Affordable Racing School in California on January 12-13

[SkiFree]

On January 12-13th, the Vintage Auto Racing Association (VARA) is having their annual racing/performance driving school. It's held at the race track in Buttonwillow, California, which is on Interstate-5, part-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco. (VARA is the non-profit racing organization which Jeff Ireland, myself and a few others with 2002's race with here in Southern California.)

Pretty cool benefits: Ireland Engineering will offer a 10% discount* on orders for the next 90 days to anyone who registers and attends the school (*most items). Additionally, Ronin Autowerks in Fullerton, CA will offer a 20% discount coupon for BMW service to those who attend (up to $100 - contact them, ask Matt for details).

A flyer with VARA contact info is below. You can also contact Jeff at IE or Ken Blasko (ken@vintagebmwracing.com) via email for more information.

[!kid]

I hate working weekends. :(

[BlackbirdM3]

Absolutely a fantastic school. I did it in 2011 with my Datsun. I'd do it again just for fun. You can't beat the price either. Typically small groups with some good variation in cars. My group (the ones looking to get the race licence) had myself in the datsun, a couple formula Vs (slow as all get out) a couple Toyota Celebrity challenge Celicas a Volvo Amazon and a 1600 Datsun roadster.

The "Final" is 5 or 7 one lap full grid races. You have a pace car, and you are all lined up 2X2 just like the real deal. The green flag flies and you have one lap with open passing. I managed to win all but the two races where I was either on the last row or almost the last row (I think we had 27 cars on the grid.) Those two I think I was 5 and 7th or something. The final race was pretty sweet. The two Datsuns were front row, the 1600 on pole, my 2 liter on the outside. Green flag came out and I was gone. A Porsche 2.7 RS made a run up the inside but I beat him to the first corner, closed the door from the outside and was about 1/3 of a lap up on 2nd place (the 2.7RS)

The VARA guys are great.

Will