I was wondering if anyone offers an Auto-X school in California? Preferably Northern CA. Although PCA will let me run at their events, they won't let me attend the school in the S2K. So I can either sign up for the class using a friend's Carrera 2S or find someone else offering a course.

 

I'd like to know about that, too. Does SCCA?

 

Various SCCA regions will usually put on a school or 2 per year. But the best idea is to save up your $$$ and find or organize an Evolution Autocross School in your area. We usually have them in LA twice a year or more. $225-250 per phase (day)

 

Yeah, I was interested in the Evolution Schools but didn't realize they have them on the west coast. Looks like they will be in LA in July and December if anyone is interested.

July 10/11 Los Angeles Area
Phase1 Phase2 Robert Puertas 949-653-5807

December 4/5 California Motorspeedway
Phase1 Phase2 Robert Puertas 949-653-5807

The cost isn't much of an issue since it's comparative to a track day. My SCCA chapter hasn't offered any schools since I have been a member and their 05 Calendar isn't out yet.

 

That's the 2004 schedule. 2005 is TBD. Robert Puertas will likely be the one organizing them, so feel free to email him and ask to be put on the mailing list.

 

That's strange, it says 2005 Calendar at the top. I will contact him though, thanks.

 

best place to put your money on a school would be bondurant. plain and simple, if youve never raced before you will learn alot. it is a bit pricey but well worth the money.

 

Bondurant might have a good school (I personally wasn't too impressed with what miniscule amount I saw from the lot next-door), but it isn't going to teach you any autocross specific skills.

 

Having taken Bondurant and Evolution - go with Evolution. Bondurant is more oriented toward performance driving skills, but not auto-x specific. I would say Bondurant would be a good choice for doing track days more than for auto-xing, whereas Evolution is specific to auto-xing.

Bondurant spent a lot of time with lane change maneuvers, and skid control, and heel-toe shifting. Evolution was more focused on line, looking, thinking, placement, etc.

 

The San Francisco Region of the SCCA usually puts on a novice autocross school in April. They sometimes have another one a few months later. Membership in the SCCA is required to run their events, including the schools. Demand is high and space is limited, so it pays to keep an eye on their web page and/or go to the events and listen for announcements at the drivers' meetings.

You can often find someone to ride with you at regular events and give you pointers. There is a lot of talent in the region.