Racing Class

[Santa Fe Dreamin']

After reading lots of postings, I can see some of you have taken the local "racing classes" at some of the Southern CA race tracks. OK, how about those who have not and are interested in doing it this summer/fall?

Is there any interest in getting a group together for one of these one or two day courses?

From those who have taken one or more of these classes, and comments on the top ones? B) h34r: :clapping: :yahoo:

 

[Toecutter]

OK, how about those who have not and are interested in doing it this summer/fall?
Is there any interest in getting a group together for one of these one or two day courses?

I've taken Lee Parks' clinic, and it was a good start, but I'd be interested in a fall class (cooler weather fall, not crashing fall).

 

[Ari Rankum]

Reg Pridmore's CLASS School looks pretty good. I've heard good reviews of the California Superbike School as well.

 

[Mark G]

I've done Reg's CLASS, and Freddie Spencer's school in Vegas, and several track-day schools.

Lots of guys will swear by Reg's teaching and techniques, and Laguna Seca's a heck of a place to ride. My experience was, well, barely adequate. He has LOTS of repeat "students", who seem to be there for a track day experience. His instructors are all very accomplished, very fast riders. The intent is to get some individual on-track assistance. I had to track "my" guy down between sessions twice and ask for guidance, and frankly, it didn't help. Classes are quite large, which I see as a detriment.

Freddie's classes are limited to something like 21 students. Guys like Nick Ienatsch and Freddie are the instructors. Jason DiSalvo may be there, practicing; if so, he'll also pitch in with instruction. You definitely get on-track advice and instruction. I'd go back in a heartbeat. In fact, I probably will. Freddie provides everything, including bikes (CBR600RRs). He's apparently going to run schools at the new Miller track in Utah during the summer. Hey: if Freddie's school is good enough for Nicky Hayden, it's definitely good enough for us mortals.

Track Day schools vary immensely. I've done one that approached Freddie's school, and one that was far worse than my Pridmore experience.

Here's a rather longer description of my experience in Vegas, from another forum, right after I attended the school last year. https://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3478

 

[Ari Rankum]

I've done Reg's CLASS, and Freddie Spencer's school in Vegas, and several track-day schools.

Freddie's classes are limited to something like 21 students. Guys like Nick Ienatsch and Freddie are the instructors. Jason DiSalvo may be there, practicing; if so, he'll also pitch in with instruction. You definitely get on-track advice and instruction. I'd go back in a heartbeat. In fact, I probably will. Freddie provides everything, including bikes (CBR600RRs). He's apparently going to run schools at the new Miller track in Utah during the summer. Hey: if Freddie's school is good enough for Nicky Hayden, it's definitely good enough for us mortals.

Freddie Spencer. That was the name. One of the instructors in the Total Control class, an instructor with multiple racing licenses, btw, recommended Freddie Spencer's course most highly. Thanks for mentioning it.

Here's a rather longer description of my experience in Vegas, from another forum, right after I attended the school last year. https://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3478

Wow! Great write up. That's quite the review. I checked out Freddie's website - it looks like a lot of fun. It also looks like a lot of bread. Man, I'm sorely tempted to sign up for the 3 day class. Must....step....away....from...keyboard. Must...save....checking...account.

 

[dgfella]

The guys I ride with all have 15+ years, with real track or competition experience. All of them tell me that California Superbike is the best, i.e. Keith Code. I'm booked for August, I'll let you know.

dgfella

 

[fjrchooser]

Super write up Mark! Las Vegas, Reno,WFO hmmm, so close yet so far... Might be a good compromise for next years non-motorcycle vacation wifey was talking about last night :lol:

 

[wallypiper]

I did CLASS (pridmore) at VIR and I agree with the "track day" statement. Very little real instruction was offered unless you specifically sought out an instructor and asked for help or if you looked totally incompetent. The fast group was very fast - I would say don't go there unless you are in the top half of NESBA's intermediate group. The slower group has a very wide range of speed and skill. So, all in all, a lot like a track day with Reg and his friends offering a few tidbits of riding advice.

I did Superbike School (code) two days in a row at Barber. Much much much more actual instruction and on track learning. Got feedback from instructors after every session. Also, they always were willing to work with you on whatever you wanted help with especially on the second day (Level 2 for me) which is not as specifically structured in terms of what you do on the track. Its more about mental stuff than Level 1, which is almost all about mechanical technique. I highly recommend California Superbike School.

As for CLASS, even some of the participants told me that they do it repeatedly because they consider it a safe track day more than a school since the cost and supervision keeps a lot of the wannabe racers that sometimes spoil other track days away.

 

[Reaper]

Thanks for the write-up wallypiper. I took the Pridmore track day and was really disapointed with the instruction asspect. Felt like I'd be ripped off.