Driving Lessons?

[chameleon]

I have been obsessing over what my next mod should be when it hit me right in the face. Instead of slapping another performance part on my car, I want to take some driving lessons instead. Not only will it help me get the most out of my car, it will be something that I can carry with me long after my Celica is gone.

The problem is, I don't even know where to start. For those of you who have had driving lessons, where did you go? How much does it cost? Do you drive your own personal car or do you drive a car that they provide?

I know that these are a lot of questions, but please point me in the right direction. Anything you guys can tell me will really help me out.

[Karim]

http://www.skipbarber.com

skip barber racing schools

also lot of regions put on their own performance driving schools, check yours.

Karim

[chameleon]

Hey, thanks Karim. :)

I've definately heard of skip barber before, they are a pretty famouse driving school. The main reason I didn't look into them is because I thought I would have to travel too far, but I saw on the website that they have a base in Wisconson. I didn't realize that they have a base that is semi close to me, so I just might check it out. I'm sure that the training you get from skip barber is top notch but it is really pricey. $600 for three hours and $3000 for three days. Is that the average rate for driving instruction or is it more than you would typically pay?

[Fourgig]

That sounds about right for the Skip Barber schools.

Check out the web sites of all the local tracks. Some of them may offer one day street schools. The one offered by Thunderhill in Nor Cal is $200.

You should also consider taking an autocrossing class. Check out your SCCA or NASA region's web site and see when they're offering it. They typically only offer one or two classes a year and they're only like $40 or so.

[preparedcivic]

The absolute cheapest way to develop car control and "the what it feels like at the limit" is an autocross school. Many local SCCA regions do them early in the season, for no more than a regular entry fee ($20-$40).

For a lot of seat time, try an Evolution School. Usually 2 days for around $200. I guarantee you'll learn alot.

Skippy schools are alot of money. Anything worthwhile with enough seat time to stick with you will be in the 4 digit range minimum.:eek:

The more informal autocross schools will will teach you much more for alot less.

[nxracer]

Chicago region SCCA will hold it's Solo School in late March early April. (don't know yet) I think other regions "closer" to you also have them.

In 2001
Chicago http://www.scca-chicago.com/solo/
Fort Wayne http://fwrscca.fwi.com/fwrsolo.htm

O the Chicago school is normally $75 for 2 days, limited to around 75 students with a 1 to 3 (max) instructor/student ratio. It's held at Route 66 Raceway (19 acres of pole free asphalt)

[pitcrew]

AX will definitely teach you much more about driving and your car than will a track school in a shorter periood of time, for a lot less $ than a track school, and is safer and easier on your car.
For the best pro schools do a search for Evolution Autocross school, and/or Track Time autocross school (Track Time also does track schools) These are intense schools with 2-4 students per instructor, in your car. Local schools also provide useful instruction for low costs. Check the SCCA.org site for links to clubs near you.
You may also find like many of the rest of us, that AX is the most fun you can have in your car with your clothes on.
HIGHLY recommended!

[nxracer]

Midwest Autocross club list
http://www.autocross.com/autoc/ncclub.shtml

[chameleon]

Wow, I knew you guys wouldn't let me down.:)

Thats definatley plenty of information for me to digest for a while. Thanks!