Lynn Seldon
How to be Richard Petty for a day
Whether it’s handling a water-slicked closed-course road in a BMW or taking an actual racecar for a spin around a famed NASCAR oval, driving schools make for better drivers. But, before getting behind the wheel, finding the right school is key. Fortunately, high-end driving schools are more popular than ever.
For those who feel the need for speed, there are two options: driving schools that put students inside luxury autos, and racing programs that offer a genuine NASCAR or Formula One experience. In both categories, programs offer different time frames, skill sets and, of course, vehicles. But all of these offerings have at least one thing in common—the serious skills come before the serious thrills...
How to be Richard Petty for a day
Whether it’s handling a water-slicked closed-course road in a BMW or taking an actual racecar for a spin around a famed NASCAR oval, driving schools make for better drivers. But, before getting behind the wheel, finding the right school is key. Fortunately, high-end driving schools are more popular than ever.
For those who feel the need for speed, there are two options: driving schools that put students inside luxury autos, and racing programs that offer a genuine NASCAR or Formula One experience. In both categories, programs offer different time frames, skill sets and, of course, vehicles. But all of these offerings have at least one thing in common—the serious skills come before the serious thrills...
Lynn Seldon How to be Richard Petty for a day Whether it’s handling a water-slicked closed-course road in a BMW or taking an actual racecar for a spin ... more
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Created 06/11/08
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1
BMW Performance Driving School
BMW's program at their North American HQ in Greenville, South Carolina, is typical of high-end auto offerings. "We start where driver's ed leaves off," says Jim Clark, chief driving and Motorrad instructor of the $12 million BMW Performance Driving School. The one-day M School is $1,295, the two-day version is $3,295, and the Advanced M School is $3,995.
2
Richard Petty Driving Experience
This program got its start in Australia in 1987 when NASCAR Australian champ Barry Graham started a school to teach racing fundamentals. Graham's long-time friend, Richard Petty, became involved in bringing the concept to the U.S. in 1990. What started out with a handful of cars and a small shop in North Carolina has grown into a program welcoming more than 100,000 participants annually (though the more expensive offerings typically involve quite small groups of like-minded speedsters). The quick "Ride-Along Experience" starts at just $109, but the "Driving Experiences" ($399 to $2999) and "Premium Driving Experiences" ($399 to $2,099) are the way to get behind the wheel.
3
Jim Russell Racing Drivers School
Even if you never dreamt of becoming a professional driver, the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School will make you feel (and drive) like one. Founded in 1957 by British racing champion Jim Russell, this school is best known for alumni like Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne, Danny Sullivan, Emerson Fittipaldi and others. The contemporary "campus" is located at Sonoma's Infineon Raceway. Try the intensive two-day "School of Racing" course ($3,995), which takes place on their dry skid pad at real speeds in a FJR-50/2 two-seater with an instructor riding along to offer real-time tips. Prices start at $1,595 and go to $5,495.
4
Saab Aero Academy
Held at the Road Atlanta racetrack, the Saab Aero Academy is a two-day program that's mostly meant for new owners of specific Saab vehicles. (The course is included in the purchase price.) But those who don't own a qualifying Saab can still attend the course for about $1,500. This performance driving program consists of 20 percent classroom time and 80 percent hands-on advanced handling exercises. There's a skid pad, lane-changing accident avoidance practice sessions, and an "Autocross" handling challenge.
5
AMG Mercedes-Benz Challenge
Meant for Mercedes-Benz AMG owners and enthusiasts, the one-day Challenge employs professional drivers for their on-track clinics. Participants get behind the wheel of some of the world's most high-powered street vehicles, including the CLS63 AMG, the SLK55 AMG, the E63 AMG (the fastest production Mercedes-Benz sedan ever built) and the C63 (best-in-class acceleration). Priced at $1,295, the 2008 AMG Challenge Driving Events take place at four different tracks, including Las Vegas Speedway, Thunderhill Raceway Park (Willows, California), Miami Speedway and Pocono Raceway. Those who complete this course can move on to the Graduate Program for further autobahn-like experiences.
6
Land Rover Experience Driving Schools
For those who'd rather be in the woods than on a raceway, Land Rover Experience Driving Schools are a great high-end off-road option. One perk: This program is held at top resorts. The one-day program, about $800, includes an obstacle course with steep ascents and descents, some serious side tilts and even a few tight log bridge crossings—so save the Champagne for after you've turned off the engine. There are also separate and private events for Land Rover owners (you drive your own vehicle) at Biltmore and Quail Lodge.
7
Overland Experts
The over-the-top offerings at Overland Experts aren't just targeted at specific four-wheel-drive vehicle owners. You can choose from their fleet Toyota, Mercedes, Land Rover and others—or bring your own. Two levels of instruction take place at their custom-designed private course in Connecticut, including the one-day introductory Driving School I and the one- to three-day advanced Driving School II. Overland Experts also offers an array of expedition trips to the likes of Africa, New Zealand, Iceland and more. Classes start at $850 per person, per day, but decrease with more people and longer programs.
8
Ivor Wigham’s European Rally & Performance Driving School
Located in quiet north-central Florida, Ivor Wigham’s European Rally & Performance Driving School features six different levels of training. The one-day Level 2 program costs $1,295, and features a one-to-one instructor-to-student ratio and six hours of driving time. The four-day Level 6 immersion is $5,300. The programs feature European-style stages in rally-prepared vehicles such as Corollas, Imprezas, Celicas and Neons.
9
Bridgestone Racing Academy
The Bridgestone Racing Academy, located at the Mosport Driver Development Centre just outside Toronto, focuses on Formula cars. The one-day "Thrill of a Lifetime" (about $1,700) uses Van Diemen Formula cars, and includes one-on-one coaching and some open lapping late in the day. The word from speed demons up north is that they have a new fleet of 2008 Van Diemen Formula cars that have much bigger cockpits that can even accommodate six-foot-four drivers.
10
Team O'Neil Rally School
Team O'Neil Rally School is a European-style "rally" offering. Hands-on lead instructor Tim O'Neil is a five-time U.S. and North America Rally Racing Champion. Set among thickly forested evergreens in a private 560-acre valley, the rally grounds feature six-and-a-half-mile forest road course, separate skid pad and braking zones, an obstacle avoidance area and a slalom course. Participants learn both classroom theory and hands-on experience through a progression of skill building exercises. The offerings range from two to four days, priced between $1,650 and $4,150.
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