Your dad may have taught you how to drive, given you pointers or let you grind a few gears in an empty parking lot to learn to work a manual, but as professorial as his instruction was, there’s better out there (believe it or not). Around the country, ex-race car drivers and former motorcycle champions have created schools, and not just to teach students how to lower lap times or win races.
The most common motifs across all racing schools and performance driving centers are lessons in car control and vehicle dynamics in the safety of a controlled environment. Once you learn the nuances of a car or motorcycle on a track, your real-world skill improves dramatically. Reacting quickly and correctly to situations like sudden lane changes and loss of traction on black ice or due to hydroplaning becomes second nature.
But, if Pops is adamant that he doesn’t need to go back to school for something he thinks he’s already the best at, hide your intention behind the allure of driving fast cars around a race track. Chances are he’ll learn more than a thing or two by accident. And these are the best schools in the country to help add to his already superior skill set.
Allen Berg Racing School
Best Beginner Open-Wheel School: Open-wheeled cars may seem alien, but since they’re made of only the bare essentials of a car, learning to drive one well can directly translate to driving almost anything with four wheels. The cars at ABRS are approachable enough for anyone to hop in and do a couple laps. Add to the mix Allen Berg’s F1 experience, and tracks like Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and NOLA Motorsports Park, and you can bet any dad will come away a better driver. It’s also the only school in the country with a V10 Benetton F1 car available to drive — if you think your pops can handle that.
Recommended Program: Formula Car 3-Day $6,595
Famous Alumni: Allen Berg ex-F1 Driver
