Comparing Race Driving Schools

[CSX 4039]

I want to do a high performance weekend next year. What are the advantages/ disadvantages of the various schools out there?
thanks.

[valpodoc]

Gotta go to the man... too bad he's sporting GM products but still the best school out there. Panoz has a solid school too.

Roland

[blykins]

I've attended Skip Barber....very pleased with the seat time and instruction that I got. We drove Dodge Viper GTS's.

[Mulv]

For Cobra lessons, go here

http://www.racingadventures.com/

mulv

[Okiesnake]

I was very pleased with the 3 day Panoz school at the Texas Motor Speedway. The Panoz cars are well built and give a lot of confidence. The cars are somewhat similar in size, layout and drive train as most Cobras. I don't know how far you are from TMS but you might ask to visit sometime when they are having a class. They combine the outside oval and the infield track. You get lots of seat time. You can also get SCCA licensed for completing the school. Their site is http://www.panozracingschool.com/Racing.asp
Panoz also conducts Open Track Days throughout the year. After taking their 3 day class you will probably what to take your own car out on the track and practice what you learned. I believe that the cost of the Open Track Days at the TMS location is actually less than what is published on Panoz web site.

[djseed]

I took the 2 day Racing Adventures course. I specifically wanted to use Cobras for the course. They use FF Spec Racers with the standard injected 5.0 SB Ford with 285 HP. He has a nice progression from threshold braking to the final 30 minutes of all out passing. I wanted Cobra seat time before I picked up my BB.

[JoeLafives]

I took the foure day Bondurant course last October. I was quite happy with the course. My only complaint was that It was over so soon.

I still have a bug to get an actual race car.

[Bob In Ct]

Did a 3 day Skip Barber Racing School (at Lime Rock), well worth the money. Midway through the second day I realized how little I really knew about going fast.

Bob

[Cobra #42]

Brett, We have had alot of very happy Cobra owners come through our school and would certainly like to opportunity to send you some information on the Panoz Racing School at Texas Motor Speedway. Drop me an email to don@panoztx.com and we will get the info out to you.

Thanks, db

[kevinR]

brett,

i have done both the bondurant (mustangs and cobras) and the skip barber open wheel.

pros and cons:
bondurant: held in only one place. lots of skid training, defensive manuvering training, fair classroom instruction, egotistical young instructors (attitude was you rich guys have the money to pay but will never be able to drive like me, and watch what I CAN DO). instructors view from one or two positions on the track for feedback. i chatted with bob a couple years back about this so it may or may not have changed by now. you can qualify for an scca license. vettes

skip barber: multiple choices of tracks( logistics could be easier and your choice of track), older AND more experience instructors (virtually no ego issues), more interested in making YOU better, class room instruction very good, many instructors at key track points for feedback (you need to let them know YOU want to learn and they will pay closer attention to you. it shows you care and value their input), to get the skid control and defensive driving you need to add an extra day to the 3 day course. i went to lime rock for this one. can qualify for scca license. open wheel fun cars. or vipers

additional comment: (and i know some will sneer) petty experience. the 80 lap/2 day course gives you great feel for an oval track which is very different from road courses. i've done texas speedway and the vegas speedway.

comment: i personally don't beleive you need a high horespower car to learn to drive. in fact, i would suggest a lower power car to learn techniqe that you can then apply prudently to the high horsepower cars.

if i can answer anything else please let me know.

[gbaker]

I've done Skip Barber (formula car), the Porsche Driving Experience (911/996) & SCCA (Spec Racer Ford) schools.

Make sure there is a seat in the car for the instructor. Getting feedback every 20 minutes is not that helpful. Having, for example, a Le Mans winner sitting next to you telling/showing you how to move the car around is a very humbling experience.

I agree with Kevin (what else is new ), high HP isn't necessary to learn driving skills. In fact, I would go so far as to recommend a low HP car if it's your first time out.

[CSX 4039]

Thanks for all the replies. That gives me a lot to think about. I especially enjoyed hearing from the guys who took more than one course. Gives some more insight.
Now, just need to get a hold of Santa before Christmas for a little stocking stuffer confirmation number.

[rbray]

Last season I attented the Mid-Ohio high performacne school.
Day one was filled with off-track drills with one hour of lead follow on the track at the end of the day.
Day two was on track instruction all day.
We drove the Acura RSX type R. Nice car for front wheel drive.

The instructors did have a bit of an attitute problem. They seemed more concerned with letting you know about their skills than teaching the students. Also they were not at all pleased when the chief instructor told them they would be riding along with the students.

Over all a good experience, however I must say that I have had better instruction at PCA events.

Roger

[rdorman]

Curious Roger, do you recall some of the instructors names?
Rick

[392cobra]

Brett,
I highly recommend the Panoz School at TMS.

My father,74 yrs.,and I went thru the 3 day school last spring.I have since done a Lapping Day and a Track Day with Panoz at TMS.

In all three events the instructors were first class. There was not ever a hint of attitude or ego.The instuctors are all professional racers.
They all bend over backwards to make it a rewarding experience.
You are told what you are doing wrong & right.They will,if it applies,tell you of how they made the same mistakes and the outcome they had.
They are placed all around the track and are certainly watching.
They want to help and keep everything safe.

My Dad,at 74,qualified for his SCCA Comp license as well.

[kevinR]

Originally posted by gbaker


I've done Skip Barber (formula car), the Porsche Driving Experience (911/996) & SCCA (Spec Racer Ford) schools.

Make sure there is a seat in the car for the instructor. Getting feedback every 20 minutes is not that helpful. Having, for example, a Le Mans winner sitting next to you telling/showing you how to move the car around is a very humbling experience.

I agree with Kevin (what else is new ), high HP isn't necessary to learn driving skills. In fact, I would go so far as to recommend a low HP car if it's your first time out.

so gregg, i wonder how yo found this site

[JoeLafives]

KevinR:
Not sure you took the same course I did. The Bondurant instructors first drive you around the track then sit with you then do lead and follows and then follow you. Lots of hands on.

[gbaker]

Originally posted by kevinR

so gregg, i wonder how yo found this site

Hey Kevin,

I'm surprised you let the Darth cat out of the bag.

[kevinR]

Originally posted by JoeLafives


KevinR:
Not sure you took the same course I did. The Bondurant instructors first drive you around the track then sit with you then do lead and follows and then follow you. Lots of hands on.

i took a 3 day course back in 98 or so. the only time an instructor was in the car was on the skid pad. no lead/follow.

[kevinR]

Originally posted by gbaker


Hey Kevin,

I'm surprised you let the Darth cat out of the bag.

only with what's in the sig line of the posts