East Coast Driving Schools..

[240KAT]

I did a Google search on this, but didn't come up with really anything that impressed me. I was going to get rims for graduation/birthday..but I'm thinking a wiser investment would be in a driving school. Bakari (nrcooled) was telling me about a weekend program at VIR that costs in the $300 range. Something like this would be really cool. I'm not looking to hop into a z06 and learn on that..I'd like in car help in my car. Something in WV, MD, DC, PA, VA..any further and it would have to be a really good school. Thanks.

[jmauld]

Go here:
http://www.trackschedule.com/sched.html

Find a weekend that you're free, and check out what's available at a track near you.

I only have personal experience with this program: http://www.thscc.com/timetrial and found it to be really well run. There are others that are good as well.

[Halz]

A friend of mine flew out from CA to MO in order to participate in the Evolution Performance driving school.. http://www.autocross.com/evolution/
Yes, its autocross.. but apparently, yes, it is worth flying across the country to attened. Assuming the cash is there to make it all happen.

[JaeTea]

http://www.pdadrivingschool.com

http://www.nasaproracing.com/hpde/index.html

[ep510]

Many BMW Club chapters have drivers schools. You DO NOT need to own a BMW to belong to a BMW club!

My chapter hosts schools at Lime Rock Park and Watkins Glen.
http://home.nycap.rr.com/patroonbmw/DriversSchool.htm

Our School at Watkins Glen ( with NY Chapter) is a Monday & Tuesday--but is much less expensive than many other and will be held on the long course.
Go here http://www.nybmwcca.org/driver_schools.shtml

What ever track day you go to--have fun!

[nrcooled]

Drew check out my post at the top of the page

VIR Full course thread (http://www.zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=52513)

[GiDDeNz]

Hey man If you are intrested in FLYING/DRIVING to south FL there is a RALLY racing (SCCA CERT.) in fl and i think that if you complete and PASS you recieve a certification. but dont quote me on the certicication/licence... but i think that you will tool around in a new wrx rally and evo.... both are fully tuned with sequentiial shifter, navigator intercom, gutted interion.... basicallly they dont fuk around.. forgot the name though ill look 4 it and let u know..

GiDDeNz

[DS 240R]

If you are looking for an actual school and not just a driving event (that offers instruction), you should just call the tracks in your area. Usually they have a school affiliated with them or can give you a few places to call. Since they control the facility, the tracks can give you some good input on what schools are good.

[phatkorean]

http://www.skipbarber.com/

Probably the best school in the U.S.

[DS 240R]

http://www.skipbarber.com/

Probably the best school in the U.S.

And probably the most expensive.

[MadScientist]

I personally know several guys that teach at Skip Barber.

The biggest question and misconception in racing is "How to get into the Sport". Correct, most teams will not even look at a driver w/o a SCCA liscense, or at least some Driving School. Track time at most SCCA events will help you tune your skill, and give good seat time.

Biggest Misconception of all... Just because you have a SCCA liscence, doesn't meant your in with the big dogs!!
There is 2 types of Drivers:
Those who pay to play!
Those who get paid to play!

At some point after you have a good record, then you can present your skill to teams and hope to be taken in.

Easiest was to get in... Build your own Car & Drive it, and have friends as your Pit Crew. You will need an SCCA liscense and you will need to follow the rules and specs.

Best way to get respect on the track is to finnish. Finnish the race, dont try to be on the podium. Remeber you can kill someone very easy on the track. Once you learn how to give other drivers respect and rights to the line, then you will be respected. If someone passes you and you feel they are at about the same skill on the track as you... dont get pissed... dont follow... later on you can always get them back.

Racing SCCA events like AutoX is way different than having 20-30 people on the track with you. Almost every Pro driver, when they started their first race event, had the freeze take effect... reallity is scarier than you think, but once you get past the freeze, and you realize you have to commit... it will never happen again (on the track at least)!!

Words of Wisdom... This is the same advise you will get from anyone in the sport... In Fact, this is exactly what Daddy Beam from Skip Barber tells anyone interested in the Sport.

enjoy...