Race Schooll in the UK

gingaman · 06-26-2010, 07:06 AM

Hi all,

This question has probably been posted a million times here but….

Myself and a friend were thinking of doing a race school in the UK (most posts on here are for schools in the US) just wondering if anyone has any suggestions I’ve looked at California Superbike School &
Ron Haslam Race School and information about the experience would be useful.

Been riding for 26 year and did a track day at Jurby while over to watch the TT that wetted my appetite (apart from being overtaken my most things!!! LOL)

Thanks

**Wild Pete** · 06-26-2010, 02:56 PM

I did the Ron Haslam school. It was the first time that I ever did a track day or ridden a sport bike. Some good points, you don't need to bring any gear they have everything for you at the school. At the time it was at Donington Park, now it's at Silverstone. The instruction is ok...if you want better instructions I would do the California Superbike school. The instructor rides ahead of you while he watches you from his mirrors. You swap following the instructor. You do two session then take a break then your out for the final session. I enjoyed the school and would maybe think about doing the 1000 class, as I did the 600 class which is what is required first.

BUZZ · 06-26-2010, 03:46 PM

ron haslam school is very good and alot cheaper than the cali super bike school

bananaman · 06-26-2010, 04:02 PM

Did the haslem day, instructor i had was very good. Brought him up to my standard, then he brought me up a few levels more! Would recommend it. Cal sbike school dearer but more in depth instruction from what i've read.

BUZZ · 06-26-2010, 06:13 PM

going to the haslam school on the 24 of august,,,,mate been before and said its a good laugh....

misti · 06-28-2010, 12:16 AM

I'm a coach with the California Superbike School and have worked both in the USA and with the British coaches in the UK and in Spain. The instruction during a day of our schools is very in depth. You will be assigned an on-track instructor who will ride with you during each session. He or she will lead and follow you as well as spend some time debriefing with you after each ride. The student to coach ratio is 3:1 (in the USA and I'm pretty sure it is the same over there). You get 5 classroom sessions followed by 5 riding sessions and work on specific drills each time. There are also a few off-track lessons like the steering drill.

Feel free to ask me any specific questions you may have about the school and I will do my best to answer them in depth

Cheers!

Misti

phil954 · 06-28-2010, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gingaman

Myself and a friend were thinking of doing a race school in the UK (most posts on here are for schools in the US) just wondering if anyone has any suggestions I’ve looked at California Superbike School &
Ron Haslam Race School and information about the experience would be useful.

Thanks

Hi, you dont mention what you and your friend want to get out of 'doing a Race school' . If you want to go Racing then I would suggest the Ron Haslam school first and see if you can get up to speed but you will need to do both courses.
If you just want to get on track and improve your track riding have you thought about doing a few track days with say Rapid Training? Rapid Training Ltd Shopping Cart - Select a Rapid Track Day
Most trackday companies have instructors that can be hired for the day if you so wish, Focused events are good at this.

Phil

gingaman · 06-28-2010, 09:04 AM

Thanks guys for your feedback and time.

Generally I want to improve my road riding ,I'm reasonably fast but would like to improve(I still do stupid things mid corner) secondary would be for track days, I hope to do a few next year.

I'm I correct the Ron Haslem school is just half a day? Only problem with doing Ron's school is they are all mid week (cali school do the odd weekend) so that kind of cancels out the cost difference for me (being self employed).

Misti, I have Keith's Twist II book and the new DVD which are excellent (although the acting it a little corny) and one of the reasons I've started to look at a school. You wouldn't believe how many heated discussions Twist II caused in the pub , but all proved in the DVD.

Thanks

Steve

gingaman · 06-28-2010, 09:08 AM

Thanks for the link Phil I'll save that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phil954

Hi, you dont mention what you and your friend want to get out of 'doing a Race school' . If you want to go Racing then I would suggest the Ron Haslam school first and see if you can get up to speed but you will need to do both courses.
If you just want to get on track and improve your track riding have you thought about doing a few track days with say Rapid Training? Rapid Training Ltd Shopping Cart - Select a Rapid Track Day
Most trackday companies have instructors that can be hired for the day if you so wish, Focused events are good at this.

Phil

crgrbrts · 06-28-2010, 09:40 AM

Back in September 2008, Motors TV ran a reality TV series called "Superbike School UK" in which the presenter and a couple of cohorts spent two days at the California Superbike School (UK) with chief instructor (and author) Andy Ibbott. It was an excellent series and really highlighted the in-depth instruction given at CSS.

I interviewed Keith Code and his son Dylan at length a couple of months back and their dedication to personal, high quality instruction is obvious and sincere. I can't imagine a better curriculum. CSS is relatively expensive but seems to represent excellent value for money.

The TV series can be downloaded -- but I can't tell you how, if you get my drift.

(No, I am not connected with CSS in any way and, in fact, can't actually endorse the school from personal experience. I've only attended Penguin Racing School and the Schwantz School in recent years).