Talked to two different schools that seem like our best options...here are some of the details...please provide comments.
OPTION A.
Driver for a Day
This course will be a full day event and we can have it customized to incorporate any techniques or skills we want to learn.
SKILLS LEARNED
Some of the basic components (first three) that will be covered and additional items that we can do are as follows:
1. Skid Pad
2. Threshold braking
3. Track Lapping
4. Car Balancing - oversteer, understeer, etc
5. Shifting - heel and toe, etc
6. Apexing
CAR CHOICES:
We have a choice between using our cars and the Schools' array or Porsches.
The major difference would be price. Using our cars would cost
$450 - $600 depending on the number of people. Ideally we will need a minimum of 15 to make it affordable and viable.
Using the Porsches will double the cost of entry.
Advantage of using our own cars is that we get to learn on the FWD platform and any program will be tailored to the FWD setup. This is obviously more relevant to us than learning in AWD or RWD Porsches.
In addition, the guy in charge of the program mention he could tailor a program to suit us. In effect, he said that we could add or take away anything within the program. So if there is anything specific you might want to learn, it can be added to the program. So I ask you when you respond some things you might want to see included.
DATE:
We have a choice of dates available and currently July 26, Aug 14, Sept 27 and Oct 11 are open. Any preferences?
If I remember correctly, sessions will be held at Shannoville Raceway
www.shannonville.com OPTION B.
BMW Advanced Driving School
This is a three tiered program that lets you progress from beginner status to more advanced skills.
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Sorry but I can not recall what the different levels were called.
We would obviously have to start at level 1. The sessions are similar to that offered by DFAD above. The basics will be covered including Skidpad, Oversteer/Understeer, Braking, Car Balancing, etc.
Pricing for the BMW school is not available yet. They are still setting things up last time I talked to him. Roughly, it will come out to
$400 - $500 with the advantage of using the schools' selection of cars. In level one, this would include exclusive use of BMW 330i and as you progress to higher levels you will be exposed to higher end Bimmers aka M-series.
Obviously, comparing to the above course, using the Bimmers will result in learning on a RWD platform vs. our FWD so it is not 100% applicable to your car although the theory and lesson can help you learn and you can adapt for your FWD car.
Sessions will most likely be held at Downsview Airport located at Hwy 401 and Dufferin.
RESPONSES PLEASE
Ok, I know I had a few responses when I originally posted about trying to organize this. Can I get a show of hands as to who would be interested (I need at least 15 people).
Also PLEASE PROVIDE COMMENTS on which option you prefer and what things you might want to learn so we can start customizing programs.
I am thinking of inviting other groups depending on the number of responses here. Just want to make sure we have enough people so we can actually do this. The Cougar Club is already invited, maybe inviting neigbouring Contour Clubs.
Sorry for the long post and thank you for all your comments in advance.
Alessandro
[This message has been edited by SilVer bulleT (edited January 25, 2001).]
