Just wondering if it was worth it to you. I have an estimated 400 runs over my few years of autoxing. I just want to be faster.

 

Yes. Absolutely. Did Evo schools when we first started, and then annually for the first few years. Highly recommend.

 

I was coached by Jinx in my first evoschool. As you know, he's a SMF guy, but still had plenty to share. Well worth it IMHO

 

If your tight on cash, and you have someone local you could benefit from and who is willing to teach you... local driving schools may work as well. I have taken time to help a few drivers who insisted on my help at a couple of these events. I was able to spend a lot more time 1 on 1 with them.

-Marc

 

I know of at least one National champion who has gone to an Evo school (Phase 1 and Phase 2 iirc) after winning their championship, finding out that they picked up a couple bad habits and then going out and winning more. I have seen a bunch of National event trophy winners come to the schools and improve their performance at big events. I am also a bit biased as I do work for them.

 

I have done a few of the full day Evo schools (phase 1, phase 2 & challenge), and like to do the Evo advantage schools and TNTs at national events. I am a nationals trophy "winner" and will be attending a phase 1 & 2 this year. Andy, do you know the instructor line-up for the Champaign schools?

I believe the schools' methodology allows for more rapid driver advancement than multiple seasons of going it alone, or getting sporadic advice from others. The schools also provide informed, second/third/fourth opinions of driving style as even experienced drivers can develop bad habits. Consequently, I think these schools are the best value for improving/maintaining one's performance; better than bolting on almost any shiny new part.

 

I will echo what others have said. I have only gone to the short pre-tour school a couple of times. First time about three years ago, (stl)Andy was my instructor and I must say he is one of the nicest people you will ever meet in the sport. At that same session was a hack named Glagola (who was just at the school shaking down his then new STR car) who took me for a few runs too. I was completely amazed by how clueless I had been driving for some five years. I learned enough to beat my local loud mouth rivals which was priceless lol.

Fast forward to this year at the Texas tour. I am a seriously burnt out never-was who has read every book, compared literally hours of video, my car is setup with the best advice from national champ driver/setup people, has arguably some of the best STR parts for these cars and still I have not been able to turn in competent times. I have come to terms with being a very mediocre driver. Decided to give the evo school another try since it had been so long. Dave Ogburn rode a few runs with me and offered five points to work on, then demonstrated them to me while I rode. I focused on just one of his suggestions during the event and otherwise felt like like I drove like crap. But I got my first national event trophy.

Priceless again.

In my case apparently there is nothing that compares to real time instruction. Not a book, not a video, not even seat time. Do the school. Get results.





BTW Glagola is no hack

 

I don't know the line up for Champaign yet. I won't be there this year, previous commitment stops me from making it. I can try to find out if anyone is interested.

 

hmmmm maybe i will try and do the phase one and two in the San Fran area this July

 

There is a good talent pool of west coast instructors to draw from. You should have a good time.