The New England post brought this to mind....

Anyone know of a good driving school near to Ventura, CA? I'd like to improve my skills and make the most of our MCS and live as long as possible!

Thanks!

 

depending upon what type of driving school you want.

i took the partial day instruction at the track. it was very cheap - around $20.00 on top of the track cost. I learned an amazing amount and am now an addict to the track.

 

Autocross teaches you alot about your car.

 

What track and how do I get ANY track time for around $20.00 SIGN ME UP

Earl

 

He said 20 bucks ON TOP OF the track price. Sooooo... say 150 track + 20 learning = 170.

 

that is true. it was on top of the track price... but even $170.00 is a lot less than a full day of many of the schools. And with the track time, I learned enough to last me a bit.

there are these classes: http://www.skipbarber.com/racingschool/default.asp?sel=

but for now, i need to learn and practice before one going to the next level.

 

They don't have anything in Southern California (which is where the orginal poster is looking). I too would be interested in this.
I can't believe there is nothing in Southern California?

 

Sorry, I did not check to see if they have any current events. I have seen previous classes in California, as I almost took them.

As before, I would recommend beginning with a smaller class like those by Redline. You get to use your own car.

They usually have them at each track event. Here is a link to one event, and you can contact chris@Redline:

http://www.teammightyminiz.com/forum...pic.php?t=2162

 

Guys there are quite a few places you can learn how to drive your cars. They have instruction at track days and autocrosses. Those are good too. Not as detailed as Skip barber, but not as expensive either. If you've never tracked before and need info and links for SoCal area, I can send some, just PM me.

 

You guys are more than welcomed to come out to the Porsche Owners Club (POC) driving schools. They normally hold them twice a year and I believe the next one is in September. The club welcomes non-Porsches and the school is held at the Streets of Willow. I don't recall what the cost is, but it's probably near $150 (don't quote me). For more information, go to:

www.porscheclub.com

Note: For some reason, the school isn't listed anymore in September, but I'm pretty sure it's still scheduled. You can email the POC office and get the latest update on this.

I won't be there for the school, but plan on being there on the next day for the actual Short Track event.

 

I just thought of something else, too. If the school isn't scheduled, then you can still come out and run with us. You'll need to make sure you email the Chief Driving instructor (Marty Mehterian) in advance so he can assign you an instructor. As a newbie, you won't be allowed to get on the track unless you have one. If any of you guys decide to come out, look for me. I have a Black 993 C4S with yellow numbers (#225). I hope to see some of you there.

Rich

 

http://www.drivingconcepts.com

This is a local group that runs a one day school at Buttonwillow and sometimes other places. The lady who runs the school races a Mini professionally so she is very experienced. Their schools are $425 for the day with one-on-one instruction all day and helpful classroom time. Pricey but well worth it!

 

Last February I attended the Phil Wicks "Ultimate MINI Driving Academy" at Willow Springs. I was a total novice, as were a good number of the other attendees.

Phil Wicks is a very cool Englishman who raced Minis in the 60's, and was one of the stunt drivers on the original (1969) "Italian Job".

Classroom sessions led by Phil alternated with track sessions. Early track sessions were all with instructors riding in the car with you.

It was a blast! By the end of the day, I was redlining my poor little Mini, stomping hard on the brakes when I wasn't stomping hard on the thottle. Never thought I'd get so hard core so fast.

Hopefully, he'll be back next year!

http://www.minidriving.com/

 

He's running a class in Monterey in December. Sounds as if it's worth the trip.

http://www.minidriving.com/laguna.htm

 

[QUOTE=Waterway4]He's running a class in Monterey in December. Sounds as if it's worth the trip. [QUOTE]

That would be a GREAT Xmas present for myself. We are supposed to be getting our 2006 MCS around that time and the misses wont let me take it to the track, being that new.