[DWC392]

Ok here is my situation:
I want to go to another school (already been to Bargy) to learn more technical aspects and details of how to be a better racer not street rider as much. I was thinking about either Reg Pridmore's CLASS school or Jason Pridmore's STAR school. Has anyone been to either one of those or any other school that they thought was good?

[NinerPilot]

Freddie Spencer all the way

You know this, but for others who read it, I took 2 Days of CLASS and had a ball. As much instruction as one might need, but with plenty of track time. The downside in your case is that he is more into teaching street principles including tight lines, which arent always the best on the street.
Chris

[bwhip]

I've done both - one day of CLASS with Reg last year in Portland, and then two days of STAR with Jason this past March in Nevada. Both were OUTSTANDING - fun, exciting, incredibly helpful instruction.

If I HAD to choose just one, it would be STAR. CLASS was a little more street-oriented, and STAR a bit more track-focused. It kind of depends on which you think you'd prefer.

Very similar instruction methods - the group is divided into two, "A" and "B", or "Street" and "Track." You spend about 20 minutes in the "classroom" while the other group is on the track, and then you switch to the track, etc.

Another cool thing about STAR was that Jason gives "two-up" rides - with you taking a couple of laps on the back of his Gixxer 1000. Holy crap was that awesome!

I strongly encourage you to do one or the other. They will make you a much better rider, and you will have a blast!

[eeeeek]

If you're looking for serious track help, I'd stay away from CLASS. CLASS centers on street riding.

[nomad13RR]

I have not actually attended the STAR school, but know several that have and they said it was awesome. This was coming from some of the riders that help run/instruct the ridesmart trackdays in TX.

[abtech]

If you are looking for serious track instruction including video reviews of your improvement (or lack threrof) along with one on one instruction by some of the best in the business, then start saving for the Kevin Schwantz school. I highly recommend it

[DWC392]

I would love to do Kevin Schwantz's school except for the fact of having to ride a Suzuki and not learn on my own bike. I have heard that Jason Pridmore has a tendency to turn his school into an open track day and I kind of want to stay away from that. Thanks for the help.

[Baketech]

Originally Posted by DWC392

I would love to do Kevin Schwantz's school except for the fact of having to ride a Suzuki and not learn on my own bike. I have heard that Jason Pridmore has a tendency to turn his school into an open track day and I kind of want to stay away from that. Thanks for the help.

Who told you that?

I've taken Jason's school several times, and this has NEVER been the case....

[ccwilli3]

Originally Posted by Baketech

Who told you that?

I've taken Jason's school several times, and this has NEVER been the case....

He's talking about kevin's school.

[CBRBob]

Keep in mind that CLASS and STAR (CLASS moreso) really emphasizes the body and footpeg steering style over countersteering. Some of you may find that counterintuitive. It does help the bike to turn, so just keep an open mind and don't forget countersteering and most of all ENJOY YOURSELF!!!!

[Baketech]

Originally Posted by ccwilli3

He's talking about kevin's school.

Hmmm...my bad then, or maybe it needs clarified?

I have heard that Jason Pridmore has a tendency to turn his school into an open track day and I kind of want to stay away from that.

[bwhip]

Originally Posted by DWC392

...I have heard that Jason Pridmore has a tendency to turn his school into an open track day and I kind of want to stay away from that...

Absolutely not the case when I was there for two days. Tight control, very attentive instructors, definite rules on safe passing, etc.

[abtech]

No open Track at the Schwantz school either. I should point out that getting instruction on a bike other than your own is not counter productive at all. One of the things great riders have in common is their ability to go fast on just about anything. I found that several bad habits that I had acquired on my personal race bike were holding me back and riding an "unknown quantity" made me rethink several techniques I was depending on (crutches).

Bubba took the school and I don't think he would say that riding the Suzuki made him slower on his own bike . Although just about every school available today has some "fast guys" on staff, I would wager that the staff at the Schwantz school has the best mix of experienced teachers/champion racers and not a single instructor at KSS was "just another racer who can't articulate what I need to learn" (quote from another student who had been to just about every riding/racing school in the US).

An interesting note: When I went to KSS, there were at least 10 students from the UK and 3 of them were return students. According to them, they had all done Freddie's school as well as the FAST school and they claim there wasn't any comparison to what they learned at KSS.

[Baketech]

I'm repeating myself here, but I couldn't find the old thread...

If you cannot attend one of the more track oriented schools and your choice is between CLASS and STAR due to scheduling or locality, then here is my opinion. I have attended both on several occasions.

CLASS - (Reg)
A good first trackday experience. Well structured with "some" instruction between riding sessions. A lot of the instruction time gets taken away by Reg telling anecdotes...entertaining, but not overly instructional. Result, Reg is very good about putting new riders at ease, but if you are seeking instruction, you may be left wanting. The curriculum is aimed at the street rider, and is fairly low key with the emphasis on safety and fun...with a minor in skills developement.
If you are already comfortable at the track and are "on the path" you will have to take an aggressive approach to maximizing your tuition bucks. My advice, get in the Advanced group and seek out an instructor that will give you some 1 on 1 feedback and instruction.
Not criticizing...just pointing out that you are not their "core" focus, and therefore you will have to take an active role in getting what you want.

STAR - (Jason)
A good first trackday experience also, but goes a bit beyond for riders that are looking to take the next step. Also a very structured format, instruction between riding sessions. However, the instruction is very focused, usually culminating in a specific drill to work on in the next riding session. This can be very rewarding if you respond to the "learn & do" approach.
Jason has assembled a very good group of instructors that seem a bit more focused toward the track/street sport rider. Still very focused on safety, but more prepared to help you improve your speed and comfort zone.

Both are good schools for beginning riders. I would lean towards recommending Star to an intermediate rider. I can't speak for the availability of advanced level instruction, as I have no aspirations to ride at that level.

That's my 2 cents on Class & Star....YMMV....

Edit:
The Schwantz or Spencer school is on my list for next year....

[tigerblade]

I've done STAR twice (well, last time I didn't make it through the whole day before breaking my shoulder blade ) and liked it a lot. However, I paid for personal instruction from "Super Dave" Rosno this year and I think it was the best value. Dave is at most of the races and I can contact him whenever I need to for advice, etc. Got one-on-one instruction and learned a lot about suspension, positioning, etc.

[Red Rider]

Since you've already been racing, I don't think STAR or CLASS will have what you want. There are lots of racing schools listed in the back of RoadRacing World that you might want to look into. Having said that, I also know someone who attended Schwantz's program and said nothing else could compare to their level of instruction.

[bwhip]

I know that when I went through STAR in March, there were many racers of varying skill levels in the "race/track" group, including a guy named JJ who had recently finished in the top 15 at Daytona.

I've also heard great things about Freddie Spencer's school for race-oriented instruction, but it's really expensive by comparison.

[tigerblade]

Originally Posted by bwhip

I know that when I went through STAR in March, there were many racers of varying skill levels in the "race/track" group, including a guy named JJ who had recently finished in the top 15 at Daytona.

JJ Roetlin? Pink bike #940? He was at the last STAR school I did too.

[NinerPilot]

I think what DWC meant was we had a friend who was very unimpressed with STAR at Barber. He said that it pretty much turned in to Jason and his friends going out and "practicing" on the new track. This was the first STAR down there. After he filled out a comment card, Jason himself ended up getting in touch with him and I think gave him a free second day if he did another school.
Chris

[Baketech]

Bummed to hear that....my experience has been nothing but good...

[NinerPilot]

It was Darren Nixon off of the VFR list...
Chris

[Big Kahuna]

I think track school is dumb!

Just kidding...