Performance driving schools in the Pacific North West?

[yura]

Has anyone attended a performance driving school in the BC/WA/OR area? I'm interested in taking one - preferably on an actual race track.

The only local school I can find (http://www.bmwccbc.org/schools/) offers a rather silly-sounding program. I'm not looking to learn how to do lane changes :).

Any info based on personal experience in this geographical area would be great!

Alternatively, has anyone done track days (not auto cross)? If so, with what group, and how were they? (I've done lots of the bike, but never in the car.)

[LivesNearCostco]

The BC BMW car club chapter has an HPDE course which sounds like a good track school, except that they require you to finish at least 2 of their other road skills courses first. Is that what you didn't like about it?

BMW CCA Puget Sound has track days, not sure when, but: http://www.bmwpugetsound.com/track/ Next one is May 16th at Pacific Raceways.

NASA Northwest is at PIR May 3-4, THe Ridge June 7-8, Pacific Raceways July 19-20. etc. http://www.nasanorthwest.com/

[yura]

The BC BMW car club chapter has an HPDE course which sounds like a good track school, except that they require you to finish at least 2 of their other road skills courses first. Is that what you didn't like about it?

Yup, that's exactly it. I can understand a tiered concept that builds on a student's skills, but the BC BMW one sounds like a simple money grab IMO. The "our way or the highway" approach to teaching doesn't sit well with me.

Additionally, their track time would be happening at the local "Mission Raceways" track, which is pretty damn crappy. I've been there on the bike, and won't be going back willingly. Incredibly small, tight, with concrete walls all over the place and very little run off. There are literally no spots wide enough for two cars to go side by side (passing). Not that I'll be passing anyone anytime soon, but that just gives you an idea of how small it is. I'd much rather go to Pacific Raceways, The Ridge, Oregon Raceway Park, Portland International Raceway, etc..


BMW CCA Puget Sound has track days, not sure when, but: http://www.bmwpugetsound.com/track/

Will have a look at that - thanks!

[yura]

These guys sound much better. Their first 2014 Car Control clinic is on May 16th at Pacific Raceways: http://www.bmwpugetsound.com/events/car-control-clinic-at-pacific-raceways/

I'll probably be signing up for that one. Track day on the same day. Too bad they don't stagger clinic/track over a two day period - it would be much more convenient for me to go down there for the entire weekend and get two events in.