Just wondering who here has tried the classes at mid-ohio. Specifically the performance driving class? Just curious, my dad used to take his BMW down there for classes and swears by it. I think i'm going to sign up for it pretty soon.

Thanks in advance

 

We spent a day there a few months ago and really enjoyed it. BTW, if you are a NASA member you get a 15% discount on their classes .

 

I haven't been there, but I would like to have a weekend there sometime this year

 

Sounds good. Its a wonderful track. I think im probably taking one of the June classes if you want MINI company

 

Been there with the Audi Quattro Club, and recommend it whole-heartedly. The instructors at Mid-Ohio know their stuff and will train you in a progressive and supervised manner. If you are thinking of using your own vehicle, remember that it must pass tech inspection in order to get on the track. Tires, safety belts, helmet, tape over the headlights, that sort of thing. If you're anything like me, you'll love every minute of the Mid-Ohio experience.

 

awesome...thanks for the info

Do you suggest using your own car? I have driven my car on other tracks before so it will be up to the inspection requirements.

 

Of course, you should use your own car, that way you learn to drive it to it's potential

 

Yeah, use your own vehicle, but be forewarned insurance companies generally will not cover damage sustained at a racetrack, even if it is in a driver's school. Check your policy beforehand. I like to use my own vehicle as the knowledge that you gain as to the limitations of your car (and you as a driver) are invaluable for street driving.

A man's gotta know his limitations. - Clint Eastwood

 

I just started to look into this as an option. I think the BWM club has a drivers school there. Would it be better to go with one over the other? I wouldnt mind going with some MINI owners.

 

I have been there, with NASA ... OH/IN Chapter www.racenasa.com

3 events this season at Mid-Ohio !!! I have been to All of these tracks , FUN

2006 OH/IN Schedule

Mid Ohio April 21-23
Event Infopage
Event Registration

Putnam Park May 20-21
Event Infopage
Event Registration

BeaveRun June 10-11
Event Infopage
Event Registration

Mid Ohio July 7-9
Event Infopage
Event Registration

Mid Ohio August 11-13
Presented By:


Try www.Nasaproracing.com for the national site

 

Edit for not paying attention

HPDE is the school, haha. For a first time on a track, should I look at the one day event or go for both? Is there class room time available?

 

This sounds interesting, I will hopefully soon have a MINI. How much do these classes cost, and where are they at? I'm in Cinci! Tis nice to see some other Cinci MINI drivers! (Anyone wanna take me out in there S?)

-Cody

 

There can be a huge difference in instructor quality between the Mid-Ohio school and a NASA or other group's school at Mid-Ohio. With the Mid-Ohio school you are guaranteed top level instructors (and pay well for it), but with a group like NASA you might get stuck with a very poor instructor. I was lucky and had an excellent instructor at Mid-Ohio when I attended an HPDE there a couple of years ago, but I know people who had much poorer instruction at NASA events.

I have a friend who has taken the Mid-Ohio school several times and highly recommends it. I plan on attending one of their schools next year sometime, after my MC is paid for. I really don't want to risk a car that isn't paid for at an open track event.

-Keith

 

My instructor from NASA at Mid-Ohio was also a BMW CCA Instructor .... please don't "over generalize"

Most instructors have had a lot of track time, most try to find someone with a similar car type as theirs as well, when possible, You can learn something from them, no matter what your level

 

...and don't assume you know the level of expertise of all the "instructors" NASA uses. I know people who have attended NASA HPDE's who had instructors who were, should I say, less than desirable. HPDE's are a great way to get good seat time but shouldn't be confused with a good driving school like Phil Wicks, BMWCCA, Mid-Ohio school and many others. You might get the same level of instruction at an HPDE, and you might get a mediocre instructor who's experience is just a few years of limited local club racing.

I like NASA, I've been a member before, and I'll probably rejoin again in the future, but sometimes you get what you pay for.

-Keith

 

I'd love to check out the Mid-Ohio school as well, if I can swing it financially. I drive by there all the time visiting my mom and sister in Mansfield but have never actually been in the place.

I have done a handful of autocrosses and a couple of freebie SCCA driving schools, but have no track experience. What kind of tire wear would I be looking at for the two day ladder program? Should I pretty much plan on toasting a set of max perf summer tires over the course of a weekend? Are road tires even an option? I've already got a pretty nice helmet and some tape, do you need full racing harnesses to use your own car?

 

I went to the Buckeye BMW Chapter Driving School last August at Mid-Ohio and had a great time. Very good instruction. Cost was around $350.00 for two days. Also went to Putnam Park with the Indiana BMW club last April and am signed up again for this year. Great way to learn the limitations of your car.