bd0nalds0n

I've got a friend turning 40 and I'm interested in doing something memorable. I was thinking about a multi-day race car driving school. Anybody been to one? I'd be interested in getting a few other friends together, and making sure we have get to have some kind of race at the end...

Thoughts or other ideas?

Rob Edwards

How big is he? I ask 'cause my wife got me a 1 day racing school course at Skip Barber at Lime Rock 3-4 years ago. It was in the Formula Dodge cars, and I'm 6'4" and 210 lbs. My two feet covered all 3 pedals and with the seat all the way back my knees were hard into the crossmember under the steering wheel. I still had fun but it was not comfortable and was very hard to modulate the pedals.

I can't imagine a school that would allow WTW racing at the end. Not sure you're going to find anyone that has the insurance coverage for that, though perhaps they could set up an autocross or somesuch.


Jen bought me another gift certificate last Christmas, so I'm headed to Laguna Seca 12/29 and 12/30 for their 2-day HPDE, hopefully in something that I can fit in.

danglerb

http://drivetech.com, nascar in Fontana, might be interesting, half day or full day I think, but end of the weekend wtw kinda searching for disaster.

bd0nalds0n

We're both in the 5'11", 170 - 180 range. So I don't think size would be a problem.

Even if it was something like an open track day where you can only pass on the straights (although I guess in identical cars that might be a problem), it would be more fun that a time trial. Just a thought.

danglerb

Wheel to wheel, maybe karts.

S4ordie

Kart school! Now that would be great!

Tahoe Shark

Call Spring Mountain in Pahrump, NV just outside of Las Vegas. They have a Corvette School, a Radical school, a Lotus School and a kart track. My wife and I have been there twice, first time for 2 days in Radical cars and three months ago the 3 day ZR1 Corvette School. We are going back in April for the advanced class. You will not find a better, friendlier school in my opinion.

Gretch

I did Skip Barber at Morosso. It was an awesome experience. Last day, they do let you pass, but only in the straights.

You will learn more about car handling in 3 days than you have accumulated your whole driving career...... (unless you race regularily),

The instructors are awesome....... legendary even........

Awesome experience........... great memories.

NOT CHEAP!

Rob Edwards

No, not cheap, but with the economic slowdown my gift certificate for the 2 day HPDE was 35% off. That does not, however, include the $250 insurance (with $2,000 deductible). I opted for it, so I can go out and crash a Cayman S in the corkscrew.

RKD in OKC

How about one of those new driving courses that teach e-brake car driftobatics. Like sliding around into a parallel parking spot.

Dave Sz.

I just sent my son to a one day Skip Barber school at Road America for his 21st birthday. Open wheel Dodge powered cars. No passing, lots of good information from excellent instructors. He was a much better driver than anyone else in his class so they let him run alone paired up chasing an instructor. Car was a tight fit for the driver but he loved it. The car also had a striaight shifter which shifted with a blip of the throttle. That took some getting used to.

soltino

Careful, you may be liable for the Full Ride.


(-%


tino

Gretch

Yep, 3 speed, no synchro.......... front wheels flapping in your face.......... Damn that was fun!!!!!!!!

worf928

+1.

CarChick and I have done Spring Mountain twice. The first time was when it was Bragg-Smith driving school. Do a three-day course Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and then spend a couple of days in Vegas.

IcemanG17

I've heard very good things about Skip Barbers school..pricey, but cheaper than other 3 days schools at $3495 for the three day at Laguna.... After the three day you are eligible for an SCCA race license too