High performance driving

[eps]

Sorry if this is in the wrong place for this, I couldn’t find a more suited spot to ask.

I’ll be able to get my license in two days, and I want to really learn how to control a car. I probably don’t get as much practice as I should, and defiantly don’t get as much as I would like, with my permit, so I’m looking into taking a driving school. Not the kind where they teach you how to use your turn signal, or what different street signs mean. I want to learn how to push a car to its limit and be in full control! I don’t want to be the kid that crashes and kills a pregnant mom and her two kids in the car because I didn’t know what I was doing.

I was hoping some of you can point me to some schools like this. I live in Long Beach, California (south CA) so one close would be great, or somewhere near Sacramento, CA. I’ve searched around, but I’m not really sure which ones would teach me what I want.

Also, I would either be driving a ’01 automatic Chrysler Cirrus, or a ’02 automatic Cadillac Eldorado. I don’t have my own car yet, or even know how to drive a stick! From what I can gather, some of the schools let you use their cars and some you have to use your own. Should I wait until I get my own, more suited car or would those two be ok? I know I really should learn how to drive a stick, just haven’t gotten the opportunity to really try.

One more thing, if I take a class like this, would it lower my insurance?

[NSX-R-SSJ20K]

when you driving at the limit you aren't in full control thats what they tell you on racing courses. Race Tracks usually offer such courses. And if you don't want to ever be putting someone else's life at risk. Race on the track not on the streets.

[fatninja19]

I think Buttonwillow is the closest road course around here. My friend instructs there, but the students bring in their own cars. I think Buttonwillow also offers a weekend class that provides their own cars for you two drive. Last time I checked, I think it was around 400 bucks for the weekend. My friend took it, and loved it. You really should get familiar with driving a manual transmission though..



And no, it's not like motorcycle riding... taking this course doesn't lower your insurance.

[MustangRoadRacer]

get ued to driving normally, then go fast.
no point in learning how to race before you know how to park!

[GTStang]

I want to learn how to run a car to it's limits and push it to the edge at a driving school on a track where every1 is safe. And cause I did this i believe it is safe to turn around and replicate this behavior on the road where those pregnant mother drive on. But because I took a class it's ok and I'm safe and she is safe. Think about it.........

[carguyinok]

Derek Daly
When I was in Vegas I took this class. Yes, it's on the spendy side. But worth every dime They use BMW's with a frame under them that will lift them up off the track at speed. Putting you into a spin or drift without water or ice.
I thought I was well over the everyday driver with the skills I had @ the wheel After the first drive there I knew I had ALOT to learn.
By the 2nd day I felt 200% stronger @ the wheel

[kfoote]

The Bondurant school in Phoenix has classes for this also.

http://www.bondurant.com/courses/Teendriv.html

[JekylandHyde]

http://www.scca.com/

[85 Celica GT-S]

Why would you want to go fast on the street? It wont help you pass the test. If you go the speed limit you should have control of the car. Save the racing for the track and be careful.

[carguyinok]

There is ALOT more to it other then speed. The class I took was more about how to handle the car & keeping control of it. Not many people out there know how to react when a car comes out from under them . That can happen as low as 30 MPH. What or if you hit somthing is is up to how you react

[85 Celica GT-S]

^ That is very informative, i didnt know there were classes like that, when read "high performance driving" and "push the car to its limits" I assumed that he meant fast acceleration and speeding. I might be interested in taking one of those classes

[MustangRoadRacer]

yeah, I took a class like that at Jim russel racing.
It was called highway survival.
basically lane changing maneuvers and skid control.
they had a car like you talk about with wheels on the side that make it skid.
very informative and fun.
they also taught threshold braking, which is nice. both with and without ABS.
last part of the course was an autoX where all the students got to put the skills to use. I liked it alot and went back for several more of their classes.
this is at Sears Point in Northern CA.

[Polygon]

I think it is great that eps wants to learn how to control a car at its limits. Most kids just want to go fast and don't care if they know what they are doing or not. I think he should be commended. After all those are things you can apply to daily driving. You never know when your going to be put in a situation where the car looses control and taking classes like this can help you get that control back or at least minimize the damage.

[eps]

I don’t think that just because I take a class means its ok for me to do 100 in a 25. I want to take the class because if I were put in a situation where I was going 80 on the freeway and the car in front of me crashes, I’m going to know what to do and be able to react accordingly. Maybe you will learn that over time, but one thing I don’t have is experience. I’m used to driving normally and I’ a good driver for every day things, but when the unexpected happens, I want to be ready.

Thanks for all the links. I’ll defiantly be looking at them.

[Jims5543]

Your actually ssmart for realizing your not a good driver. I have been driving for 20 years and still think I have a lot to learn. The day I think I am the best driver ever is the day I become a danger on the road.

http://www.autocross.com/evolution/

These guys actually do a Teen school that helps teach you exactly what you are looking to learn. Then take some of their other Phase courses and your on your way to being a skilled driver.

You can expect to pay about 200-275 for their school.

Good luck!!!