Of the track schools/HPDEs etc that run at VIR, which are the best for beginners? I guess this would include Car Guys, NASA HPDE, Tarheel BMW, etc.

Also, how do the costs compare?

 

I've instructed with NASA, Carguys, Mazdadrivers and Audi club - the costs are similar (carguys is more, but more seat time) and you really cant go wrong with any of them.

 

What's the average two-day cost?

 

$300ish

 

THSCC http://www.thscc.com runs a great track program also.

 

Thanks guys....I've been watching from the corner stations long enough...time to get out and play.

It always seems like NASA, Car Guys and Tarheel BMW run a pretty good event. Can't remember if I have ever worked a THSCC.

 

Tarheel BMW does (historically) the no-brake, one-gear sessions (and has in the past done slalom and threshold braking exercises in their first two groups). Might be exactly what you want, might seem too hand-holdy. I don't think any other group does this as rigidly as Tarheel BMW but if you are concerned, might want to check w/ their folks and see how many sessions will be taken up by such exercises.

Both Mazda Club and Nasa are very fun as students - never was a student w/ the others mentioned (but big thumbs up for THSCC/Triangle Z Car Club - not to be confused w/ Tarheel BMW).

 

FWIW, Audi club usually does exercises on the skid pad or somewhere else for the first half of the first day for the first timers.

 

I've been a student, racer, and instructor with NASA and really like the direction they took their program. Of course, some of their strengths can also be weaknesses at times (lots of stuff going on = packed schedule = not much room for clean-up or weather delays).

I've heard nothing but praise for CarGuys, with the only complaint being the extra cost (which, as RJ pointed out usually gets you a bit more track time for the weekend).

Marque clubs can be hit or miss. Some run events regularly enough that they have a good system. Others aren't so great.

 

I have to give Tarheel BMW Club high marks for their HPDE, especially for novices.
After your first 2-3 events, just get the seat time wherever you can. NASA, Car Guys, BMW Club, Porsche Club, etc all run very good events.