High Performance Driving School - PHX area recommendations?

[cycleguy55]

My wife is telling me to go back to school. No, let me re-phrase that - for my next milestone birthday she's going to buy me a half or full day at a high performance driving school.

We're expecting to be in the Phoenix area, probably the first week of May 2015, and I'm looking for suggestions / recommendations. This will not be using my Cobra, but rather the cars offered by the school.

Background:
1) I've been driving 40+ years
2) Current personal transportation / daily drivers consist of an Infiniti G35x and an Infiniti FX35
3) Toy is a West Coast Cobra, 460 CI w/5 speed manual
4) Set local track record for front drive cars 30+ years ago 'unofficially' - I wasn't a club member, so they couldn't make it 'official'

School / track suggestions? Pros and cons?

[Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB]

Cycle Guy, There is only one "school" of driving that supplies their own cars, Bondurant. Bondurant School of High Performance Driving | Bondurant.com Just south of Phoenix off of I-10.
Check out what you want to drive and prices. You will most likely love whatever you choose.

AZ Bob

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB

Cycle Guy, There is only one "school" of driving that supplies their own cars, Bondurant. Bondurant School of High Performance Driving | Bondurant.com Just south of Phoenix off of I-10.
Check out what you want to drive and prices. You will most likely love whatever you choose.

AZ Bob

Well, that sure narrows down the choice, doesn't it?

[ChicagoChris]

Got my SCCA license from Bob in 2007 and it is a great course.

[twobjshelbys]

I've been to Bondurant three times, great classes.

You can't use your own car on the track for the intro classes. You have to use theirs. Classes come in all sizes and shapes, but the regular 3 or 4 day road racing class is Corvettes with the last day of the 4 day being the Formula Mazdas. For the advanced class you have a choice of Corvette or Formula Mazda. You can use your own car on the track for the Corvette class (I never asked about Cobras) but they actively discourage it - you will go through a set of brakes and tires. They advised using their cars and consumables and your car the last 1/2 of the last day (afternoon session) it will give you what you need to know.

[mikiec]

Fitz has done Bob's school a couple of times. He should chime in.

[cycleguy55]

Plans may be changing, possibly ruling out a visit to Bondurant in May.

FWIW, I've run across Racing Adventures (Racing Adventures - Race Car High Performance driving School). From what I understand, these guys run a portable operation in southern tracks during the winter months, then going on the road from May to October. One of those locations is Edmonton, Alberta, and I'm looking at that option.

Racing Adventures offers Factory Five Cobra Spec Racers as one option, along with Aston Martin, Corvettes, Porsche 911 Carrera, Ford GT40, Ferrari, and Lamborghini. For those in the greater Phoenix area their schedule says they'll be at Arizona Motorsports Park on a few dates from now through early April 2015.

Anybody have any experience with Racing Adventures?

[Fitz]

Yes I too had my wife get me the 4 day grand prix course $$$$.. It was their vettes and formula Mazda's. See the yellow car in my gallery. Few hours of class room proper lines etc. They supply the suit and helmet and knee pads / jock strap (just kidding).

They let me use my Cobra on the track with the vettes. My feeling without your car being set up to run a road course it was like going from a luxury car to a truck. "Mr Fitz, you need to be shifting into 3rd right here going onto the strait"! WTF! I remember my instructor saying WTF when he was doing a lap in the Cobra. I remember not liking the passsender seat. But the ride with Bondurant himself makes you really feel like a weak little *****....

Anyway I used my Cobra for about 1.5 hours and went back to the Vette. I could never and still don't do the heal toe thingy. Just can't get it. Maybe that is why I spun out few times at the Bondurant 80th Party. That was a dam blast as well.

Anyway most all of us don't have track tires so you slide all over the place.
Went back for a refresher course 2 years after I did the grand prix. By far the most fun I have ever had. Better then sex and it lasts longer

[Fitz]

PS don't delay booking your session. Sometimes they fill up. You can always cancel.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by Fitz

PS don't delay booking your session. Sometimes they fill up. You can always cancel.

I get emails all the time from them about classes that aren't full with a sizable discount...

[Fitz]

It is always about meeting your schedule. March April May is best time or Fall. Not Summer!!