We were at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving in Phoenix, Arizona. This school is widely recognized as the worldwide leader in driver training. We enrolled in order to become better drivers... and to have fun doing it.
As Bob Bondurant said, "You are never too old to learn something new" and how right he is! Bob is a man of passion, vision and spirit. Some of his courses offered are perfect for those of us who want to learn to drive safely and with greater confidence and control.
Courses designed for individuals can be customized to accommodate group interests, timing and budgets. When we were part of such a group, we thought the day would be interesting and enjoyable. It turned into one that provided the thrills of a lifetime. Of equal importance is the fact that we will be driving more comfortably for a longer time, with increased driving skills that may someday save a life.
Soon after that day, one took a 3,000 mile road trip throughout the country on freeways, byways, and back roads. What a difference the High Performance Driving course meant to her on that journey! She was a safer, more alert, more relaxed driver, thanks to the advanced street driving skills honed at the school.
A graduate of the High Performance Driving, Ann Hoagland, said, "On my way home from the class I was in the right lane, transitioning to another freeway when an 18-wheler two lanes over blew a rear tire. I drove around the flying rubber and then quickly accelerated to get out of the way of the truck as it rapidly moved into me to get off the road. No panic. I just did what I was taught. I took the class because I see too much scary stuff happening on the freeway, but never expected the class to pay for itself the very next day. Thanks! It was great fun and useful."
When we read the quotes from many different attendees of all ages, we could see they all learned a lot, improved important skills, and had fun doing it. That was exactly what we were looking for. Plus, we could make use of the Spa at the nearby Sheraton at Wild Horse Pass.
The other one of us had even more fun. While one maneuvered with new expertise along the blue highways of America, the other returned to the Bob Bondurant School for another lesson in high performance driving. When applying what had been learned, she was amazed at what a difference a day made. To discover more, what better way would there be than to meet and talk with Bob? Little did she know after their interview, Bob would take her on exciting hot laps around the track reaching 160 m.p.h. Witnessing his skill and precision, combined with the thrill from the speed, was an experience she'll never forget.
We returned when invited to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the school. We had just as much fun and excitement as ever. We were all split into teams and did slaloms around a course in a tag team line-up. As we drove the little red Pontiac Solstices we all got the hang of it after a few turns. Then we moved up to the Corvettes on the full track. After watching a few male speed demons spin out, we were more cautious, and yet we still improved our time and performance. Our team had been named the "Losers" by the other team. But, we ended up winning the team event by 30 seconds-victory and another wonderful memory.
The entire list of classes is available at http://www.bondurant.com or (480) 961-0143. And, the closest, luxurious place to stay is the Sheraton at Wild Horse Pass, http://www.wildhorsepassresort.com. There are many other wonderful hotels in the area. But, while you are at the school, you focus will be the driving. Plus, the driving school has a special rate.
We were in good fast track company among many well known graduates, including both Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr., John Andretti, Nicolas Cage, James Garner, Clint Eastwood, Jason Priestly, and Paul Newman. Nobody should think this is for men only-no way. Some of the women include Candice Bergen, Crystal Bernard, Georgia Durante, Katie Holmes, Nicky Hilton, Paris Hilton, Rachael Bilson, Regina King, Shannon Elizabeth, Amy Van Dyken, Gabrielle Reece, Mia Hamm, Simeon Rice, LeeAnn Tweeden, Maria Menounos and Paige Hemmis, to name a few.
When you go, we hope you will share your experience with us. You can find our contact information in our bios.
As Newman, who knows about life on the fast track, said, "Bob Bondurant is as good as it gets. I wish I'd been as good as he's gotten."
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