Skip Barber racing school

rjbh20 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-29-2008, 11:37 AM

I'd be interested in hearing opinions from anyone who has attended the Skip Barber 3-day race school at Laguna Seca in recent years. Pricey, at around 4 grand, but I figure that its a worthwhile investment before I head into GT40-land. Also, I believe they offer a "race day" discount of $500 or so if you sign up at the track, which I plan to do this weekend at the Rolex Lime Rock historic races unless someone talks me out of it.

henryr · #2 (**permalink**) 08-29-2008, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjbh20

I'd be interested in hearing opinions from anyone who has attended the Skip Barber 3-day race school at Laguna Seca in recent years. Pricey, at around 4 grand, but I figure that its a worthwhile investment before I head into GT40-land. Also, I believe they offer a "race day" discount of $500 or so if you sign up at the track, which I plan to do this weekend at the Rolex Lime Rock historic races unless someone talks me out of it.

it's okay. great for someone that has had zero track exposure. as always, the experienced guys can pick up some pointers. i think the real benefit comes into play when you are able to sign up for the advanced and tracking days.

xracerbob · #3 (**permalink**) 08-29-2008, 02:24 PM

As an ex instructor for SBR, I might be somewhat biased, but the 3 day program is the most effective in getting people the fundamentals of going quickly without getting hurt or hurting the car. 3 days is a good period of time because you can sleep on what you learned and it really helps the next day when you get back at it.

The cirriculum is well thought out and honed by many years of doing it. Your attitude going in is a very important factor regarding how much you get out of it and how long it will stick with you. You must park your ego at the track gate and be eager to look, listen and absorb what they are teaching. Experience in a rear engine car is particularly important when you are getting in a GT-40.

Good luck and have fun!

GlynMeek · #4 (**permalink**) 08-29-2008, 02:59 PM

I did the 3 day Skip Barber at Sebring for my 50th birthday. BEST 3 DAYS I EVER SPENT! I had driven one sportscar or another for ever, but never learned how to do it properly, and 3 days in an open wheel formula style car was AMAZING FUN.

Every time I stepped out of the car, I was sweating, grinning ear-to-ear and had an erection...ROFL.

Enjoy

Glyn

Mark11 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-29-2008, 06:51 PM

Did the 3 day school at Laguna Seca last summer in open wheel Formula Mazda cars. A great time on a great track. You get a great deal of track time and the classroom instruction gives you a nice balance with a very high instructor to student ratio.

gjcomb · #6 (**permalink**) 08-29-2008, 11:32 PM

I did the 3 day school at Laguna Seca back in '98 ($1500 cheaper) and also tried Jim Russell's school at Infineon in '02. Helped me a lot when I picked my SCCA licensed in '03 - best time for me was doing the Skip Barber school at Laguna Seca. A little of the classroom instruction to get some general rules and basic understanding, then some basic driving skills to know your open wheel vehicle and onto the track for a number of different driving techniques (some are RPM limited).

One cool part of the course - mastering as best as you can the Corkscrew!

I definitely recommend taking the course and learning how to drive on the track!!
George

COBRANIP · #7 (**permalink**) 08-30-2008, 02:08 AM

How much, if any, track or driving school experience have you had? What exactly are you trying to accomplish/learn? Can you "heal/toe" down shift? It depends on what experience/objectives you have as to which school I would recommend.

http://www.jimrussellusa.com/index.p...page&Itemid=91

http://www.sportscardrivingexperience.com/index.php

rjbh20 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-30-2008, 01:15 PM

Sounds like pretty strong endorsements -- thanks to all. Looks like my wallet is about to get lighter.

WarrenG · #9 (**permalink**) 09-03-2008, 09:31 PM

I did the 3 day racing class at Lime Rock and the two day advanced driving course at Laguna Seca. Would recommend either or both. My wife and I do one of their courses about every 18 months. Great vacation time.

aspenbubba · #10 (**permalink**) 09-04-2008, 10:19 AM

I just completed the 3 Day SBRS at Carolina Motor sports Park in May. It was enjoyable but hard work. It enabled me to get my SCCA regional license quickly and painlessly and I now have two races under my belt . It is the quickest and easiest way to be licensed and the instructors were great. They covered all the important stuff like trail braking, heel and toe , threshhold braking and gave a lot of insight to being on the track. If you are from NY the cost was 1000.00 less than their other schools at Carolina. Just check the dates on their site.