Miata Mailing List: August 1992, Message #21
sponsored by



     


   From: (none)
Subject: Re:  Miata Driver's School of America
   Date: (none)


>A press release from the Miata Driver's School of America just crossed my
>desk.  This school claims to teach miata drivers how to get th most out
>of their Miatas.  The class is tought on various race tracks around the
>country, and sounds interesting.  The credentials of the instructors are
>great, with several former Skip Barber and Jim Russell instructors.  The
>price is $245-285, depending on location.  Has anyone tried one of these
>schools?  Impressions?  Complaints?  Was it worth it?  etc.  I'm just
>curious.  If anyone else wants more information, the address in the PR is
>Miata Drivers School

I just returned last night from the class at Putman Raceway
(outside of Indy).  It was a marvelous experience.
The classroom lecture was very good, (typical driving dynamics,
and how to take a turn).

There were only 15 students this weekend, so there was a lot of track time.
They had strategically placed little pylons around the track to show you
where to turn into each corner, where the apexes are, and where you should
expect to be as you exit each corner.  It made driving the proper line
very easy, and made the drive more enjoyable, and safer too.

There were cars of varying levels of tune, (from autocrossing tires, to
slight engine work, rollbars etc.).  And it was obvious that the students
had different levels of experience.  All of these were handled very well
by the instructors.  The instructors were Randy Simpson, Steve Wiley, and
Hank (unfortunately I can't remember Hank's last name).  Hank is the one
who was with Skip Barber, and Jim Russell.  (With more students they would
have more instructors.)

They mentioned frequently, that this is a high performance driving school
and not a racing school.  (I finally decided that this means, you learn to
handle the car at speed, but not learn things like how to drive in traffic.)
For the higher speed sessions, (there was a speed limit of 70mph), all of the
cars were spaced apart, and passing was only allowed along the main straight.

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and all agreed that it was definitely
worth the price of admission.  Having only 15 students made it nice for us,
but I do not see how they can make money that way.  Hopefully (for the
Miata school owners), future classes will be larger.

The overall mood was to enjoy learning how to drive fast (and safely), not
competition.  I recommend it for all Miata owners.

Tom Tkacik
tkacik@hobbes.cs.gmr.com