exactly...

 

and its still such a bargain!!!!!

 

yes, that is tough to beat. If you have the basics down you can go to Skippy for 4k or you can do 4 days of 100% seat time with the top 911 drivers sitting next to you.

tw

 

I agree, I have been to schools several years ago for the basics. I have got a lot of seat time since then. Private instruction is better for me at this point in time, they can evaluate what I need to work on and then we work on it. It's not a preset training course. What I have taken away is amazing... when I get the opportunity again I will do it.

 

Jim,

Who do you use for private instruction around Chicago? I am a member at Autobahn and see you all the time (don't think we have ever met). ANy info will help.

Jack

 

Hi Jack,
I am not sure if we met yet, but lets make sure that we do next season.

The gentlemen I listed earlier in this thread I hired for private instruction to work with me at the Autobahn. That's another nice thing, working with me on my home track which I know so well, and then they show me how to improve on that.

I too am a member at the Autobahn CC, but I am also a member of LAPS, Inc. which is a driving club that rents the full circuit on Mondays at the 'bahn. Shawn Young, the guy that runs LAPS and also works in membership sales at the Autobahn CC brings in pro drivers from time to time for hire. I got hooked up through that. Also, Napleton Porsche (where I bought my Porsches) also brings in pro drivers for their customers to hire. I also got hooked up there. That's how I got the opportunity to hire the private instruction last year, I hope to do the same next year.

 

Shawn is a good buddy and a very good driver/instructor. Glad to hear his name in this thread. Anyway, there has been tons of good advice here but I would get as much entry level DE events as possible before going to higher level driving, racing schools. It takes a while to start to feel the subtle things going on at very high speed and critical moments. Once you have improved to the point where the basics are unconsciously competent, then hire a pro driver or go to an advanced school. Going straight to racing school will be expensive and most of the higher level info will be wasted as you get used to driving closer to the limits.

 

best advice in this whole thread. the one activity that improves everyone is karting and on top of that it is about the most fun you can have on 4 wheels.

a link for those interested -> http://www.karting1.co.uk/karting-techniques.htm

 

Jim,

My dad has the M5 powered E46 that Falline-Motorsports bulit (pic). I have seen your car out there plenty of times and always drool over the white/blue scheme. I have done an instructional day with Shawn at the 'bahn with my brother in our NSX. I recently bought a Forumal Mazda and am looking for an open wheel coach. I hope to see you at the track this year.

Jack

 

Doesn't Wolf just talk endlessly about nothing...

 

I've met your Dad before... that M5 is an incredible car!

 

I do remember him "Jamming" out to White Snake while doing a ride along with him. heh heh heh

 

I raced a standard formula mazda for four years. They are great cars and pretty bullet proof for a formula car. The gearbox requires regular inspection and the gears and dog rings are a wear item. (You may get to spend some of your track time with your gearbox innards in a plastic tub if you don't). You're going to love the thing. You may lose some of your enthusiasm for tin tops though. It's fun to run faster laps than a cup car in a 20K race car. Real race cars don't have fenders.

 

This is my thought exactly.....and i do like the F1 feel of an open cokpit, no other feeling like it.

Can you expand on where you raced, experiences, tips for a first timer?
Thanks for the info

Jack

 

Its not about the times for me...its more the "sport" of it that impresses me so much...


I would have LOVED to race in the 60s and 70s with some of those crude machines...