Barber F2000

Contemplating participation in this series. I'm a geezer so have no aspirations of getting Schumi's attention but want to try open wheel competition, perhaps with a vintage car in the future.
I did a three day Skip race school in the fall and will be doing a two day advanced (@ Road America) soon so hopefully will be eligible.
How many sessions over the weekend and what is a typical race length? One race or more? Looking for seat time and coaching. Good value?

 

I think from a coaching feedback perspective, it'll provide incredibly valuable information you'll use in ANY car you run now and in the future, current or vintage.

I have no other input other than there are several folks here that have done the Regional and National Series. They'll chime in soon enough! Good luck!

 

The regional series looks like a perfect fit for you. A regular race weekend usually includes two practice sessions (friday), one qualifying, and two 30min races. Where you finish in Race 1 will dictate where you will start for Race 2. In addition, there are a lot added opportunities like our computer car, lead-follow, radio coaching, etc.

Like Peter said, the coaching is the most valuable tool that we offer. During a race weekend, there will be a coach at every major corner around the race track. You get feedback after each session and we are always there to help. During the Summer, you can race in the Midwest/Eastern Championship and in the Winter in the Southern or Western series.

Let me know if you have any other questions...

Robbie

 

The formula cars are getting a bit long in the tooth, but I think Skippy's series is a sort of right of passage in US racing. You need to meet Bruce MacInnes, a guy I really liked. Heck, we had Vic Elford as a coach at Road America, maybe he coaches regularly. Lots of great folks to learn from. You can usually buy more sessions if you want to. The computer car was helpful. I second Montinola's recommendation. You may try it and stay with them for years - you wouldn't be the first. Try the Mazdas, too.

The very best thing about Skippy is that it lacks the marque club track day/club race series BS about who's "fast" - usually you're in with genuinely fast ex karting kids, and some pretty fast "geezers" too. You'll know where you stand, where you need to get faster. Hard to find that in most series. Worth its weight in gold.

 

That's the fact, Jack!

 

very.

 

Agreed. Most full-time, trained professional racing coaches charge between $900/day and $1500/day, plus expenses. Imagine having six to eight pairs of these highly trained and experienced eyes trained on your every move on track and supplying you with crisp, cogent and unvarnished feedback so that you can do something about it RIGHT AWAY.

It is without a doubt, the best way to rocket up the learning curve and absorb decades of racing experience over just a few days. That's not only a fantastic deal, it's priceless for the many folks who don't get to do this as often as they like!

Even with my experience, I'm below a grunt in the SBRS system, but of all the programs out there, this is the one where the most thought and experience has been devoted to examining and implementing the most efficient way that people learn what they need to to be effective racing drivers, period.

As an aside, Will, my first school twenty-five years ago is when Bruce MacInnes began to exert a profound influence on my life. He's been a terrific mentor, a very supportive friend and colleaugue and I feel honored to know him. They don't make them like that anymore!

Can you tell I'm an advocate for lifelong learning?

 

Thanks guys.
Given success with the adv. school and if time allows I'll be in then.
The coaching is what I'm after and it sounds like there will be plenty. I'll need to wear my thick skin for the "unvarnished" feedback?

 

look forward to seeing you at the track... come out for a weekend or two at Laguna Seca!

 

Laguna Seca is on my list of tracks to drive before I die.