mnvelocitypilot

My wife just gave me one h*ll of a birthday present... 3 days at the Skip Barber racing school! I'm thinking of either Laguna Seca or Sebring. For anyone on this forum with experience at both... what's my move here? What would you choose?

Thanks!

sechsgang

laguna seca...its too beautiful. Stay at the Inn at Spanish Bay, drive 15 to salinas for the school, then dinner in Monterey by 8 pm...amazing place!!!

chrisp

What time of year are you going?

dblapex

I have not been to LS but I have taught for Skip Barber in the past. I will tell you to absolutly do the LS school over the SIR school. There is alot more seat time at LS than at SIR, If you do SIR make sure you do full course and not SIR modified.

Good luck,

Brian

John H

LAGUNA

DarkSideDE

Ditto

P.S. The wife sounds like a keeper.

srf506

Even though Sebring is my home track, for that kind of experience I'd go to Laguna Seca too.

Craig T.

Laguna!

LS is a fabulous track, with year round great weather. We have a lot of tracks to choose from in CA, but LS is everybody’s favorite. Dropping into the Corkscrew is like big wave surfing. I'll be there racing with the POC in two weeks and can’t wait

You can get cheap flights into the Monterey A/P with a transfer from SFO. There are some great restaurants in Carmel and Monterey, a couple of local breweries, and Pebble Beach. Bite the $350 green fee bullet and play golf while you’re there.

mnvelocitypilot

Thanks for the great replies - sounds like favorite so far is Laguna Seca - aren't there any Sebring fans out there? She's got me signed up for the MazdaSpeed class (as opposed to the Formula class)... I think that's OK but I'll take input on that as well. Also, I'm not sure (yet) as to the timing, we've got to work that out. And finally, Yes... she's a keeper.

Thanks again for the input!

chrisp

I've done both the Open Wheel and MX-5 three-day. I prefer the MX-5 over the formula car. It's more like what we race (closed wheel, full cockpit, windshield, upright seating, suspension that has travel). The formula is more pure and rewards the better driver but the MX-5 is a blast to drive.

Craig T.

I agree with chrisp. I think you'll have a blast in the MX-5, and it probably has a more practical application. I heard most of the people in the 3-day formula group are on executive retreats, sales awards, or one-time thrill seeking, and the MX-5 group is club racers looking to improve.

multi21

Laguna Seca. Stay in Pacific Grove. One of the most beautiful spots in the world, on the water and minutes from the track.

Later after a track day, go to Carmel and go down the toll road called 17 mile drive which enters Pebble Beach. You will think you just died and went to heaven. Beautiful golf course, with the ocean on one side, waves crashing against the rocks with seals on those rocks. On the other side are golfers putting with raindeer steps from the golfers and both don't care either one are there. An unbelievable setting.

Of course the track is incredible with a lot more elevation changes as compared to Sebring and a challenge.

dblapex

I am a huge Sebring fan, my wife already knows that when I die (I do plan on her going first, but just in case) my ashes are to be spread around the track at speed.

But coming from some one that has tought for skippy in the past and knowing the Sebring program, I say do Laguna. Especially if your wife is coming, there is nothing for her to do around Sebring. Not even any good restaurants.

PedroNole

ABSOLUTELY. Make it a great experience for her too and it will pay big dividends.

BluemaxxRacing

Sebring is my home track and my sentimental favorite.....but there is no question I would choose Laguna, especially if the wife comes along! Trust me when I say that your awesome experience will be nothing compared to how much fun she will have in that area with you when you are not driving. There is nothing like that area on the planet!! Can't wait to go back!!

On the other hand, Sebring (and the surrounding areas) totally sucks for women who are not into cars cars cars!! Luckily I have one in my house so Sebring is not so bad for all of us.

Laguna dude!!!!