Bridgestone Racing Academy

[AtomicPunk]

Just wondering if anyone has tried out the Bridgestone Racing Academy at Mosport? If so, what were your impressions? Was it a good value, lots of fun, etc? I'm basically lloking for a fun day and a chance to drive an open-wheel car.

Thanks for your input.

Todd

[tanney]

AWESOME. I did the two session one this summer and had a blast!!!

There were three of us and two instuctors. I had a personal instructor and if you are looking for the open wheel experience, it's worth it, expensive, but worrth it.

[northern911]

A couple years ago somebody at Solo hooked up with the guys over there and offered an amazing deal to Solo competitors for a one day feel it out thing at BFRA on the DDT. I went, and decided by the end of the day I was selling my F-body. Those cars are just amazing.
I liked it so much I was looking for a partner to buy an F2000 with and run it. Just do the one day for under $1000 and you'll be blown away.
Be warned, you'll probably want a track car of some kind after getting in a real race car.....

[Dave]

yeah, that was Preet (the Operations Manager at BRA) who hooked us Solo guys up last summer.

I was lucky enough to go this fall and it was a truly fantastic experience. The cars are very well maintained, the instructors are fantastic, and the overall experience is so high quality is just makes you want to come back for more. It ain't cheap, but it's worth every penny if you ask me!

[AtomicPunk]

Thanks for the info guys! Sounds like it would be worthwhile.

Todd

[Janny]

I did the Jim Russell School at Mt. Tremblant. Damned expensive for the 3 day adventure, but it sure was an adventure. He&^ I had a great big lump in my throat when they finally turned us loose. Historic track. Me alone in an open wheel car. Carving through "El Diablo." Watching other open wheel cars wheeling around the turns ahead of me. Hearing rain drops pelting my helmet.

Then I went off. :o

It was great. So great that I went out and bought myself a sports car. Now, after 4 years I am making the sports car ready to run more often on road courses. (Don't ask. I got side tracked) At the end of the day, I'd rather put my money into my own car so that I can get on a track more often, even if it isnt a real race car.

[Taylor]

Yup... BRA is a blast. First went when Preet hooked up us competitors. And went again later that year.. .I was supposed to go again this year for a lapping day but missed out. Will be going next year for sure. I want to break 60 seconds. :)

Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before though, you wouldn't believe how tiring 4x20 minute sessions in an open wheeled car can be. Not sure if it's the concentration or just plain stamina.

[Logan]

Originally posted by Taylor
Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before though
I have a hard enough time sleeping before a solo II due to excitement. You expect me to sleep before something like this???

[ice/solo racer]

Its ok Doug,you won't have to run against me anymore!:D

[Logan]

:P

[Nissan Racer]

Try doing a series of 20 lap races from 6:00pm til mid-night (work out the math on how many races that is, given 20 lap race is just over 10 min long and 10 min+/- between races) in a Go-Kart at Formula Kartways. It was a blast.
Part of the exhaustion is mental and part is physical, but for most people, who have not worked on mental conditioning, maintaining that level of focus for long periods of time is difficult. Solo I/II doesn't really help develop this, go lapping for an hour straight (ok maybe start at 20 min sessions) and try to stay at the limit for the whole session, see how long it takes for your focus to break down.

[ice/solo racer]

Pat my poor forearms would give out well before my brain did!:o

I went karting with my club back in the spring,it was dumb as I was in therapy for tennis elbow and when we finished my arm had a grapefruit sized lump-talk about set-backs!:D (well worth it though!)

[Nissan Racer]

Hehe...WUSS!!!!!

[haniforama]

Originally posted by Nissan Racer
see how long it takes for your focus to break down.

Or your car...

[Nissan Racer]

Hehe, well, I've run mine for long stints, at the Mazdees lapping day I was on track pretty steady from 10 am til 2:30 pm
Except for having to run for some more gas for Perry and I, I only took a couple of breaks as I was allowed to run on track with both the race car and street cars (they were running separate sessions)...lots of seat time!
...But then again I own a Nissan, I guess that helps :D