If you’re a regular reader of Modified, chances are you know how to drive. It’s not very difficult for anyone over the age of 16 to hop in a car and drive down to the bookstore to pick up some new reading material, but that kind of driving isn’t what this story is about. The problem many people face when trying to drive fast is learning how to maintain control of a car under high-performance driving situations. Even though you may think your EVO X is the greatest canyon-carving tool in the world (not saying it isn’t), the likely reality is that you’re not going as fast or staying as safe as you could be if given the proper instruction. We’ve compiled a list of some of the premier driving schools in the U.S. and Canada, each of which caters to a wide variety of skill levels and driving styles. From rally, to road race, novice driver, to ace (and everything in between), these schools can help anyone improve their skills (and stay safer), which ultimately leads to a more rewarding experience behind the wheel.
Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving
Firebird International Raceway: Chandler, AZ
Founded in 1990, the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving caters to the needs of many different types of drivers. Located next to Firebird International Raceway in Chandler, AZ, Bondurant is a full-service school experience, offering students the chance to drive on its 15-turn road course, as well as the other track configurations at Firebird for various types of racing and high-performance driving scenarios. Bondurant is fully equipped with more than 200 cars — from Corvettes to open-wheel, formula-style cars — all of which have been specially designed for Bondurant’s various classes and programs. Instructors at Bondurant are all highly trained and provide in-depth, one-on-one analysis for students to help improve driving skills across the board. Bondurant also offers a program for drivers looking to earn a SCCA regional license to go racing on their own.
bondurant.com
Bridgestone Racing Academy
Mosport International Raceway: Toronto
Located at the famed Mosport International Raceway, Bridgestone Racing Academy gives students the chance to learn racing skills from some of the best instructors the industry has to offer. With several programs to chose from, using a one-seat, open-wheel, formula-style race car, Bridgestone has something for just about everyone — from the novice, to ace driver, Bridgestone has your bases covered. Another interesting training program offered at Bridgestone is the Mechanic’s Racing training program, where students get to immerse themselves with a real race team for four or eight months to experience what it’s like to maintain, repair and work in the hot pits for a racing team.
race2000.com
Simraceway Lancer Evolution Experience
Infineon Raceway: Sonoma, CA
The Lancer Evolution Experience from simraceway provides a unique opportunity for students to drive hard and fast in one of the most well-respected performance cars in production today: the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X. With two tiers of classes, students in the first level will learn basic car-control skills, gradually push the limits of the car (with help from skilled instructors) and eventually tackle the daunting 12-turn track layout of Infineon Raceway. Students in level two build off the skills learned in the first course and begin learning more advanced techniques geared toward time attack driving.
simraceway.com/pdc