Phil Wicks - Any reviews?

[imapepper]

Hey - as the newest member I was looking for reviews on Phil Wicks events. After a fun filled, all be it wet, weekend at the Dragon - it is time to plan the next adrenaline rush. I was planning to do both days - cause you only live once...

Thanks and sorry I did not get to meet more of you at MOTD.

imapepper

[Bullfrog]

imapepper -

I was fortunate enough to go to a Phil Wicks school at Carolina Motorsports Park last September. It was the last event he ran before combining it with the race series, and I think I lucked out. There were only about 35 MINI's there, and we got lots of track time, lots of instructor attention. This year, all experience levels run together so that there is time for the races to be run, I have heard that you get a little less time on the track, don't know. Some say the Phil Wicks schools are a little loosely run, and we did have one incident when a MINI tangled with one of the Cobra's we were sharing the track with. I enjoyed it, and Phil is a great guy, will answer any questions you have.

I have also run with www.mazdadrivers.com at VIR, and it was a very well run, well organized event. It's not MINI specific, but they welcome you, and since there are lots of Miatas, they cater to horsepower challenged cars. Cheaper, too. I highly recommend them.

I'm trying to get into the Tarheel BMWCCA school in July, I've heard they're the best. I'll let you know how it goes.

Sometimes, Flow will make spots available on member days at VIR. It's a good way to start, there's a pace car, and no real instructors, but lots of fun. Any track time is good time.

Good luck, and stay out of the weeds. :)

[Pir8 97]

I agree with Bullfrog. I was at the same Wicks school in July and had a wonderful time. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about the things I learned while driving.

I had not heard about the changes due to the race series so I can't speak about those.

I'm a member of the Tarheel BMWCCA (my MINI was on their home page for the last 4 months). My instructor at the Wicks school actually encouraged me to join. We get first dibs at slots for BMWCCA schools that fill up extremely fast. From what I understand, it's hard to get a spot if you're not a member.

[imapepper]

Thanks for the info - I was going to bite the bullet and give it a try. I'm sure I will not be the only one looking for track time - I will however try to stay clear of any Cobra's I see...

I do not want to give up "secret" track opportunities but this topic interests me and being a new owner - all info helps. I am new to the NC area as well so I am geographically challenged in locating driving hotspots.

I'll report my finding for others and look forward to your reports as well. Thanks again.

[Pir8 97]

Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, SC (http://www.carolinamotorsportspark.com/) and VIR (http://www.virclub.com/vir/) will be your local tracks.

Don't sweat the Cobras, they can't handle the corners like a MINI :D

[TWISTER]

I'll be doing Phil Wicks in Sept