Simraceway Performance Driving Center

Took my daughter to participate in the Safe Driving Course today. The teachers and crew were fantastic. It was pouring rain and they still put the students through all the moves. Car Slides, High Speed Lane Changes, Full Speed Stops/​Braking/​Recovery, Slalom Road Course and more. I would definitely recommend this class for everyone. I’d like to take it myself someday. Special Thanks to Brian, Alex, Greg and all the pit crew.

I attended the Half day Formula 3 experience, it was so awesome! Comparing to other formula racing schools like Skip Barber, Simraceway has better track/​indoor facility, better race cars (Lola FJR-​50), better instructors, better mechanics, better everything. Although the price is higher, but when you sit in the cockpit, you know it worth the price. I booked the F3 stage 1 program right after the half day experience. I also recommend it to all my friends who are interested in formula racing!

I went on a Sunday where I supposedly encountered a black swan event where they «have never been swamped with so many people!». I’m not sure if it’s the truth or of they’re just trying to make excuses, but all of this could have been avoided if they just allowed reservations for kart rentals.
This place is seriously understaffed and disorganized. There’s a lack of communication to customers as well as internally between employees. My friend called multiple times the week before going to make sure there would be availability — after giving them our three drivers’ height and weights and what we wanted to rent, we thought we could just show up and the karts would be ready for an afternoon of karting.
So we arrive right before noon as they were closing for lunch (which confused at least 3 other parties arriving at closed doors as there were no signs saying they close for lunch whatsoever), and are quickly told by staff that there’s only 2 spots open in the upcoming session — we would only be able to get on track at the same time at 2:45p. We were a little disappointed but since we drove an hour and a half getting there, we figured we’d go for what we can get.
The next session comes, and they randomly changed their own schedule due to a miscommunication between staff, pushing the rentals’ session back 30 min. The group that was supposed to go on during that time could not stay that long, so they were forced to leave early since no one told them. Bad for them, but good for us! 4 slots have suddenly opened up! We get the safety briefing, put their tattered rental suits, and wait our turn (Did I mention the abysmal selection of rental racing suits — only one size M and no L available? Seriously? Everyone for the rest of the day is supposed to fit in XS or XL?).
We finally get one session in after waiting an hour and a half and are looking forward to our next session… only to be told they booked the remainder of the day to some people who arrived while we were out on track. I suppose it’s partially our fault as we assumed we’d get more sessions since the later ones seemed wide open, but did they really expect us to drive 15 minutes and leave?
And that is the story of how we drove 3 hours that day for 15 min of karting. Why don’t they take reservations? I’m sure people would pay in advance for a guaranteed spot. Why isn’t there a clear daily schedule? Why are there only two staff for the ~30 people that were there?
Lessons learned: if you still want to try karting here with their rentals, show up as soon as they open, and immediately pay for all the sessions you want to do for the day.

I just attended Performance Driving Stage 1. What an incredible learning experience! I can’t believe how much I learned about both driving techniques and my car. The day starts with about an hour-​long classroom session on the physics and physiology of driving. Sounds boring, but it WASN’T. And the concepts that were covered came «alive» in the paddock area where we had a chance to experience a «real, 180 degree» turn with nothing to hit but a bunch of cones. We went on to a cone exercise thru «S’s» and then a dozen or so runs thru an auto-​cross course… all under the close direction and coaching (via radio) with the instructor team. We then had 2: 25 min. runs on the Sonoma Raceway course. This was also carefully supervised with a «lead-​follow» format and again, radio communications and detailed coaching of the line, braking and turn-​in points, references, etc. The first round was for familiarization, the second round included some speed.
The quality of instruction (Jeff Sakowicz, Chief Instructor) and focus on safety was fantastic. This was one of those «First Life Experiences» that I’ll never forget! I’m signing up for Stage 2!

This is a review of the «Techniques of Karting» class on May 31, 2015.
This class was essentially the same as the «Introduction to Karting» half day class except there are two more 15 min. driving sessions after lunch (they ran the classes together). That alone was the first bad sign. I thought I was going to the next level of karting instruction, but instead I mainly attended a 12 year old birthday party.
If you are looking for personal feedback or insightful instruction forget it.
The «class» is five driving sessions (which you can pay $ 40/​session w/​out instruction). Save the $ 295 because you do not get anything close to that value in instruction. The only comment I received in all five sessions was (as I was getting in my kart for the last session («look further down the track»). That was $ 295 of «instruction».
What’s more, the staff (notably the staff that maintains the equipment) can be impatient if not rude. My particular kart would stall easily before warming up. The tech (Nick I believe his name was) got into my face and said in a slow (as if I am a moron) manner «KEEP — IT — RUNNING». Clearly pissed off and in no way treated me as a paying customer. No kidding Nick, sorry you had to do your job and help out the customers. At the end, our «instructor» suggested we all personally thank Nick for his hard work! Right after he thanks me for mine.
Yes, the karting is fun and this is a good track, just don’t waste too much money on their instruction because it is not run professionally. Use your money to run the karts and get laps in, follow fast guys and use the internet for tips. Don’t waste it on faux instruction.

I want to thank everyone at Simraceway, attended performance driving stage 2 with to really good friends, I highly recommend them to anyone that has interest in High Performance driving, I am sorry I can’t remember all there names Andrew was great really time to answer all questions asked by the students, I have participated in organizations that put on High Performance driving, I learned a lot more from Simraceway instructors in the past I have always had problems going into turn 4
by turning in early, after all the instructions sessions n the class room, I must also say on our first two sessions with lead follow, first I went out with Dave, watching how I entered the corners was very helpful, second lead follow was with Andrew, they both advised me on the track. entering and exiting the corners, after lunch we had two open lap sessions, I applied everything I learned from the them, I felt so much better, going into turn 4 at the right time in both sessions. Again I would highly recommend any of there programs, I always walk away learning something new. I also want to say thank you to Tim in sales
Thank you all Gene

DON’T WASTE YOUR MONEY!
We spent $ 700 for our son to attend their Teen Driving School only to find out at DMV this morning when our son went to get his Drivers License that they are not accredited for DMV. So the hours went only towards the 60 hours drive time required but not towards the 6 hours required by a Driving Instructor. Now we have to pay for another Driving School and he can’t get his license today. What a rip-​off.

Adrenaline is my drug of choice and the instructors and track at Simraceway are my suppliers. This past summer I took part in the 3 day Formula 3 Racing School. The word awesome is used so frequently to describe things and moments in life that the words true meaning gets diluted. Awesome is not the latte that you had from Starbucks. Awesome is getting behind the wheel of a Lola F3 with a power to weight ratio that makes a Bugatti Veyron feel like a Yugo. The performance of the Lola is breathtaking and the ability to pull 3 G’s in a corner will get your heart racing faster than the car.
Instruction comes from world class professionals who are passionate about your experience and success. You’ll be challenged, pushed and motivated to do your best in advancing skill and technique. The entire staff from pit crew and mechanics ensure that safety is #1 priority.
Words fail to describe the joy and exhilaration of mind and spirit of this experience. Money well spent and an incredible value that will get me back for further training next spring. The only downside is the mild depression that you may feel a few days after as you’re jonesing for another fix from Simraceway.

Today was my first track day experience in my own car. Every step of the level 1 driving school exceeded my expectations. I will be back again and again. Very well run and a staff that is approachable and interested in the client’s. Well done on every level.

Half day in a formula 3 car — what a blast! The cars performed flawlessly, the instructors were top-​notch, helping me understand what was different about these cars and leading laps to help us find the line and get outside our comfort zone, but safely. A terrific experience — not sure i can think of any way it could have been better!

I enrolled my 17 year old daughter in the Highway Safety all-​day class. She came away much impressed by what she learned and increased driving skill-​set. Prior to enrolling I had many questions pertaining to class content and ‘hands-​on’ aspect. All inquiries were professionally answered to my satisfaction. The class exceeded my expectation. I view this class as great long-​term value. If, in her driving lifetime, she avoids one accident due to skills acquired at this class, the relative cost of the class becomes insignificant. This type of class should be mandatory for all drivers

This is a world class karting track with very well accomplished and professional race drivers who love what they do and are excellent coaches and instructors. The race karts are high performance and well maintained. The sprint karts weigh about 100 lbs., have approx. 35hp and will blow your sox off if you’re a first timer. For the younger and less aggressive, they offer the GP karts with approx. 5hp. Either way, it’s one of most thrilling experiences you’ll ever have and it’s very safe if you follow the rules. You will come away a much better and safer driver with a thirst for more track time!

Signed up for the Performance Driving Program — Stage 1, and definitely going back for more.
For first timers, go to the Audi building, it’s the red one on the hill. You will notice it’s like a dealer showroom, but with better amenities to get your racing spirits pumping. They provide the helmet so you don’t have to buy one.
Driving exercises are designed to simulate the corners and accelerations that you will eventually end up doing on the track. It’s a well designed session to take you from controlled driving exercises, to more accelerated version on the track, plus you will not feel like you are going to spin out of control and ruin your car on the track. You will get the most from the track experience this way, than going to the track directly and not knowing how to get the fastest run out of it.
For me the exercises were a humbling experience, as I thought I knew how to take corners aggressively but was clearly wrong as I ended up fish tailing on one exercise, sigh, but at least no fish tailing on the track, phew, and still going fast.
The format is the best opportunity to really take your sports car, modified car or daily driver car and just step on it without having to worry about getting a ticket.
Shared the experience with guys from my work, and we are all going there as a group. $ 495 to get a day’s worth of instruction from an experience race track instructor, and an opportunity to open up the throttle without having to look at your rear view mirror for cops or bad drivers.
Just fill up your gas tank before you go there, I ended up using a half a tank of gas for the entire session, and enjoy flooring the gas pedal.

Just completed a 2 day basic course on the Lola formula 3 cars. GREAT experience! Nico & Jeff were great coaches and pushed us to develop our driving skills. Not really a car guy but this experience has me rethinking… would definitely come back!

The most advanced school cars in the world! Fantastic customer service.

Had a BLAST @ the Evo Class.
Thanks to the 2 Jeffs, Andrew, and Nico who are professional and patient.
Curriculum is useful, tight, and well delivered.
Track time is loads of fun.
This course is a MUST for prospective and current Evo owners.
Totally concur with the review of David M.

Evo Class Is Worth the Trip.
Came here for the Lancer Evolution Basic Class on a Friday in May and it beat my expectations. Though the class is not cheap, it is far less than the cost of a Skip Barber one day class — I’m guessing the fact that Jim Russell does not advertise as much has something to do with the lower price. I had done a Skip Barber class a couple years ago and was really impressed and learned a great deal about vehicle dynamics and it improved my daily driving.
We began the morning with a little classroom instruction and then wasted no time in getting in the cars and pushing them. Over the course of the day, we did the skidpad, vehicle balance (drifting in my book), drove Infineon Raceway twice (morning and afternoon), and raced in a mini-​course.
The instructors are all professionals and very knowledgable. All of the instructors were friendly, but some just made it more fun — actually just one guy seemed like he would have rather been elsewhere. We were encouraged to use all the gas in the cars and all the tire tread we could that day.
Learning about the dynamics of an AWD car like the Evo is also helpful. Most of the stuff was taking these cars close to the limits, which we’ll never do in daily traffic but it is very good to know just how much these cars can take.
Some of the students in my class came from Chicago, Washington State, and Connecticut. The class is worth it and I look forward to taking my brother here for his birthday, one of these days.

Spent a lot of money for my 19 year old son to advance his highway driving skills. This was sold as an opportunity to practice high speed lane changes, develop skills to come out of spins and driving instruction by race car drivers. Well as my very disappointed son said sarcastically, «Great day spent with 15 year olds in drivers ed, thanks mom».
I did ask a lot of questions about this program prior to buying this Christmas gift. It sounded like a wonderful exciting experience for anyone and especially for young men (19 – 20) who need the skills to support their less than cautious driving.

I came here for the Lancer Evolution Driving Experience, which is a 1-​day high performance driving course using the Lancer Evolution X. The price was steep ($ 900 with discount), but for a car enthusiast like me who owns an Evo X, it is worth every penny!!!
Paul Gerrard, who is the driver for AMS/​NOS Time Attack Evo X, is the lead instructor and I was fortunate enough to have him in my group. The other instructors are great as well, and I found it beneficial to take advice from different drivers, as they all point out subtly different aspects of my driving to improve on. I would rate my driving level at «amateur» so I’m not sure how much an experienced driver can get out of this, but I have certainly learned a lot about performance driving, in theory, technique, as well as philosophy.
Infineon Raceway, situated in Sonoma, is one of the most beautiful tracks in the US. For those of you who are used to driving on tracks seemingly in the middle of a dessert, you will be blown away by the spectacle. This is a great program hosted at a great track by an amazing team of instructors. If you are an Evo driver, you owe it to yourself and your car to go through this program. If you are a car enthusiast, seriously consider enrolling in a driving school as it will be an eye-​opening experience!

For one of hubby’s milestone birthdays, he received a 3-​day driving course at Jim Russell Racing Drivers School. He absolutely loved it. In fact, he enjoyed being on the track so much that he ended up building a race car with Molly Saleen, but that’s another story. Each evening after the class we went into Sonoma Plaza and had a fabulous meal, too. Definitely worth the splurge for a special occasion for a special guy.