Physical requirements for a 3 day racing school

[Gerardo]

The steering will feel lighter than street cars at first (lower speeds). Once you get some time in the car and increase the speeds, the steering will get a little heavier. But in the world of non-assisted race steering systems, the Skip Barber car is one of the lightest.

Race steering systems don't get really ridiculous until you get into some downforce, like a Pro Mazda or Atlantic car.

[Dakar]

Originally Posted by Gerardo

The steering will feel lighter than street cars at first (lower speeds). Once you get some time in the car and increase the speeds, the steering will get a little heavier. But in the world of non-assisted race steering systems, the Skip Barber car is one of the lightest.

Race steering systems don't get really ridiculous until you get into some downforce, like a Pro Mazda or Atlantic car.

Thanks Gerardo. Seems like I don't have much to worry about.

So based on what I'm looking to accomplish, getting faster and with more car control at my local HPDE, do you think I'm headed in the right direction by taking the 3 day racing course?

[Dakar]

Its been a few weeks since I last posted. Tonight or tomorrow I'm calling Skip Barber and placing my order for the 3 day racing school at the end of the month.

As I said before, I want to do the course to learn as much as possible about road racing, but specifically for use at my local HPDE. I've asked a few different amateur racers about Skip Barber, and I get mixed opinions. A couple of them have told me that learning in a formula car won't translate to my street car. However, another racer friend of mine praises the Skip Barber formula school, and guarantees that I'll be able to transfer the skills. He says the Miata school will be boring compared to F car. Do you guys think I''ll be quicker/smoother with my street car after the 3 day formula course? Or am I just wasting time and money?

My goal is to soak up as much knowledge as possible. I plan on doing the 3 day modified Sebring course. Hopefully I'll get great instructors. I also want to have fun, but I'm not taking the course to have just have fun or to try something new. I want to learn and improve my road course driving skills.

Appreciate your comments!

[dalyduo]

You'll learn more from the formula school and what you learn will be more easily transferrable to any kind of car you drive. The formula cars are pure rear engine race cars that give more direct responses to input than the MX-5's. In terms of car control and vehicle dynamics you'll be better served by the formula car. When you learn to manage the rear engine formula car well you'll be able to get into almost any other kind of car and do well. The MX-5's are good but they're functionally street cars with ABS brakes and body lean. If you want the most value and benefit from your time. Do your 3-day in the formula car.

[sydude]

DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, THE MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ARE WHAT COUNT

(Sid just dropped on my shoulder and told me to post that)

[Dakar]

Originally Posted by sydude

DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, THE MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ARE WHAT COUNT

(Sid just dropped on my shoulder and told me to post that)

Very true. I'll go in with a mind ready to absorb and learn everything that's taught.

[Dakar]

Thanks for the help guys. FYI. Just signed up for a 3 day race school in Sebring's Modified course.Can't wait.. I'll be sure to give you my feedback when I get back. Now I need to go out and buy some racing gloves, elbow pads, knee pads, and possibly some racing shoes (or maybe I can get away with using my minimalist style running shoes).

[Dakar]

Originally Posted by dalyduo

You'll learn more from the formula school and what you learn will be more easily transferrable to any kind of car you drive. The formula cars are pure rear engine race cars that give more direct responses to input than the MX-5's. In terms of car control and vehicle dynamics you'll be better served by the formula car. When you learn to manage the rear engine formula car well you'll be able to get into almost any other kind of car and do well. The MX-5's are good but they're functionally street cars with ABS brakes and body lean. If you want the most value and benefit from your time. Do your 3-day in the formula car.

Thanks for the reply. I guess that confirms it for me. I'll sign up for the 3 day course. I also found this older thread where most people recommended doing the 3 day course.

http://www.teamjuicyracing.com/forum...ead.php?t=2637

Thanks again!