe. You'll get all the speed you feel comfortable with (these are held at various race tracks all over the country so it's serious) so check your egos at the door!

 

[C. Charles Hahn]

Places like Bondurant, Barber, etc are fantastic, naturally. Top notch. But for those on more of a budget you can get excellent on-track experience and classroom instruction over a two-day weekend by checking out the events sponsored by the various local car clubs in your area. Usually they are sponsored by clubs such as Porsche, BMW, Audi, Mini Cooper, Acura and the like. You drive your own cars at these events but you do not have to own these types of cars or belong to these clubs to participate. You will see all types of cars on the track. These typically cost under $300 a weekend- quite a bargain!



I have participated in these DE's (Driver Education) events for a few years and although the learning never stops for me, I now instruct novices for BMW, Porsche and Mini events.



Believe me, you'll be pushed to the edge and learn a lot, but it's all very safe. You'll get all the speed you feel comfortable with (these are held at various race tracks all over the country so it's serious) so check your egos at the door!

Is there any website that lists such club-sponsored events? I don't know of any road-course type courses around Lansing, but it isn't too far to MIS or places like that....

 

[medic]

When you look into accommodations, check out The Buttes. It's not top shelf (that would be The Phoenician) but it's good for attending training like at Bondurant.

The buttes is pretty good. Also look at the Pointe at South Mountain with is also along I-10 and a bit closer to the track. If you want high end, there are a lot of options.



I've been interested in going to the 3-day course for a while with my brother in law, but everything is going into the house right now. I'll probably spring for the course once I get a nicer car.



Btw, you really can learn to drive in any car. I saw a show on the secret service and they first learn manuvers (j-turns, etc) in SUV, vans, and limos first before they learn to redo them in sportier vehicles. Anyway, they show a commercial here in phoenix about the bondurant school where they show a series of econoline vans racing around the track - they seem to handle pretty well.



also, noticed you said that you wanted to go to the school in June. be prepared for some, ahem - warm weather. If you're in full race fire protection, make sure to drink plenty of fluids and probably do so even if you're not in race gear.



good luck with whatever you decide and feel free to PM me if you need any suggestions on where to say or go to from a local.

 

[stilez]

The buttes is pretty good. Also look at the Pointe at South Mountain with is also along I-10 and a bit closer to the track. If you want high end, there are a lot of options.



I've been interested in going to the 3-day course for a while with my brother in law, but everything is going into the house right now. I'll probably spring for the course once I get a nicer car.



Btw, you really can learn to drive in any car. I saw a show on the secret service and they first learn manuvers (j-turns, etc) in SUV, vans, and limos first before they learn to redo them in sportier vehicles. Anyway, they show a commercial here in phoenix about the bondurant school where they show a series of econoline vans racing around the track - they seem to handle pretty well.



also, noticed you said that you wanted to go to the school in June. be prepared for some, ahem - warm weather. If you're in full race fire protection, make sure to drink plenty of fluids and probably do so even if you're not in race gear.



good luck with whatever you decide and feel free to PM me if you need any suggestions on where to say or go to from a local.

Thanks, medic. Here is what we decided on:





http://www.racingschools.com/rs/home.php?cat=988







If anyone is interested, let me know, as group rates start at just 6 people. We have 4 definites thus far and a bunch of "maybes".

 

[erik7]

GSR,



Give us the details of your trip. I'm assuming it's the 3 day school. When are you going? Anything else we need to know? I doubt I can do it this year, but you never know!!! My buddy and I want to do this real bad!!