Racing School ... Recommend one?

[yohan4ws]

I want to get into auto-x and racing on the track ..

There's a few schools mentioned on www.racecityspeedway.com but I dont know what one I should aim for ...

Can you give me suggestions & descriptions of the different types and refer a school that you've gone to or one that is coming up that would be a goodie to attend ??

My car's an N/A 92 prelude H23 w/ 4ws so I think I can handle 'tever I want to throw at it .. maybe I wont come in first but .. at least i'll get my speed rush off the streets.

thx!

(I'm down for joining a class w/ somebody else too .. but im not sharing my car :D)

[hjr]

if you are looking for an autocross school :
May Solo 2 School Classroom Session CSCC Clubhouse 18:30 Colin Armstrong 202-8687
5 May Solo 2 School Track Session Race City - Oval 17:00 Colin Armstrong 202-8687


CSCC:
May 4 : Solo 2 School Classroom Session CSCC Clubhouse 18:30 Colin Armstrong 202-8687
May 5 : Solo 2 School Track Session Race City - Oval 17:00 Colin Armstrong 202-8687

May 30 : Road Course Racing . Race City . Gord Galloway 257-1615

[yohan4ws]

n00b question: Is autocrossing the term used for track driving ?? Or is it the term used for the pylon courses ie: Solo 2 ?

I'm really interested in getting on the track ...

At the bottom of the page they have this one listed: " A new driving school "
http://www.racecity.com/links.php#racingschools

[JAYMEZ]

http://www.nabmwclub.ca/aads.asp

Alberta BMW Advanced Driving course.

[yohan4ws]

BMW looks like the way to go :thumbsup:

Whose with me ??

[Redlyne_mr2]

Originally posted by yohan4ws
BMW looks like the way to go :thumbsup:

Whose with me ??
That BMW drivers training is just one huge marketing event. You're better off saving your money, attending some solo events and classes. Also there are also always plenty of skilled drivers at Beyond track days who can give you pointers and help you improve your skills

[speedracer]

Info
http://www.bishop.ab.ca/CSCC/schedule.html

Forum:
http://cscc.speedracer.ca


Event of Interest Held by CSCC:
1-2 May High Performance Driving School
Race City
Gary Leadbetter or Rick Coutts 247-0139

(But the event is full - call anyway)

[ryder_23]

NOOB question

Any insurance when you goto a track day? are their insurance packages? why is BMW so expensive, because do they have insurance, or just cause of the name?

thanks in advance :thumbsup:

[yohan4ws]

Originally posted by Redlyne_mr2

That BMW drivers training is just one huge marketing event. You're better off saving your money, attending some solo events and classes. Also there are also always plenty of skilled drivers at Beyond track days who can give you pointers and help you improve your skills

Isn't it better to have some classroom / certified instructor walk me through the basics of track racing as opposed to just winging it ?

[ryder_23]

Your not racing...go out to a few lapping days, ride with some people, get to learn how to drive, and then sign up, maybe not with bmw, but with one of the instructors...you can learn only so much inclass, its on the track where u learn the most IMO...

[Redlyne_mr2]

Originally posted by yohan4ws


Isn't it better to have some classroom / certified instructor walk me through the basics of track racing as opposed to just winging it ?
There are certified instructors at track days as well and some of the instructors even race solo2. If you would feel more comfortable taking an actual course then that's totally understandable just trying to help you save some cash. Good luck

[speedracer]

Originally posted by ryder_23
NOOB question

Any insurance when you goto a track day? are their insurance packages? why is BMW so expensive, because do they have insurance, or just cause of the name?

thanks in advance :thumbsup:

None. You take all the liabilty and damage that may occur. You can always take a racing school where you rent their cars.

Some well known Canadian Schools
http://www.autosportbasi.com/
http://www.racef2000.com/

Ofcourse the famous:
http://www.skipbarber.com/



Originally posted by ryder_23
Your not racing...go out to a few lapping days, ride with some people, get to learn how to drive, and then sign up, maybe not with bmw, but with one of the instructors...you can learn only so much inclass, its on the track where u learn the most IMO...

All track days are racing. Instruction is the BEST way to learn. The basics (in class) are fundmental.

[ryder_23]

^
i thought racing was classified as timed events...where as track days are just track days? meh, no big deal, same stuff...

so even in bmw, theirs no insurance? just so i know this...thanks

[Redlyne_mr2]

Originally posted by ryder_23
^
i thought racing was classified as timed events...where as track days are just track days? meh, no big deal, same stuff...

so even in bmw, theirs no insurance? just so i know this...thanks
With the BMW course you use their vehicles and their insurance. For the advanced courses you use M3's and 5 series (in Ontario anyways). If you were to go with a racing school I'd go with one of the more independent school such as the ones speedracer posted. Unless you're a diehard BMW fan:)

[RedBull]

The BMW Driving School in Calgary allows you to bring your own car, and have a "professional experienced instructor" take you out on the track and allow you to learn the limits of your car. This school is not a "racing school", yet you will be going flat out and passing people in the designated passing lanes.

Also while being predominately occupied with BMW's, it is not wholly a BMW only driving school. Anything from Porsches, Ferraris, Mercedes, Volvos, VW, Hondas, even some domestics can be found at this school. Last year when i attended in my Honda Prelude, there were many none BMW cars attending the school so i didn't feel too left out. (except on the straighaway lol)

All and all i would highly recommend this school, little pricey but extremely well done and informative. I also enjoyed the fact that you get to do track time as well as "autocross-like time" on the short track of the oval. All the skidding and sliding to the max on the short track is applied to the real track allowing you to really maximize your development of car control! A great driving school IMO.

[HighVelocity]

I am also going to be attending the BMW driving school this June and it sounds like it is going to be great. There are a few things I feel I should mention though to clarify some points that have been brought up.

Like TenzoLude said, this is NOT a racing school, they simply use the race track because it simulates a series of corners you my encounter in everyday driving but with the benefit of a one way street with controlled access. Insurance was also in question. From what I have read from the FAQ (http://www.nabmwclub.ca/faq.asp) and the handbook I have, it sounds like your own personal collision coverage is valid if you incur any damages. This is due to their strict standards and things like no timing device allowed and such.

Another thing that I feel might be pertinent to mention is this little clause in the handbook:

"If it looks like a Race Car and Sounds like a Race Car, we will judge it to be a Race Car, and it will not be allowed on the track. If you have any doubts, contact us."

If you have a heavily modded car, this probably isn't the venue for you. However, I have heard good things about it, and I will be there with my Black 2001 Honda Prelude this June. If you decide to come, make sure to say hello :).