DavisRx8

Before I start throwing more money into upgrading the suspension on my 8, I've decided to take a performance driving course...to REALLY learn how to drive, and get the most out of my 8 and any other car I might be driving. I've been told by the more experienced drivers I've talked to that a performance driving class would not only increase my "performance" aspect of driving, but would make me an inherently safer driver as well. Problem is...does anyone know of a performance driving school in the Sacramento / Northern California area? Does anyone have experience with a performance driving course, and would like to share their thoughts / opinions?

IZoomZoomI

Check this thread out, might have some useful info for ya.
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-racing-25/hpde-skip-barber-41638/

310Guy

Let us know what school you do use.

BTW, I think it's cool you're taking the time to do something like this. I'm tired of reading about 100+ mph driving threads on this board. (And they don't allow street racing threads; how do these not get deleted? Go figure.)

Anyway, my hats off to you for doing something like this - learning through proper instruction and not seeing how fast your 8 will go on an on-ramp at 2:00 a.m.

Icemastr

Try and hit up an SCCA solo practice school or a car group practice event on a track, this will give you the best chance for a lot of seat time and some experienced drivers giving you advice without spending a thousand dollars on a "professional" school. check out scca.org then lookup your region, find your area website and see what events they have coming up and look for any "practice" or "novice" events. The RX-8's suspension is great as is, I see no reason to go upgrade it even if you have a couple years of racing experience, it would be better to try and stay in a stock class.

Endless Rotaries

iTrader: (6)

I commend you bigtime. It's refreshing to hear of someone taking the proper approach. Hats off to you sir. Unfortunately you can see if there's anything going on at thunderhill. You can get some basics down at instruction club events or you can come down a tad further to laguna and go to skip barber. I have a few friends that instruct there.

Rishie

Blaaz

I know Skip Barber runs a school up at Infineon (aka Sears Point).

DavisRx8

Thanks for all your responses - I looked online, and it seems like the closest class is indeed the one offered through Skip Barber at Sears Point. Guess it's time to set a date...

murix

That looks expensive! If you want an alternative and do not mind some driving, I would recommend The Next Level Driving School in Reno. Excellent track since they have extended it and a bit cheaper than Skip Barber. The instructors who run the school are top notch as well.

http://www.tnldrivingschool.com/

blitzkriegs

All driving/racing schools are expensive out of pocket. However, the fun, experience, and knowledge are 100% worth it.

I have done Skip Barber in CT before. The two day course is best. Check your 'ego' at the door because these people will SHOW you how to drive civilized, controlled, and testing the limits of YOU and the CAR.

The experience is blast. With the two day course, you have the option on the final day to bring your own car on the course. This is after driving the Viper on the same course. You use the Neon and Dodge truck for 'exercises.'

Instructors are excellent. About 1-2 hours of class per day, but it is interesting, informative, and fun.

Well worth the $$$$. Seriously, a driving school is one of the BEST things you can do.

PUR NRG

My suggestion for best bang for buck: check local autocross organizations (SCCA, NASA) and join. Get as much seat time as you can, including rides with others. The SFR chapter of SCCA has annual newbie schools. At $75 for one day it's hard to beat. Read various instructional books and try to apply them during autocross. It doesn't matter what class you're in because your primary emphasis is learning rather than competing.

Having done both autocross and track events, I think autocross is a better learning tool for several reasons:
1. It's relatively low speed and tight turns. This better approximates "real world" driving.
2. Driving over your head and/or spinning out is safe. You won't hit anything or damage your car.
3. People who autocross have an easier time transitioning to track events than vice versa. The reason is while track events are higher speeds, there's way more time between turns to prepare. Autocross happens much more quickly and you will learn how to react faster.

If you measure bang for buck strictly by seat time, track events cost less per minute driving. But if you measure by number of turns, autocross jumps ahead.
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Vaporizer Portable Review

gusmahler

I took the Skip Barber 1-day driving school and I just posted my thoughts in that other thread (https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...d=1#post606805).

Other thoughts:

Skip Barber doesn't teach at Infineon (Sears Point). The ESPN Russell Racing School teaches there (http://www.espnrussellracing.com/). Skip Barber teaches at Laguna Seca (Mazda Raceway), close to Monterey. Infineon is closer to Davis than Laguna Seca.

Vaillant

You're in Davis, right? This is REALLY an easy decision for you. Go to Thunderhill. It's up 5 about an hour (or, in your case, up 113 to 5).

Track:
http://www.thunderhill.com/

School ($195):
http://www.thunderhill.com/school.html

Calendar (look for"Thunderhill High Performance Driving School"):
http://www.thunderhill.com/calendar.html

I've done their school a few times in my Miata (I've got about 10 track days at Thunderhill) and it is fun. The track is great (remember the Ford GT commercial from the Superbowl?). Plus, there are lots of different cars out there from Volvo 240s and Nissan Sentras to Vipers and Ferraris. Compared to Skip Barber it is pocket change.

If you're interested, let me know if you have any questions. Myself and a few friends will probably be there this spring (RX-8, G35C, WRX, FM turbo Miata, Mustang SVT, GTO......).

~ Matt

(P.S. I graduated AE/ME from Davis in 2000...I worked on Formula SAE and Aerobrick while I was there...I can't believe how long it's been since I graduated!)

blksf8

Thunderhill for sure this Thursday! Anyonelse besides me going? I put a thread out last week for this event put on by hookedondriving.com , but no responses.

Renesis Heart

Went to the Thunderhill High Performance Driving School on Nov 21.
Drove in Group A (novice) and had a great time! Mine was the only RX-8 that day. There was 1 RX-7.

There's another school scheduled on Jan 16. Come on Ladies & Gents, let's get more RX-8s out there!

blksf8

yeah, what's the deal? Everyone talks about how they want to test the limits or their car or get driving instruction where they are permitted to legally do so (track), but when it comes down to it no one signs up for these events.

I went last Thursday to Thunderhill and it was a great experience. Imagine hitting 120+ on the front straight and taking turn 1 in 4th gear at over 100mph. it's definitely good times and I just wish we could get more 8 representation at these events in T-Hill, Laguna Seca, Sears Point, etc.

PUR NRG

I get the same (lack of) response when I mention autocrossing. But I haven't even been able to do that for the past few months so I'm jonesing for a fix.
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REFLEX SYMPATHETIC DYSTROPHY ADVICE

Renesis Heart

PUR NRG

This year's last Solo2/Round 7 event takes place this Sunday at Monster Park.

http://www.sfrscca.org/solo2/Sites/candlestick.html

I went last Sunday to watch Round 6 and ended up participating as a guest/novice. I was slow and spun out a couple of times but I haven't had so much fun in a long time :p ! Hitched a ride in a RX-7 and FFCobra too!

PUR NRG

My wife recently delivered so she's stuck in bed for a while. I'd feel guilty autocrossing without her; that's why I haven't done any of the slush runs. Maybe in January we can pick it up again. Definitely by February. Hope to see you around when we do.
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Mercedes-Benz W208 History

Renesis Heart

Congratulations!! At least, you have plenty of room for the whole family!!