First step/schools question

[Ted Idlof]

Over on the NSX forum (where I started), a guy asked this question about the Russell school.

I am planning on taking the Techniques of Racing class this May and was wondering if anyone had attended this, or a similar class? Was it worth it? I have had a good ammount of track days, and a few sessions with an instructor so I was figuring this was the next step...any thoughts? Thanks guys

The question is kind of vague, and I asked him if he was comparing Russell to Skippy and others or if he was worried the 3 day school would be too much for him right off. So, what would you guys say to him? Any thoughts on what this guy really can learn from complete strangers?

[EYERACE]

1. do it

2. if he has an open mind, of course he can learn - even from a total stranger - you understand that last comment in your post is actually indicative of something, kapische?

[Joe911]

I did the 3-day racing school with Barber summer of 2005 to get started and it qualified me for a regional license. For someone that has not driven formula cars and used to race something else years ago, wants to get started with NO CONCERN for mechanical issues or crashes, or not raced and wants to see if it is for them, it is very good. LOTS of track time - like 2.5+ hours each day in the formula cars - and you only DRIVE or talk about driving in the classroom (during the classroom part you may go to a corner to watch the other run group). The progression is good so there is always a new challenge with each session and each day. You start running an oval - w/one chicane set-up wth cones set to pull 4500 rpms in 1st gear to learn to brake hard - look ahead and get the turn-in down (3 runs of 15 minutes each) with 3 cars so you can have fun trying to catch or not be caught. Then blast up through the gears and brake and heel-toe downshift for 30 minutes. Then 2 sessions on the track in the cars using a low rev limit to keep top speed and acceleration down - you can brake and corner as hard as you are able - interspaced with laps in neons with you or instructor riding talking about lines and heel-toe technique. This ends the first day and this is all you could take physically. Day two is 5-6 laping sessions - day 3 is similar with 3-4 practice race starts and passing is allowed on the straights with a waveby.

I spent $3750 for what counted as 2 drivers schools and 2 regional races as a novice. Two guys bent their cars and they wheeled out another one for each of them. One car had a mechanical issue - they had him into another car and back out before the end of THAT SESSION. Several cars flat spotted front tires - different tires go on for the next sesion. NO HASSLES.

The teaching is great for a person with minimal knowledge of race driving - I raced in the 70s for about a year (and have read about racing my whole life) so I did not really learn any new concepts, although it provided food for thought in the track. What it did allow is for me to test my limits without having to worry if I go off track or break my car. Consequently I think I got faster quicker than had I done it in my own car.

Having said that, the instructors are all very experienced racers themselves - runoffs - IMSA - Pro experience, so the are credible.

[Purple Frog]

I did Skippy at Lime Rock in 1989. Ditto to what Joe911 already said so well.

[aerobach]

I did the Russell school back in 1999 ( when it was still called "Sears Point"). What a blast!!! The best part was driving the Formula Russell cars for the last session - they said it was something special for our class but I assume every class is "special". Lots of track time, good instruction, and a great staff.

[dajl]

I did the Skip Barber Laguna Seca school last March. Awesome experience. I own an open wheel car and had some open wheel experience prior to the school, but wanted to get some more instruction and do an arrive and drive at a legendary & awesome track. It was a worthwhile experience. Every day it rained part of the day and I had track time wet and dry each day. Every aspect of course was well done: instructors, cars, critiques.