Which School? Thoughts and Opinions Please

Crash · 06-12-2005, 2:26 AM

Alright so this year I turn 30. Considering I never thought I'd make it to 30, much less be married and a dad, I figured this year was the year to do a school. I'll be completed with my MBA in August and have begun a frantic search for way to spend my new free time.

I've been riding a few local tracks for the past three years when I get the chance and been racing some supermoto. But I want a proper road school and have read a few things from members about various schools.

My choices have been narrowed to:

Reg Pridmore's Class
Freddie Spencer's School (Not to fond of Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Never been but an infeild isn't too exciting. However I'm a huge fan of Fast Freddie)
Kevin Schwantz's School

Traveling to the school is not a problem, my bike is not a requirement, and I'm looking for something that's a great track experience. So I ask the collective minds here to please share some of your experiences so that I make a decision and get going on my life again. Thanks

Zeeman · 06-12-2005, 2:36 AM

Phillip Island...

Z...

Crash · 06-12-2005, 3:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeeman

Phillip Island...

Z...

Alright, maybe I should've stated that travel within the US, unless there is a pretty friggin sweet school elsewhere.... got any names?

HondaGalToo · 06-12-2005, 6:56 AM

Freddie. If I were lived remotely close to CA, that would be my choice. Trackho had great things to say. Schwantz is supposed to be good, too, but isn't he out east? Or does he travel around. I haven't taken either of these two, but I want to. I've taken Reg Pridmore's CLASS a few times, it's more street-oriented. It was awesome as my first track experience, but if you've been on a track for a few years and have raced motocross, you'll probably get more out of one of the other two.

Baketech · 06-12-2005, 8:14 AM

Of those choices I would pick the Spencer option....b

In the real world where my budget doesn't allow the Spencer option, I would take STAR. I've written a bit about it in other threads, but post #5 in this link sums up my opinions...

A lot depends on your riding skills...sounds like you may already be beyond the stage where a standard school can help, and one of the more advanced schools would be a better choice. Personally, I still get a benefit from a regular school, but I am no longer looking for speed...just need a good refresher once in awhile to keep the cobwebs out...

bwhip · 06-12-2005, 9:36 AM

If you can afford it, go with Freddie. Schwantz would probably be option #2, and STAR is an incredible alternative for a very reasonable cost.

abtech · 06-12-2005, 10:12 AM

I vote for the Schwantz school, especially if you can catch one with both Tray and Jamie in attendance. You can get as much as you want out of KSS, but you need to let them know what you are trying to achieve. Lance's narrative is excellent and the one on one attention is great. I took the three day school, but I think they only do one of those per year, so most are the two day format. The thing I liked about 3 days (although you're pretty whipped by the end of the second day) is that you have a chance to put all the new info to the test with video review of your strong/weak points. You also get to "spar" with the instructors and see just "what you got" . . .

One caveat: Although Road Atlanta is a great track in terms of variety and challenges, it isn't extremely long on runoff. I have raced there several times and it usually takes at least a full day to quit staring at all the concrete. Listen very closely when they tell you how to line up the approach to the bridge, as a brain fade there can ruin your day.

Red Rider · 06-12-2005, 11:42 AM

Since you've already been on the track before I wouldn't recommend CLASS as it's beginner group is geared towards the firsttimer. Either Schwantz or Spencer's schools will give you the level of instruction you are probably looking for.