One school that wasn't on that list
http://www.bondurant.com
Actually I was shocked it wasn't represented on that website. They are one of the oldest and most respected in the country.
Anyway, two friends and myself did a 4-day (Grand Prix) class there about 18 months ago. No, it's not cheap, but you get 20% off for being a SVT owner (for the 1st year of ownership--even if bought used). The school features Ford products (at least for the time being). Student cars are Roush-prepped Mustang GT's & Cobra's. Open wheelers are Formula Fords. Instructor cars are Cobra-Vic's (Crown Vics w/Cobra powertrains).
One thing to look for no matter where you go is the amount of seat/track time you'll be budgeted each day vs. classroom time.
Also, look at the emphasis of the course. Some things to benchmark when looking at a driving school are:
* What is the emphasis? Defensive driving orientated (skidpad/skidcar) or track (lap) orientated?
* What % of track time is on the skidpad and what % is open track?
* If open track, how many tracks/corners will you have access to (remember the more real estate you are able to practice on, the better prepared you'll be).
* How many students per instructor? Less filling is better here.
* Does it offer wheel-to-wheel racing?
* Any datalogging available? This is especially valuable to repeat/advanced students. The ability to overlay and compare lap/segment times is a very useful tool in fine-tuning your skills, but isn't a real useful tool (IMHO) early on.
While I think wheel-to-wheel training is great, I don't think it should be on the agenda for a first-timer. My reasoning is that the driver needs to learn the basics of car control and driving the line (not to mention being able to determine where the hell the line is <g> ) before you add a competitor (or three) within 6" of your fender. If you dont' know
exactly what (and why) forces are acting on your car in the turn, you can't accurately predict where you're going to end up on corner exit...and in that case, I'm not really enthused about being on the track with you.
Having said that, please remember that I'm not trying to be heavy-handed, it's just that a 3,500 lb vehicle at speed is just that. Anyway, opinions are like...er, you know what--everyone has one <g>.
Hope this helps...
P.S. I can't remember offhand, but one car actually comes with a 3-day certificate to a driving school...I wish I could remember which mfgr it was. SVT is trying to do something similar by offering a 20% discount at this school. That's a pretty awesome perk in my book that everyone should try like stink to take advantage of.
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NLOC #307
12.93 @ 106.50
2001 KCIR Fun Ford Weekend
Lightning Class Winner
2001 Crown Autocross Club
E Street Prepared Champion
[This message has been edited by roger (edited 11-22-2001).]
