It's been many years since I autocrossed (think Mk2 Spitfire) and I was reading about the Starting Line program. Worth it? Any insight on how to get the most from the experience? I haven't researched it too deeply, but it seems like the helmet deal is pretty OK. Learn me, please. :)
It's a very good value. The instruction is good - not as good as at a full day evolution school, but still very good and all the stuff that's included makes it more than worth it.
Much want. I signed up for an Evolution day a few years ago then they moved it 120 miles away and to the rainy season (back when it rained in CA), so I had to cancel. SF Bay Area please.
I am spoiled. for 65 bucks I get 11 runs 3 of those are timed, instructors for every run if I want them and lunch and breakfast. thanks BMWCCA of San diego. (and I miata so plenty of non bmws)
The Tire Rack SCCA Starting Line school is a partnership between the Sports Car Club of America and Tire Rack to give automotive enthusiasts a professional, all-inclusive entry into the world of performance driving. In addition to a full day of instruction, participants will receive an SCCA membership, entries for future events, subscriptions to SportsCar and Grassroots Motorsports Magazines and the option to add a Snell approved motorsports helmet. The full day school will introduce key concepts applicable to all forms of motorsports and allow you to develop these skills while working with professional performance driving instructors certified by the Evolution Performance Driving School. If you are looking for motorsports competition or just a great way to enjoy the capabilities of your car, the Tire Rack SCCA Starting Line is your complete motorsports starter kit.
It's the same instructors as the evo school but you get a lot more on on one time. We've hosted a couple of these. At evo school you have a course with a few elements, at the SL school you have a long slalom and basically a large square they use in a couple of different ways at the end of the day they connect the elements to make a small course. SL focuses on the basics of car control, EVO school focuses on making you a better driver. Both are great programs but if you have a history of autocrossing the EVO school would likely be the better choice but the SL school does give you more seat time.
I enjoyed it, got a great deal on a new helmet too.
I wouldn't want to deter anyone from getting involved in any kind of motorsports, but in a lot of regions the cost of the Staring Line class buys a full season of auto-x entries and in most regions, you can get a local instructor or experienced member to ride along with you as a coach whenever you want (just ask around).
Unless you don't feel comfortable just jumping into events, I think it's hard to justify the cost, especially since you said you've already done some auto-x. I think the school is pretty basic. Also, they say that you get all this expensive stuff like a membership ($85 value), SportsCar magazine subs. ($40) etc, etc... When I registered/renewed my membership a few months ago, I paid $50 with one of their regular discounts and it included the magazine subscription. Most regions don't require an SCCA membership anyway. If the cost is a non-issue to you and you want a refresher, then go for it. The extra seat time and more dedicated instruction certainly won't hurt.
The helmet deal is decent, as mentioned, but you can get very nice helmets very inexpensively if you're willing to buy something that's gently used. The last two helmets I purchased were really nice, barely used or never-worn full-face helmets with the current snell ratings. One was $87 (used once) the other was $119.50 (taken out of box, never worn). That leaves you an extra $100 to buy tires or fuel or whatever vs. the SCCA deal. Again, maybe money is a non-issue in your case. Racing is pricey though, and I try to save where I can. Whatever you do, if you can try on the helmet before buying, that's a good idea.
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