Driving school recommendations

[ArisESQ]

Does anyone know of a good driving school in California geared towards driving American/muscle cars? Very interested in learning a thing or two from people who know whats up!

[GregWeld]

I can't directly answer your question - because I've only taken Bondurant (Phoenix area) and Ron Fellows (Pahrump, NV).... but I would say this about driving schools.

It doesn't make any difference what you're driving - the skills apply regardless of the car being driven. I think it's EASIER to learn in a car that actually handles pretty well and is pretty balanced. Such as a newer Corvette. Once you understand all of the factors of braking... corner entry - corner exit... oversteer and how to counter it - and understeer etc... then you can apply those skills to a go kart -- or a race car.

I'd just find a good school that you want to attend that's in your price range - regardless of what cars they're using.

[James OLC]

I will echo what Greg has said - I'm not aware of an answer to your question (and if there was an easy one I'm sure I would) but don't get too hung up on the American Muscle thing. I've done a few schools and some of the most beneficial ones were with cars that I felt were polar opposites to what I needed - the MX mazdas at skippy humbled me and the turbo awd subarus at DirtFish were a blast. I sought one school out specifically for their Corvette's but, as Greg eluded to, learning in a well built/balanced car is far superior to worrying about what it specifically is.

[GregWeld]

I will echo what Greg has said - I'm not aware of an answer to your question (and if there was an easy one I'm sure I would) but don't get too hung up on the American Muscle thing. I've done a few schools and some of the most beneficial ones were with cars that I felt were polar opposites to what I needed - the MX mazdas at skippy humbled me and the turbo awd subarus at DirtFish were a blast. I sought one school out specifically for their Corvette's but, as Greg eluded to, learning in a well built/balanced car is far superior to worrying about what it specifically is.



The very mention of DirtFish brings smiles to my face. OMG that was a fun driving school!!



I also should really retract my "GO KART" statement - because in actual fact you drive go karts different than you drive cars... but you get the point. LOL

[Greg from Aus]

I did Bodurant last year and had a ball, I'm heading back this year. I have raced cars, boats and karts over the years, but nothing for about 12 years, it was great to do some re training.

[71RS/SS396]

I will echo what Greg has said - I'm not aware of an answer to your question (and if there was an easy one I'm sure I would) but don't get too hung up on the American Muscle thing. I've done a few schools and some of the most beneficial ones were with cars that I felt were polar opposites to what I needed - the MX mazdas at skippy humbled me and the turbo awd subarus at DirtFish were a blast. I sought one school out specifically for their Corvette's but, as Greg eluded to, learning in a well built/balanced car is far superior to worrying about what it specifically is.
100% agree with James on this. I took Skip Barber at Road Atlanta in the MX-5 (Miata) and was somewhat skeptical beforehand but really learned a lot about proper corner techniques driving a low powered car. If you screw up the corner you pay all the way down the straight with speed, no way to cover your mistakes with horsepower. The Evolution School is very good for auto-x and has some dates on the west coast, you use your own car for these.

[Ron in SoCal]

^ Thx Tim. I was not aware Evo School was coming to SoCal!

[GregWeld]

^ Thx Tim. I was not aware Evo School was coming to SoCal!




They have an age limit.....


It's a safety issue.



LOL

[Ron in SoCal]

Hey, I resemble that remark. Can I borrow some depends? :buttkick: :lol:

[ArisESQ]

Thanks for the feedback! I'll probably start with one that has some cars to drive with then check one out that uses your own car. Evo looks pretty legit.

[GregWeld]

Thanks for the feedback! I'll probably start with one that has some cars to drive with then check one out that uses your own car. Evo looks pretty legit.



No matter what school you take --- you'll come out a better driver. You won't come out a race car driver -- but you'll be better -- smoother. They're just building blocks... take as many as you can - and get some seat time... You'll still suck but you'll always learn and get better.


Everybody THINKS they're fast -- and then you jump in the passenger seat with a real race car driver - and you'll realize by turn 2 - you know nothing.... Seriously.

[So Cal Camaro]

I went to Bondurant and drove a 5th Gen Camaro, that was a fun class, learned a lot....I found these classes recently here in So Cal area and you can use your own car if you like which reduces the class cost in half....http://www.raceschool.com/index.php?option=com_eventbooking&task=view_category&category_id=8&Itemid=131

I haven't been to this one, but looks pretty interesting...

[GregWeld]

Well -- the classes don't really cost "half" --- LOL


They do cost less in up front cash -- but I've gone through an entire set of tires on the Corvettes at Bondurant in ONE DAY. Fresh in the morning - new set in the afternoon.... So there's a "cost" to using your own car.


I'm not picking on you --- or arguing. I'm being funny.... but it is true - there is a hidden cost to saving that money.

[So Cal Camaro]

Greg, Yes, I remember the guys at Bondurant maintenancing the cars during breaks...so your right, it costs money to use your ride...but the OP was looking for training in American Muscle, was just throwing this one out as an option, as not all places let you use your own car....

[GregWeld]

Totally agree with you! In fact I think it would be more fun to use your own car.