On the 11th of November, I did a HANSON International Advanced Driving School at the Mosport Driver Development Center.

http://www.race2000.com/about/mosport

Was impressed by the school and decided to do a little write up:

Weather 6-11c. Light rain at times.
Got there at 7:45.

Driving registration and check up took about 15min.

The school is run by the father and son team: Derek and Peter Hanson. Derek is responsible for the in class instructions while Peter takes care of the driving part.

They had about 14 instructors and about 28 students. The students were divided into 3 groups; Advanced, Intermediate and Beginners (me).

Our time was divided between 3 rotating activities: classroom, skid/braking, track. Each activity is about 15min. (Lunch was included and consisted of various subs from (Mr.Sub) soft drinks and snacks, coffee and tee were available at all times.)

Overall all we had about an hour for each activity (except the skid pad which was available for anyone who wanted to do some extra runs).

I will briefly describe some of the activities involved.

The driving school started in the classroom, with about 15 min of basic, overall I was pleased with the direction, Derek wasn’t overwhelming us with info, just telling us to relax and not overanalyze. Some of the stuff covered included: the physics of cornering, correct driving position, vision, setting up the car for a corner and planning for the next one.

Then we proceed to braking exercises. Objective: get a feel for your car during “hard” breaking.

Method: Accelerate to 60km, hold that speed, break as hard as you can once reaching the cones. Each one got about 3 runs in.

Then came the track, helmet on, driving position changed, instructor in the car and off you go, trying to learn the corners. The light right rain and bad tires made powering out of corners tricky but the learning more enjoyable. We were allowed to overtake based on consent so people didn’t get bunched up. We also had an opportunity to go around with our instructors, who were driving their own cars, this was helpful as the right line became more apparent.

There were several exercises on the skid pad, some of the ones I remember were:

Drifting, i.e.: going around the skid pad as “fast” as possible while keeping the car on the same radius.

Skid pad with cones (you take one on the inside the next on the outside), oversteer, throw the car around understeer and so on.
The skid pad was empty for between different sessions so I got some extra practice with some good in car instruction.

The light rain made this exercise really enjoyable and easy on the car. By the end of the day I actually managed to dance around the cones in a more or less proper manner.

Overall I found the whole experience to be very positive. This was my first time on the track and the set up of the school allowed the students to learn their cars while getting some basic skills. Paid 265 taxes in which seems more than reasonable. The school has two events planned for this year, I am going to post the info below.

 

Here is the promo. There are already at least 3 RX-8s coming for the April 6th event, hoping this number will grow with me posting the info here.

The offical School Promo:

Dear Friends and Motoring Enthusiasts,

Last year was a lot of fun for all and we are doing it again in 2007.

The HANSON International Advanced Driving School puts you on the track with experienced instructors who share your passion for a unique driving experience. Through our in-depth classroom and personal in-car instructions you will learn how to master the skills necessary to handle your car. For those of you that are experienced at these sorts of events, we do offer an advanced group with the provision for solo lapping.

During the day you will learn various driving techniques, vehicle dynamics, as well as discovering the limits of vehicle adhesion.

Although the setting is a race track, the HANSON International Advanced Driving School is not a racing school.

Our 2007 events are: Friday April 6th and Friday August 3rd.

We have other dates on reserve which may be released to us if they become available. I’ll keep you posted.

Students are accepted on a first come first serve basis … space is limited.

For further information please contact me.

Sincerely,

Peter Hanson

c/o HANSON International Advanced Driving School

Tel: (416) 540-2995

Email: hanson_gtr@sympatico.ca

 

i am actually very intrested....hmm....where is this place?

 

Have you considered the school through the BMW club of Canada? I plan on doing it April 21-22 (2 days). Apparently it is recognized as a valid learning institution so not only is it tax deductible, but you can actually keep your insurance for the school.

 

Mosport Driver Development Center at Mosport.

http://www.mosport.com/mddcaerial.htm
http://www.race2000.com/about/mosport

As for BMW driving schools, I think they are a bit more expensive. Talk to Peter for all the details about tax deductions and insurance.

 

Btw, most of the instructors for Hanson Intl. also work for BMW schools. From what I remember some of them used to run the BMW schools other run Saab various other clubs schools.

 

You took cars on the kart track? or do you mean the driver development track (DDT)?

 

DDT center, didn't realize there is a separate Kart track, thanks for correcting me.

http://www.race2000.com/about/mosport

 

DDT is still small, but interesting.

Maybe I'll go, it's been a while since I did anything that was non-bike related.

 

just an FYI, the DDT used to be, and is still occasionaly used for kart racing.

 

bump

 

The event is 2 weeks away and I think there are still some spots open. Just curious if any from here is actually planning to attend?

 

so the event is at Mosport small track? what's the cost?

 

Mosport Driver Development Center

http://www.mosport.com/mddcaerial.htm
http://www.race2000.com/about/mosport

265 Total.

 

Mother nature played a cruel joke. No snow even as close as 10 km to the DDT the track however was covered.

So I am going for the Aug 3rd school intead, maybe this time we will see some 8s show up.

P.S

Max Bimmer is running a track day at Shannonville on April 19th, for details visit the website and talk to Stalker. Full day, 165$. As far as I know there are still two spots open. Would be nice to see another 8 out there.

 

Was the Hanson school cancelled? I hear an RS4 was going.

 

rs4 was there as well as other 30 nuts (including myself with two friends). I left, so I don't know if the school got cancelled or not.

 

You just left? Oh chris bangle... Snow just makes the skidpad easier.

I still say the bmw club school is better. I'm going to it april 21-22. $400, 2 days, mosport big track. Good value.

 

Never tried it so can't really compare.

 

That too bad Chris. The weather is too uncertain in early April. Plus, Shannonville is so damn far.

GTWRE, do have a link to the 2 day mosport long track school on the 21/22? That track is my fav. BTW, don't be fooled into thinking your insurance would apply for any type of track school.

 

http://www.trillium-bmwclub.ca/site/...DriverTraining

 

qtwre:

Did you pay the Trillium membership fee?
Are going to be running stock tires?

Did you attend this driving school in the past?

 

yes, yes, no. with tax it's $424 + $58. Still a very good deal and I'm greatly looking forward to it.

 

There is a good chance I will join you.

 

Well don't take your time. You may only get on the waiting list.