There will always be those who need to be reminded that auto racing, and car culture in general, exists outside of the United States. And while Americans are blessed to be able to fuel their passion for driving schools on native soil, some of the planet's best schools are located outside our borders.
what to expect
Before we go further, let's clarify what is meant by "driving school." This isn't the driver's ed. class you took as a teenager, with the teacher stomping that damn auxiliary brake on the passenger's side (we couldn't have been the only ones to experience that). These driving schools are off the public roads and on race courses. You'll already be packing a regular driver's license, and that's good enough for these schools.In fact, course completion may count as experience toward obtaining your race license, depending on the appropriate sanctioning body. There is classroom time, but you won't be bored as you learn. Here you'll benefit from the experience of your instructors, usually professional drivers themselves. This is where you're taught the fundamentals of racing, performance driving, or both.
curriculum
A key element among courses is proper vehicle control; including when and how to accelerate, brake and steer. This is a bigger challenge than you might think. First, you have to accept the fact you do it all wrong, at least from a racing perspective. Next, using the new methods you learn in the classroom, you'll hit the track and try to override the bad habits you've been using for years.Track time in driving school is like recess to a school kid, only it's graded. It's the highlight of any school day, and the whole point of showing up in the first place. In this case, your playground equipment consists of specially-prepared vehicles tuned for the track. Sometimes the instructor, dramamine-fortified, rides along and critiques as you go. In other cases, they observe you from the pits and dole out the feedback after your run. They can easily be identified from their in-car colleagues by their steady hands and absence of gray hair.
If you do what you're taught, you'll be faster on the track, and a safer driver in any situation -- even public roads. This synergy of speed and skill can set you back thousands in tuition if you choose the more intense, multi-day courses. And no, student loans cannot be used for this high-RPM higher education, but single-day sessions start for much less. Wherever listed, prices are in US dollars.
There are too many decent driving schools to list here; so we're focusing on the best in terms of quality instruction, vehicles and venues. We also separated them by the type of driving you experience; in other words, your major.
racing/autocross/performance driving
Racing Adventures
Calgary, Alberta, and Toronto, Ontario
Two of racing's fiercest rivals, Cobra and Corvette, are now allies. Though the Cobras are replicas (FFR Spec Racers to be precise), the spirit remains the same. If you prefer more of a modern ride, the Corvette is for you. Racing Adventures is known for giving students plenty of track time, so be prepared. Prices for these one- to two-day schools range from $799 to $3,800.
Ever wish your gym class included a Ferrari F430?
Thruxton Motorsport Centre
Andover, EnglandIf Thruxton sounds familiar, you either paid attention in history class, follow racing, or you're a gamer. This former World War II airfield has hosted motorsports since 1950. Now you can put down your PlayStation and pound the same ground as legends like Jackie Stewart and Graham Hill. Thruxton's programs are extensive, with fees to suit most budgets. Starting at around $200, the Taster Experiences whet your appetite as you drive a few laps in a Ferrari. For us, the most appealing course is the $700 Ultimate Supercar Experience; highlighted by multiple laps driving a Mercedes SLK, Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari F430, and Lamborghini Murcielago.
formula and indy
AGS Formula 1 Driving School
Nice, France
As if Southern France wasn't appealing enough, now you can learn to drive a race car in a single day there. The AGS (Automobiles Gonfaronnaises Sportives) racing team members have been catering to drivers' open-wheeled fantasies for almost 15 years. $875 grants you 15 laps in a Formula 3 car, followed by a ride-along in an F1 with an instructor. $2,310 buys 15 laps piloting an F3 car, capped by three laps driving a modern F1 racer.
Bridgestone Racing Academy
Pontypool, OntarioBridgestone knows a thing or two about racing -- just ask Ferrari's F1 team. So when the tire manufacturer offers a racing academy, you know it must be high quality. Located just outside Toronto, the school boasts 21 injury-free years, value for the money, expert instruction, and healthy doses of track time. A range of packages are offered. Half-day, Thrill of a Lifetime programs begin around $485; the three-day Wheel-to-Wheel course is around $3,400. If you really take a shine to it and have $10,400, you can drive their nine-race F2000 series over three weekends.
karts
Thruxton Motorsport Centre
Andover, England
The same spot we chose for driving exotics is also a great venue for karts. And even though you'll reach speeds a fraction of those attained in the cars, it won't be any less thrilling. Trust us, 60 mph on a kart feels like 160 in a car. For beginners, Arrive and Drive sessions are short but sweet for your $44. Single-day solo and team races will still only take a few hours of your time and about $80 per person.
Aintree Racing Driver's School Ltd.
Manchester, EnglandIf it has four wheels and a motor, Aintree Racing Driver's School will expertly instruct you to drive it better. We especially like their kart programs. Before you dismiss the idea, bear in mind these are not the sluggish go-carts you find at family amusement parks. These are the types of karts on which some of the world's best race car drivers learned their trade. All courses are single day and range from about $80 to $350 for the marathon.
rally/off-road
Silverstone Rally School
Northamptonshire, England
Who says you need pavement to have fun? Experience the heart-stopping pace of rallying and learn to thrash about like a World Rally Championship (WRC) driver at Silverstone Rally School. You can learn the tricks and go like a pro with one of two courses: the half-day introductory, priced around $255, or the full-day Clubmans for $450 or so.
Wide Open Baja Off-Road Adventures
Cabo San Lucas and Ensanada, MexicoTake all the physical and mechanical stresses of racing, add double-digit jumps and triple-digit heat, and you have Baja racing. For decades, Mexico's Baja Peninsula has been home to some of the world's most grueling races. You can pilot Wide Open's Porsche-powered racers as far as your budget allows. The Basic Test Drive buys instruction and a handful of laps for $250. If you have seven days free and $6,595 to burn, there's always the Baja Peninsula Tour.
tips to remember
Check your ego at the gate.
We've found the biggest mouths are often attached to the slowest drivers. People who refuse to believe their skills could stand improvement don't belong in driving school (or on public roads, for that matter).Pay attention.
You should be a human sponge, absorbing all you can to make the most of your training. Being ill-prepared or unclear cuts into your fun and is a waste of your tuition.Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Most guys hate to ask for clarification and would rather nod in faux understanding, but try to resist those instincts should they tempt you. Better awareness in the classroom means you'll be faster around the track.Be responsible, but have fun!
It's not only possible, it's required. Schools have little patience for unsafe behavior, and there's always at least one guy who finds out the schools' dismissal policies are very real indeed. Don't be that one guy.higher education at high rpm
Auto enthusiasts outside the United States need not be left out in the cold when it comes to excellent racing and performance driving schools. It could even be argued they have it better, with some of the world's best organizations lying beyond American borders.Resources:
http://www.racingadventures.com/1cobra_school/about.html
http://www.thruxtonracing.co.uk/about.html
http://www.agsformule1.com/en/ags_formule1-history/ags_formule_1_historique.php
http://www.race2000.com/
http://www.thruxtonkarting.co.uk/index_new.html
http://www.silverstonerally.co.uk/SRS/html/home.html
http://www.racingschools.com/rs/Wide-Open-Baja-c-1212.html
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