Read on for my perspective on how to get the most out of attending Allen Berg Racing School ABRS.
00:00 - Pits
02:08 - No traffic
07:34 - No traffic
14:35 - Fastest lap 1;43.8ish
18:28 - No traffic
Driving the #6 Tatuus Renault Formula 1600
These are purpose built racecars - they are raw. No ABS. No stability control. They are stiff and twitchy to drive.
Understand what this means should you step over the limit.
The 3 day school speaks briefly on vehicle dynamics, but not enough to really explore what these cars are capable of. If you never experienced things like oversteer or understeer, I'd recommend driving a race kart - LO206 ideally due to low power and low cost - and explore what the dynamics of driving are like without the effects of weight transfer. The engine being in the rear means it's vastly easier to rotate the rear of the car, and if you can't catch a spin due to this weight transfer effect, you're going to have a bad time. If you try to drive these cars hard without understanding what is going on, you're probably going to be leaving this event with a big bill to pay for.
Really focus on driving The Line. Precision is necessary with these cars due to lower ride height and stiffer suspension. An early apex might mean you eat that blue inside curb which can launch your car in the air, risking losing control or possibly damaging the car. Attempting to get back on the throttle while being wide off the line could also push your off track leading to some off-roading where car damage becomes possible.
Respect the 5k RPM limit the school informs you on, unless you're willing to carry more risk. The gearing that is suggested to you is a "safe" gearing. You'll never be in a powerband where the power/torque is unmanageable with their 3rd-4th-5th gearing they suggest. Throughout this particular day, I was trying out corners in a gear lower and found the car can handle it just fine, but there is a lot more power you need to be able to control.
Avoid pushing yourself with these cars unless you're willing to risk the consequences. I recall someone in my group the first time I attended, lost it at turn 4. They said they lifted in the middle of the corner due to being uncomfortable with what they were experiencing, and as a result, lost the rear and hit the wall on in the inside where the front wing needed replacing - a few thousand dollars down the drain. I, myself, had a moment through turn 9 in this car where I wanted to see how it would react with an abrupt lift. In a blink of an eye, the dynamics of the car changed so drastically where a big heaping dose of opposite lock was required to keep the car pointed in the right direction. A stiff suspension means undesirable tire slip can occur rather abruptly.
Speaking on the suspension, combined with the low ride height, means getting a wheel in the dirt carries a larger risk of losing complete control verses getting a wheel off in a road car with thousands of pounds of weight to keep traction and stability. Allen himself looked at me with grave concern while watching my video due to how little margin I was leaving on some of these exit curbs.
These cars aren't any more physically demanding than when I do a sprint race in Spec Miata with SCCA, but they are physically demanding if you're not used to it. The standard advice of drinking water throughout the day is smart. One thing I personally do is if I make 3 severe mistakes during a session, I bring the car in. Severe meaning an almost total lost of control. I trust my ability to save the car during corrections, but if it's happening consistently, it's best to stop for a moment. Find what works best for you.
I attended this 1-day advanced to see how my driving progressed after entering several regional races in Spec Miata. These cars bring out your driving craft that a road car may mask.
How smooth are you with your inputs?
These cars drive like a sort of "point and shoot"; almost like it's on rails. Rough inputs will be exasperated.
How well do you take your line?
Mentioned above regarding precision.
How committed are you carrying more speed, especially at the sketchier parts of Laguna Seca, relative to the risk you are accepting?
Stepping over the limit means sudden, abrupt corrections are needed to keeping it on the road.
I recommend this school and car if you already have experience behind the wheel - like karts and track days.
If you're a complete beginner looking to get into the sport, I'd suggest getting in a kart first. It'll save you money while you learn the basics and you'll get more out of the experience of ABRS once you do attend.
That said, the experience of driving these cars is incredible. Both times I attended (3-day, 1-day), I had an instructor provide perspective to me that truly helped with my driving ability and race craft. Hopefully the same will happen for you.