I'm turning 30 in December and the best present I can imagine is an upgrade for my wonderful new '05 CR/CR/CR Mini (what can I say, I like the Chili).

I can't recall from whom I'm paraphrasing, but I seem to remember someone here saying that the best upgrade he made was "improving the nut behind the wheel." In that spirit, I'm going to get driving lessons.

I'd love to hear commentary on folks' experience with driving schools. Any tips for selecting one? For getting the most out of it? I think I'd prefer a school in which I use my own car -- they appear to be cheaper, plus it'd be focused on what I really want to learn: driving my Mini!

In particular, comments on schools relatively local to San Francisco would be great. Russel Racing? (http://www.espnrussellracing.com/) BMW CCA? http://www.ggcbmwcca.org/) Fast Lane? (http://www.raceschool.com) Thunder Hill? (http://www.thunderhill.com/school.html) I think I'm leaning toward BMW CCA.

I am also interested in hearing everything, though, not just SF specific (thus the post here vs. the regional board).

Thanks!

 

As I am on the east coast, I cannot be of much help to you. I am sure that others will chime in with some ideas. I can only say that BMWCCAs in general have an excellent reputation for putting on a worthwhile high performance driver's ed program.

Good luck. You will LOVE it!!!

 

I haven't been to any driving schools, but I'm very seriously considering going to one myself. I'd suggest you add Phil Wicks' Driving School to your list. He's been racing Minis since the 850cc days and has a special "Ultimate MINI Driving Academy" - a travelling road show type of thing:


MiniMania up in Grass Valley/Nevada City (about 2 hrs NE from you on I-80) is closely affiliated with the school. I emailed them recently. They said they will definitely be sponsoring an academy somewhere around here (I'm in Sacramento) in 2005, but the date and location aren't set yet.

Maybe I'll see you there!

 

Track days are great, no matter what, you don't have to be with a bunch of other MINI's, though that's fun, too. What's particularly fun is when you're still a novice, the MINI is more forgiving and a much easier car to learn and you're likely to pass cars that are much more powerful than you, as those drivers are still having difficulty learning to manage their cars.

 

Fyi, I got a PM from an experienced track rat who has attended Phil Wick programs and found the instruction somewhat hit or miss. He also mentioned that Wick's track sessions were shorter than the norm (15 min vs. 20-25), making it harder to get into the groove on the track. He did say that he enjoyed the instructors on a personal level, especially the Mini Mania folks, and the school does provide a lot of track time over all.

Thanks for the comments -- keep them coming. Anyone done a California BMW CCA? Or one elsewhere?

 

Oh, and choose a 2 day event if possible. The second day you will be amazed at how so much of what you learned the first day comes together.

 

well this will definately make an awesome b-day gift for sure

 

dlaugh,
Great article by Minzila, check it out.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=30415
HTH,
Ric

 

dlaugh,

For your area you can check with any of the MINI clubs or your local chapter of BMW CCA. Ask about any sponsored driving school events. These are planned way in advanced so they should be able to tell you if they have a regular annual or semi-annual event.

SCCA in your area may also sponsor a driving school- maybe for autocross. Or you can design one yourself and make it open only to MINIs- you can work with the SCCA chairman in your area.

Other performance car clubs also have events that are sponsored- you just have to check around. You'd need to join their club most likely.

 

The best $200 you can ever spend. I and two MINI buddies went to Phil's school at Heartland Park Topeka. We had a total of approx 28 MINI's out there. I've never had so much fun in a car in my life! By the end of the day, we were breaking 100 down the straights, and mixing it up pretty hard. I didn't want the day to end. It's probably a good thing that they don't have these events closer and every weekend, or I'd be financially ruined.
Phil was a great guy, and you won't believe what these cars can do (embarrass Ferraris, Porsches, Vipers, on the technical tracks). Pretty amazing, highly recommend.
Cheers,
MinMax

 

I remember reading that, yes, it's a great write-up.

Couple of things, I don't recommend listening to music while you're on the track!! Wasn't clear if he was or not, but I've known of someone who does and don't agree with it. You want to listen for feedback from your tires and your engine. Re-torque your lug bolts before your next session, after your car has cooled down somewhat. And definitely ride with an instructor during his/her session. You will learn SO MUCH!!

 

Zila was listening to 4 Tops off the track, not on :smile:
I agree with every thing you say. And yes, we did re-torque after each run.

 

Once you go through a driving school, you will be hooked. I would reccomend getting involved in a club that offers multiple events.

NCRC ncracing.org is a great club with a great High Performance Driving program. There are other minis in the club. Their events are well run, very friendly and very safety conscious. All of the instructors that I have worked with are very knowledgeable, patient, and very helpful. Lots of great cars, and great people. Check out their website.
I am signed up for Nov 29th at Infineon. Come check it out if you have time.

I have been to the thunderhill school, and had a great time, but in my opinion, NCRC is a cut above.

Driving concepts is another organization that I have heard good things about, but have never been to one of their events.

What a great b-day present. You will love tracking your mini.

Andy

 

Sounds like you guys had a great time and got a lot out of your experience!

You learned some great habits from the school that you attended. My point about re-torqueing was that you don't do it when you first come in off of the track, but wait until the car/wheels cool down.

 

Just came back from my first driving school: Phil Wicks in Nashville last weekend. AWESOME!!!! The instruction was so-so - any questions you had, they'd answer in plenty detail, but once you got beyond the basic safety stuff, you had to ask questions. Lots of track time, very good people, saw my first Lotus Elise in person (now THAT'S a go-kart!). Plus, I send my certificate of completion to State Farm and I'll get lowered insurance rates. All in my own car. The pace was relaxed; if you didn't want to go fast or fly through twisties, there was no pressure to do so. Track rules were explained very clearly. Best $175 I ever spent, I only wish I could do his course in the Carolina's this weekend.