High Performance Driving School

[RC51]

Anyone take a driving school/class in your boxster? What did you learn? How did the car perform? Which school did you take? Was it worth it? Did it improve your driving?

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

I have been to several schools for both Performance Driving and Racing Schools. Mrs. MNBoxster loves to give me these as presents over the years - gotta Marry a Girl like that...!

While never with my Boxster, I have been to Skip Barber's School at Watkins Glen in NY, took the Formula Ford Course from Russell Racing at Sears Point in Sonoma, CA, the BMW Performance Driving School at the BMW Performance Center in Greer, SC and the Indy Racing Experience (the Driving Experience, not just the RideAlong - Yes, I've driven a Super at the BrickYard - You can too! ) at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, IN. All but the BMW course were Open Wheel Racing Schools. I also hold an SCCA Regional Competition License, formerly a National one.

Besides the fundamentals of Steering, Braking, working the Corners and of course Safety, I would have to say that the single biggest boost to my skills was an increasing smoothness. You really learn to drive way ahead of the Car and to anticipate rather than react. At the BMW course, you learned to extract the most from the Car, it was really the best for Street Driving.

So far as I am concerned, each of them was well worth it. And the very fact that a Pro is critiqueing you, you learn more about your driving than you ever could on your own. I found the Post-Track Audits very enlightening.

All this said, these schools can be relatively expensive, and unless you're competing regularly (I race a Formula Vee in SCCA Club events), the skills you learn deteriorate somewhat quickly.

If you just want to learn to drive your Car better, get involved with your local AutoCross. These allow you to hone your skills on a regular basis for not much more than Gas and a Helmet - you compete as much or as little as you choose, and it's just across town. I am involved with several such groups here in Mpls. and have gotten to know the folks quite well over the years. Consequently, we brutally critique each other's Runs and this improves you tremendously. Also, you get many Runs in a Day and the DieHards usually stay behind for Buck Runs until Sunset.

You're on the course alone and so can much better concentrate on your performance without having to watch for Traffic or Strategize your Race. The Schools are Great experiences, and I highly recommend at least one to a True Enthusiast. But Auto-X Can be just as informative, while cheaper and more available. Check with your Local MG, Jag, Healey, Corvette, BMW, Audi and Lotus, SCCA and of course, Porsche Clubs, they're bound to have a number of events and these are usually open to all Enthusiasts. For a $10-$35 Fee and minimal Tech requirements, you can drive your Boxster like you never could on Public Streets plus Learn and have Fun at the same time. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[MLegere]

Wow

Allready I like that alot.

mlegere
I would recommend that you start on a track with the school car and NOT your boxster, you will find it easier later on in your own car and if something goes wrong!! it doesn't matter it is their car you are bashing!!don't forget insurance does not cover track days

[Brucelee]

"Besides the fundamentals of Steering, Braking, working the Corners and of course Safety, I would have to say that the single biggest boost to my skills was an increasing smoothness. You really learn to drive way ahead of the Car and to anticipate rather than react. "

Jim's comment has hit the bullseye, IMHO! I can't tell you how many hot shot warrabies have come to drive my Porsches and in effect, they can't drive worth a hoot!

When I am done riding with these guys, I feel like I need a neck brace.

However, a really good driver can motor seriously and still comport the car with grace and fluidity.

Those race programs are all top notch. Mrs Jim is OK in my book!

[BuffaloBoxster]

Join an arrive and drive kart series and consider karting school as a lower priced alternative to performance driving schools that use formula cars or road cars.

I learned more about driving at the limit in one season in a kart than 12 years on the road.