Sun
19
Apr
Racecar driving schools: drive safely, dear
by Rick Alan
What do Jerry Seinfeld, actress Crystal Bernard, Al Pacino, and opera diva Kathleen Battle have in common— Racecar driving school!
Although America is a country of diverse interests, one thing is for sure—Americans love to drive. And for many, the faster the better. For those who simply must fulfill their "need for speed," racing schools provide a good, safe option. Today there are scores of these schools around the country, offering instruction in driving everything from stock cars to off-road vehicles to open wheel formula ("indy"-style) cars. And while each school varies somewhat in the approach it takes, most offer two similar ingredients:
What do Jerry Seinfeld, actress Crystal Bernard, Al Pacino, and opera diva Kathleen Battle have in common— Racecar driving school!
Although America is a country of diverse interests, one thing is for sure—Americans love to drive. And for many, the faster the better. For those who simply must fulfill their "need for speed," racing schools provide a good, safe option. Today there are scores of these schools around the country, offering instruction in driving everything from stock cars to off-road vehicles to open wheel formula ("indy"-style) cars. And while each school varies somewhat in the approach it takes, most offer two similar ingredients:
- Instruction in the intricacies of racing
- The opportunity to drive fast in a safe, controlled environment
Back to school
Of all the schools in operation, one of the best known is the Skip Barber Racing School, founded in 1975 by John "Skip" Barber—a professional Formula One racecar driver. The school operates year round at 20 racetracks around the country and enrolls 8,500 new students per year. Offered as a three- or five-day course, the school uses Formula Dodge racecars (a smaller version of open wheel indy-style cars) to teach students the intricacies of racecar driving.
So what\s it like?
Day 1
Class begins on the first day with an introduction to the racecar and an extensive discussion of the "correct racing line"—the best and fastest path around a race track. Class then moves out onto the racetrack, where students are run through various driving techniques (including slide control) and shifting techniques.
Day 2
On day two, students spend extensive time driving around the track, practicing—at progressively higher speeds—the techniques and skills they've learned, while being critiqued by numerous instructors, all of whom are current and former racecar drivers. Additional classroom time is also involved, where both racing rules and advanced braking techniques are explained.
Day 3
Day three begins in the classroom discussing drafting, passing, and racing in the rain. The rest of the day is spent on the track, participating in lapping exercises, with students again critiqued by the instructors.
Days 4 and 5
Students choosing the five-day course participate in additional classroom discussions and lapping exercises, an in-depth car control clinic, and computer-lapping exercises—computerized measurements of different aspects of the student's driving while on the track.
Class begins on the first day with an introduction to the racecar and an extensive discussion of the "correct racing line"—the best and fastest path around a race track. Class then moves out onto the racetrack, where students are run through various driving techniques (including slide control) and shifting techniques.
Day 2
On day two, students spend extensive time driving around the track, practicing—at progressively higher speeds—the techniques and skills they've learned, while being critiqued by numerous instructors, all of whom are current and former racecar drivers. Additional classroom time is also involved, where both racing rules and advanced braking techniques are explained.
Day 3
Day three begins in the classroom discussing drafting, passing, and racing in the rain. The rest of the day is spent on the track, participating in lapping exercises, with students again critiqued by the instructors.
Days 4 and 5
Students choosing the five-day course participate in additional classroom discussions and lapping exercises, an in-depth car control clinic, and computer-lapping exercises—computerized measurements of different aspects of the student's driving while on the track.
Is it worth the money?
It's fun and it's instructional, but given that the average cost to attend racing school is about $2500, is it worth it? To most attendees the answer is yes—for at least two reasons.
Reason #1
The first is the simple exhilaration of driving a high-powered vehicle at speeds that can reach well in excess of 100 miles per hour on the straight-aways and 60 to 75 miles per hour in the faster turns. As one graduate of the Skip Barber Racing School described the experience, "The straight-aways were great, but it's the corners that are really amazing...you get to the point where you can drive through some of the turns at 60, 70 miles per hour. And what's so cool about it is that while you're doing it, you've got two thoughts going through your mind at the same time. One is 'Wow! This is so cool, I'm doing 70 through a corner!' and the other is 'I must be crazy, I'm going 70 through a corner!'"
Reason #2
The second, less obvious benefit of attending racing school—with the possible exception of drag racing school—is the fact that most of the skills and techniques you're taught will help you in your everyday driving. Certain skills, such as looking ahead to avoid problems before they develop, good braking technique, and proper steering grips and controls can help you become a better all-round driver, no matter what the road, weather, or traffic conditions.
Reason #3
Need a third reason for attending? Some schools offer an amateur racing series for which graduation from the school and a couple of advanced classes will qualify you.
Reason #1
The first is the simple exhilaration of driving a high-powered vehicle at speeds that can reach well in excess of 100 miles per hour on the straight-aways and 60 to 75 miles per hour in the faster turns. As one graduate of the Skip Barber Racing School described the experience, "The straight-aways were great, but it's the corners that are really amazing...you get to the point where you can drive through some of the turns at 60, 70 miles per hour. And what's so cool about it is that while you're doing it, you've got two thoughts going through your mind at the same time. One is 'Wow! This is so cool, I'm doing 70 through a corner!' and the other is 'I must be crazy, I'm going 70 through a corner!'"
Reason #2
The second, less obvious benefit of attending racing school—with the possible exception of drag racing school—is the fact that most of the skills and techniques you're taught will help you in your everyday driving. Certain skills, such as looking ahead to avoid problems before they develop, good braking technique, and proper steering grips and controls can help you become a better all-round driver, no matter what the road, weather, or traffic conditions.
Reason #3
Need a third reason for attending? Some schools offer an amateur racing series for which graduation from the school and a couple of advanced classes will qualify you.
What do you want to know?
Before you rearrange your work schedule and decide to trade in your minivan for a Ferrari, make sure you know what you're getting into. We've prepared a guide to the most commonly asked questions, about racing school.
How much does it cost?
It depends. Skip Barber's three-day course costs $2595, while the five-day course costs $3895 (neither of which include room, board or transportation to the school). Finish Line Racing School, a stock car racing school, offers a one-day course for $1099, a two-day course for $1999, and a three-day course for $2699 (and, again, doesn't include room, board or transportation to the school).
Will I need to buy special equipment?
Schools generally provide a driving suit and a helmet, which is usually all that's necessary. Most do not, however, provide special racing shoes or gloves. Generally you can get by with a pair of comfortable shoes, but you might want to purchase a pair of gloves, which you can buy at local racing apparel shops or online, usually for between $35 and $70.
Will completing one of these courses lower my auto insurance bill?
Probably not. In some states, graduating from an advanced driving course—which is different from a racing course—may lower your insurance bill, but check with your insurance agent first. Skip Barber, for example, offers a one-day advanced driving course for $550 and a two-day advanced driving course for $1075.
Are there any specific requirements like age, height or weight?
Generally, schools only require that students possess a valid driver's license and the ability to handle a manual transmission. Anyone under age 18 must have a parent or guardian sign for them.
Will I need a physical exam to attend?
While some schools may require that you pass a physical exam before enrolling, most do not. However, since racecar driving is a very strenuous activity, you should be in good physical condition. If you have neck, back, or knee problems, or if you have any concerns about your health, PLEASE consult with your physician before signing up.
How safe is it?
While driving a racecar can be inherently dangerous, safety is paramount at reputable racecar driving schools. George Timayo, marketing communications director at the Skip Barber Racing School, explains. "Racing and high-performance driving is...an inherently dangerous proposition; however, driver safety is of paramount importance in all Skip Barber Racing School programs. Course locations are chosen based on the fact that they have a large margin for error... We have never had any fatality or major injuries in one of our racing school or driving school programs, other than, perhaps, to a few egos."
Of course, before you enroll in a racing school, be certain to ask them what safety measures they take and what their safety record is.
How much does it cost?
It depends. Skip Barber's three-day course costs $2595, while the five-day course costs $3895 (neither of which include room, board or transportation to the school). Finish Line Racing School, a stock car racing school, offers a one-day course for $1099, a two-day course for $1999, and a three-day course for $2699 (and, again, doesn't include room, board or transportation to the school).
Will I need to buy special equipment?
Schools generally provide a driving suit and a helmet, which is usually all that's necessary. Most do not, however, provide special racing shoes or gloves. Generally you can get by with a pair of comfortable shoes, but you might want to purchase a pair of gloves, which you can buy at local racing apparel shops or online, usually for between $35 and $70.
Will completing one of these courses lower my auto insurance bill?
Probably not. In some states, graduating from an advanced driving course—which is different from a racing course—may lower your insurance bill, but check with your insurance agent first. Skip Barber, for example, offers a one-day advanced driving course for $550 and a two-day advanced driving course for $1075.
Are there any specific requirements like age, height or weight?
Generally, schools only require that students possess a valid driver's license and the ability to handle a manual transmission. Anyone under age 18 must have a parent or guardian sign for them.
Will I need a physical exam to attend?
While some schools may require that you pass a physical exam before enrolling, most do not. However, since racecar driving is a very strenuous activity, you should be in good physical condition. If you have neck, back, or knee problems, or if you have any concerns about your health, PLEASE consult with your physician before signing up.
How safe is it?
While driving a racecar can be inherently dangerous, safety is paramount at reputable racecar driving schools. George Timayo, marketing communications director at the Skip Barber Racing School, explains. "Racing and high-performance driving is...an inherently dangerous proposition; however, driver safety is of paramount importance in all Skip Barber Racing School programs. Course locations are chosen based on the fact that they have a large margin for error... We have never had any fatality or major injuries in one of our racing school or driving school programs, other than, perhaps, to a few egos."
Of course, before you enroll in a racing school, be certain to ask them what safety measures they take and what their safety record is.