| Author |
Message |
Alan Ma Wong (Alanmawong)
New member
Username: Alanmawong
Post Number: 1
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 4:56 pm: | |
The first weekend of November, Skip Barber is going to be giving their 3 day school at Motorsport Ranch. I did it last year and I can't recommend it enough: professional racers as instructors, open-wheel formula cars, etc. And consider this, it's $3100, but with $0 crash damage liability. Compare that cost to the slightest shunt in your 348.
How much fun is it? Since last November, I've done 9 days with them at MSR, Laguna Seca and Lime Rock. All of that money has come out of the "Ferrari fund", but I haven't regretted it for a second. |
Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator
Username: Rob328gts
Post Number: 2368
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 8:31 pm: | |
About the same, however, after you get over 80 minutes a day it doesn't matter. Trust me, you'll be exhausted. I've run marathons and done 100 mile bike races, but being on the track all day will really kick your butt. Although not quite as bad now the temp has cooled off a little. After a certain point quality is better than quantity. |
Eugene Angelo (Eangelo)
New member
Username: Eangelo
Post Number: 8
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 7:43 pm: | |
Randy, BobD, and Rob,
Thanks for all the info!!
Per your suggestions, I looked at the Drivers Edge and the TWS driving schools. Does anyone know which program would offer the most driving time? |
Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator
Username: Rob328gts
Post Number: 2366
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 4:54 pm: | |
The options...
Autocross (apx. $30 a day) - Best way to work on the very detailed aspects of performance driving. If you aren't hitting your apexes, lines, and braking points perfect, then you'll be seconds off the leaders. You're allowed to ride along with more experienced drivers or have them ride along with you. Most are more than happy to offer advice. I think the main reason I improved so fast in club racing is because of the 2 years I autocrossed before.
Driver Education events at TWS, TMS, or MSR ($220-350 a weekend) - Some of the organizations that do these events are www.thedriversedge.net, www.texasworldspeedway.com Motorsports club, www.nasatx.com, and PCA. More high speed driving with very good amateur instructors. Cost isn't too bad and you'll get hours of track time.
Professional Driving Schools ($1,500-3,000) - Skip Barber, Bertil Roos, Panoz, Justin Bell, Bondaraunt, and others. I would do this after much time doing AX's and DE's. Especially if you want to get in Club Racing. Otherwise it's a waste of money if you're price conscious.
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Randy (Schatten)
Member
Username: Schatten
Post Number: 411
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 3:05 pm: | |
Bob - no offense, but its not just an oval and there's a lot to learn at just about any track, technical/off camber/or none of the above. Don't think that the schools that teach at Texas Motorspeedway in Ft. Worth are all about oval - that would only be Team Texas, which sits you in a NASCAR and teaches you a few things.
My suggestions were merely to get Eugene out on the track with a cheaper version of the $3-5K, driving his own Ferrari for only a few hundred bucks for an entire weekend. |
BobD (Bobd)
Member
Username: Bobd
Post Number: 692
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 9:35 am: | |
Eugene, my advice would be to leave Texas. If you're going to spend $3-5K on a 3-day racing school, spend another $600 on airfare and hotels and go to Laguna Seca, Sears Point, Watkins Glen... and take one of the GREAT racing schools... Bondurant, Barber, Russell, etc. I took the Russell Racing School, "Techniques of Racing Course" back when it was at Laguna Seca... it was a BLAST! Personally, I can't see spending that kind of money to learn how to drive on an oval (boring)... you'll want a road course. |
Randy (Schatten)
Member
Username: Schatten
Post Number: 410
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 1:58 am: | |
best advice I can give you - the Houston Region SCCA Solo II group for autox events, KartZone (behind FofH) for some indoor kart experience, and www.thedriversedge.net for track experience at Texas World Speedway - instructors help you out and eventually you'll be turned to solo on such 'lapping days'/'driver education' events. |
Eugene Angelo (Eangelo)
New member
Username: Eangelo
Post Number: 5
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, October 12, 2002 - 10:39 pm: | |
As a new ferrari owner living in Houston, I am seeking suggestions for a drivng school. Just looking to become a better driver and get some track experience. I have a 348TB SS that needs to be driven hard without any major mistakes. Thanks! |
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