Anyone going?

Completed day one (of two) today. I'm wiped. The day was characterized by intense, informative class sessions followed immediately by on-the-track application.

Track sessions included:

Track ettiquete and basics (flags, pitting, etc.)
3 wide lapping
Passing drills
Track walking
Starts/restarts

The final excercise was outstanding. I'm pleased to report that I feel I held my own against some really good drivers and some radical cars. On the straights, I walked away from everything but a z06, a heavily breathed on WRX STI, and a blistering fast turbo 350z. The V710s were a blessing, but I did get outbraked on nearly every turn (original, stock pads with 8k miles on them.)

Day two is March 5. Can't wait!

Unsuprisingly, not much interest in my inexperienced ramblings.

However, I've started this thread, and I'll finish it in the event someone comes along later wondering about NASA's competition school.

Saturday is day two. If I get some time tomorrow night, I'll post up the itinerary. Otherwise, after the event, I'll post my impressions and experiences, and sum the course up as best I can.

where is this?

Hi Fred. It's being held at Moroso.

Last Saturday was day 2 of the Comp School. Been busier than a one-armed paper hanger, and haven't had the time to write it up.

This day was set up as a "race day", to give us the experience of attending driver's meetings, practice sessions, qualifying sessions and an actual race. Interspersed with the track time were valuable classroom sessions which provided us with a great deal of interaction with experienced racers. Lot's of war stories and immediate feedback on what we were doing.

As this past weekend kicked off NASA Florida Region's race season, there were some pretty fast cars there competing for points, including a couple of very fast Porsche GT3s, a race-prepped Viper, a couple of race-prepped 'Vettes (including a GMGoodwrench sponsored car that didn't run until Sunday).

Two cars were running in the AI division, both fox body Mustangs. One is set up nicely as an AI car. The other was supercharged and, at 490rwhp, was running AIX. The owner of that car, Patrick, took the comp course with me, is the head tech guy for NASA Fla, and is a very cool guy. For a Mustang driver. Unfortunately, both Mustangs broke early in the race, so we didn't get to see much AI action.

My driving skills on the track improved exponentially in just two days. Not only did I become more comfortable with the environment, but I began to get a feel for how the 4th gen Fbody handles and responds on the track. I will take this course again at the very next opportunity. At $500 for two days, I consider it to be a raging bargain.

I didn't get to compete in the race, as to do so, one needed a race car with a cage, fire supression, etc. My car is still without a motor. I did, however, get my certificate of completion and, once my car is ready (June?) I'll get my NASA provisional license. Just as well. In the interim, I'll be logging as much seat time as I can.

Finally, I had the opportunity to get to know quite a few guys involved in NASA Fla, including the AI "leader" (I think that's what they're called). NASA FL seems pretty serious about getting a strong AI turnout this year.