It is really great to see a lot of WRX owners spend time and money on engine and apperance modifications. I for one would like to spend a bundle on my car but for now I would rather immerse myself on polishing my driving skills by enrolling on Skip Barbers car control clinics and advanced racing school. This way I could have a better understanding on what my nice piece of equipment is capable of. I say this because I have been reading post regarding accidents and missteps of some WRX owners which I believe someday will cause all of us to pay higher insurance premiums. Some incidents might have been really unnecessary if only those involved are matured enough to understand that a lighted shift knob or a three foot rear spoiler does not make you the next Schumacher. But then isn't it to each his own?

Godspeed to All!

As a graduate of the Skip Barber School, I can tell you for sure that you will be a better, faster, more in-control and safer driver than if you didn't take the course. After the course, you will be amazed at what you can do with the stock WRX—and that includes driving circles around most of the hot-shots who have modded their cars but don't have the driving skills to get the most (or even anything) out of the money they've spent.

Just do it!

How are the schools set up?
Do you use just there cars? You own car ever?

I'm a Skip Barber Racing School graduate.

There are two main programs. There is the Racing School, which is dedicated to teaching true auto racing skills. This is done in Formula Dodge cars. There are a series of courses in the Racing School which result in a racing license.

Skip Barber also offers a Driving School. Totally different than the Racing School. This is more about performance driving and car control skills (street cars). They use a variety of cars culminating, if memory serves, with a Dodge Viper.

Go to: www.skipbarber.com for more details.

Oh... also... save your money... it ain't cheap! :) But, it is WELL worth it.

Mike

But if you *are* cheap like me, you should know about this one:

http://www.nasaproracing.com/typ_html_nav.asp?ObjectID=6098

NASA is like a competitor to SCCA, same type of thing. This link tells you about their "high performance driving events" where a seasoned driving instructor sits with you in your own car and teaches you to go fast around famous race tracks. There's regional info somewhere on NASA's site too. For Northern California it's:

http://www.nasaproracing.com/typ_html_nav.asp?ObjectID=6121

I haven't gone yet but my buddy took his Porsche 944 and said he learned a lot and had a really good time to boot. It cost him like $180 for a day's worth.

Have at you then!

- brew