How to Find Driving Schools in My Area?
 

I want to go to a school (preferably with my own car). I live in the South FLA, but I dont mind traveling even to Mid Florida Orlando Area. Should I sign up with the SCCA and find time with them. (Ive been to a few of their events and they seem fair for the price). Just want some suggestions or comments.

Autocross?
If you're interested in an autocross school contact Jean Kinser at Evolution Driving Schools - http://www.autocross.com/evolution/

They are in Florida and seem to have several schools there each year.

Tomas


__________________

The best thing to do is to check with your local track to see what groups have track events scheduled for the year.

Then contact the groups that are scheduling events to see if they are open or private track events.

Lots of it will depend on what exactly are you looking for?

An open track school?
Autocrossing?
Racing school?

If racing or autocrossing, check with the Central Florida region of the SCCA. Try poking around a bit on scca.org...
If you are looking for an open track, call one of the tracks, or search for their website; most have schedules up when clubs will be there.
NASA - SE is up and running, but not sure that far into FL, www.nasaproracing.com they have HPDE (Schooling in street cars) and racing.

If you are looking for a professional race school; try Panoz, who operates at Sebring, or Justin Bell's GT Experience, out of Moroso, I believe.


M.

I went to the Evolution site but they dont seem to have an scheduled events for the summer in Florida. (No way Im going to Atlanta just for school). SCCA and NASA Ive been to both their events at Sebring and one at Homestead (a spectator only and a rider once), do they provide instructors? Or do they let you run loose? My friend who is pretty advanced doesnt really get much instructions just a check of his car and thats it.

SCCA schools are to teach you to race under SCCA rules and procedures. They are not "driving schools". Most SCCA drivers attend one of the popular schools like Skip Barber, Panoz, etc. Or you just do it. SCCA schools require you to own or rent a race car. No street cars allowed.

I think NASA would be a good fit. THey have classes for street and race cars. Instructors that ride in the car with you.

The SCCA does have clinics like High Performance Car Control Clinics (HPCCC):

http://www.kcrscca.org/clubrace/hpccc.htm

Good link. I've never seen one in the (SCCA) Soudiv. In our area Texas, Oklahoma, I have only seen club racing schools and those are few. They gave a lot of waivers (for the second school) this year due to lack of schools.

Anyway the car clinics would be good. Fourtunatly in the DFW area we have several schools that operate from Texas Motor Speedway.

Check out Coco Strayer's website: www.trackschedule.com
She and her hubby Phil are certifiable Porche track rats who have done the HPDE community an incredible service by creating and maintaining this site. It includes most East coast (and a few other) tracks, and provides hot links or contact info for registration.

Just a word of warning. First the sports car, then the modded sports car, then the race car and now your daily driver is the tow vehicle!

Thanks for the Tips everyone, when I have some time I work I'll search all the sites, but any more recommendations are welcomed.

I was just about to recommend this site... I just found out about it this weekend while down at Summit Point. Freaking awesome.

Someone recomended these guys to me a while back
Chin Motorsports

Ive been to their events, their really organized, but a i bit pricey for "learning". Once Im a bit more advanced I will probably go with them.

Whoa... that chin school says FIVE HOURS per DAY at the event... yeah it's pricey but holy crap that's a lot, almost too much really.

http://www.panozracingschool.com/Racing_ThreeDay.asp

They have tracks in Sebring, Road Atlanta and one other i can't remember. But Sebring would be bad-ass!! They have 1 or 3 day courses. Kinda pricey, but you get to drive their track built Panoz GT car. ( Not the batmobile, but still badass!)

They cover the full gauntlet of driving skills.

Yes I wouldnt know abotu 5 hours but you will easily get 4 hours for sure.