Pretty simple question. Anyone attend the Skip Barber 3-Day Racing School? It's $3500 so I don't have the money for it anytime soon, but it seems very comprehensive and would be a very substantive event.

 

It's very good. I wish it had more car-control stuff but the theory is sound. Be forwarned you WILL want to go Formula Dodge racing as soon as you're done!

 

It will be the best mod you can make ! !

 

Ok, I'm saving up I'll have to settle for Autocross and some track day's until I can get $3500.

 

Its most definitely worth it...but the longing to be a racecar driver afterwards is pretty tough to deal with. I thought the instruction was top notch.

 

It's not the same thing, but a much cheaper alternative is to go to a driving school organized by the BMWCCA or the ACNA (Audi club). Their websites are:

www.bmwcca.org

www.quattroclubusa.org

These clubs typically have instruction for novice and intermediate drivers. These are run by volunteers, so the quality of instruction varies a lot. Most novices are happy with their instructors, but you can request a change in instructor if necessary. Sometimes we get proffesional drivers that participate.

Typical weekend costs are $300-350. You use your own car, which is part of the fun.

 

Yes, I've done event's like that before, their very affordable and nice. But the instruction, as your pointed out, varies. This program seems very intensive, lot's of instruction both in the car, watching other drivers and in the classroom.

 

I would pass on the Skip Barber(for now) and read these books:
-Going Faster! Mastering the Art of Race Driving
-How to Make Your Car Handle (I only recommend this to get a grip on the Physics of the suspension)
They can be found on amazon.com

After reading them go back and try another HPDE or two. Those books really dig into what the Skip Barber schools are trying to teach. After you grasp it I would go and give the Skip Barber school a shot to really polish off some skills.

 

the "girlfriend that curbed one of my Volks", and received a thrashing from the EvoM forum, told me that for my 40th, she is sending me to this 3-day course. Now what do some of you think of her - oh yeah, she also bought me a new wheel

See ya

 

Consider panoz too.

http://www.panozracingschool.com/

 

Well it seems you now know to which school you are going. I went to a 4 day Bondurant GP course(quite a few years ago), and it was like Disneyland for grownups. I drove untill I couldn't hold my head up. The best part is no worries about car set up, wearing out tires, etc. it frees your mind...

start another thread after you get back. We can compare notes.

 

i went for christmas and it was one of the best experiances ive ever had and im going back for more. my driving has improved by leaps and bounds. you learn so much more with an instructor right there telling you the small things that make a huge difference. my advice is if you have the money to spare, do it.

 

I'm sure they're all great books, but there is no substitute for seat time. Especially with a professional to guide you. I've heard good things about Panoz too (but everyone I've talked to about it is part of the ALMS and if you're in that position you simply dont knock Mr. Panoz or anything his name is attached to).

 

Obviously, but if you go in there with a good background you could soak up the most out of the school.

 

After buying my evo Skip Barber was the best money I have ever spent. Did it at Virginia International Raceway and I had a great time. Doesn't even compare to DE events with car clubs. All the instructors are champion drivers in whatever series they compete in and it's all standardized. So you're not going to learn something more at one 3-day school vs. another. I'm going back for some lapping sessions in November. Not having to worry about racing your own car is a great feeling.