The Bob Bondurant school of high performance driving is often called the fastest 60 acres in America. It offers professional instruction at all levels. The school is a multimillion-dollar operation.
Bondurant, who has a more than 200 car fleet, graduated both celebrities as well as professionals. John Andretti (Sr. and Jr.), Dale Earnhardt (Sr. and Jr.), Jeff Gordon, Kyle Petty and Jason Priestly, Al Unser Jr. Candicebergen, Nicolas Cage and Ice Cube are just some of the many celebrities who have graduated from Bondurant.
Its valley location has many great things. One is its ease to reach its classes. Participants can pursue their goals and improve their skills. Bob encourages attendees to learn from the experiences of others and draw on their own racing experience. Bondurant says, “Everyone that goes through here leaves with a big smile on their face. They learn a lot and have fun learning. They are safer and learn how to enjoy their car. You are never too old to learn something new.”
Paul Newman said: “Bob Bondurant is as good as it gets. I wish I’d been as good as he’s gotten.”
Bob was a teacher in the early days of his career. He worked with James Garner on Grand Prix. He later taught Robert Wagner and Paul Newman for Winning.
Bob’s race accident in 1967 marked a pivotal moment in his professional life. He realized that there was a national need to teach drivers how to respond better to racing and driving. In 1968, he opened his California school by using other tracks. However, his goal was to build his own training facility. His dream has been realized by The Bob Bondurant school of high performance driving, which is located next to Firebird International Raceway.
This facility is designed to provide high performance training for race drivers. There is a 1.6-mile race track and a 3.5-acre asphalt pad. The garage complex also has a class room. All instructors at the facility are professional racecar drivers, and they have gone through extensive training to make sure that you understand what Bondurant means.
Bob stated, “Generally, people have been taught to drive by a parent or brother or sister. They have not learned to maximize their handling of a high performance vehicle. All you have are four tire patches between you and the road. It only takes an instant to be out of control.”
He continued his explanations with “Everything we teach here is basics and safety. In addition to how to sit in the car properly, we teach ABS braking. Most people jump on the brake, yank the wheel right or left to avoid something, and they skid the car out. We teach emergency brake/evasive maneuvers, a higher speed ABS…, skid control (most people don’t realize they may be able to handle the first skid, but after the second or third skid they spin out), elevating your vision by looking much further ahead and avoiding problems, and using the proper line around corners. Many of our students say, ‘I guess I never knew how to drive very well.'”
Bob Bondurant is against cell phone calls and multitasking in the car, as it should be obvious.
Yukata Katayama was the father of Z cars and spoke about Bondurant. “His deep insight and passion launched the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving back in 1968. A great idea to teach people how to drive safely and enjoy sportscar racing on the road and track.”
According to the school, “Every driver, every level, every day. It’s more than just the philosophy we live by. It’s what Bondurant has been for over 100,000 graduates since 1968. And it all starts with selecting the right course to suit your individual needs.”
My personal experience
Bondurant was suggested as an activity at the Phoenix Press Conference. As a 60-year old, this was more like an opportunity and adventure than just a round. Although I have a very heavy foot, I don’t race, although I enjoy learning and new experiences.
My few hours at the school was a highlight of my vacation. As I have applied many of the skills that I acquired, I left with a smile on mine.
My personal preference on the track was the Cadillac®CTS over the SuperKart (a tight squeeze). As I pulled out, my stomach felt tingle and my head began to pound. “What have you gotten yourself into?”He was the professional driver and I followed his lead. Although it was difficult, the feeling of accomplishment that I experienced when I completed those curves was incredible. It was a challenge, but I felt elated that I was able to complete it myself.
It was clear that I needed to be part of this story, and I returned to the school in order to interview Bob Bondurant. His expertise, charm and experience captivated me. I was enthralled by Bondurant’s Corvette C5 Coupe, which he took me to hotlaps. It reached 160 mph. It was amazing to see his precision at the wheel. This has given me a greater understanding of high-performance driving. This was the best part of interviewing.
Here are some examples of courses that you can take. These courses can be modified to suit your specific needs.
High Performance Driving – Featuring the Cadillac®CTS, combining advanced street driving skills with techniques refined through years on the racetrack (Some automatic transmissions are available and need to be requested in advance).
Highway Survival Training: This course is intended for drivers who desire to increase their confidence and be more comfortable behind the wheel.
Advanced Teenage Driving: This program teaches teens how to drive safely and actively, which could save their lives.
Introduction to Racing – Students will have a unique experience that combines street driving techniques with racing techniques.
Grand Prix Road Racing: This course combines the excitement and race-prepared Corvette C5 Coupe, with open-wheel fun of Formula Bondurant.
Advance Road Racing: This course is for racers who have graduated from the 4-Day Grand Prix (or another accredited racing school). Some of its graduates are Rusty Wallace, Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart.
Executive Protection/Anti Kidnapping-This comprehensive course will prepare executive protection personnel, their family, chauffeurs and other special military operation personnel in order to prevent, detect and avoid any potential assault or confrontation, criminal or otherwise.
Grand Prix Specialty: 2 Day Course combining Bondurant C5 Corvette and open-wheel Formula Bondurant
Corvette Z06 Experience: 405 HP, 6 Speeds, Zero to 60 in Under Four Seconds – The ultimate Full-Thrill experience in the American Dream Machine.
Lap the Oval at Phoenix International Raceway – This 2 ½-hour course provides experience of oval track excitement like never before! This is usually offered on the weekend after the NASCAR race (Fall) or the IRL (Spring).
Father’s Day, New Year’s RPM (Rapid Precision Maneuvers), – Get ready to experience high performance driving. There are four events: Autocross, Accident Avoidance and Lead and Follow.
Bondurant SuperKart School, a leader in this kind of training, offers kart lessons on the spot. The school offers individual and group karting lessons for novices as well as seasoned karting pros. This school offers group programs as well as team building programs. These programs can be used to host company meetings, incentive programs for employees, birthday parties and other events. Courses utilize Tony Kart 125cc shifter karts, 125cc TAG karts and Briggs & Stratton powered ProKarts.
Bondurant has the same passion and skill as his youth, but with more experience. The racing record of Bondurant speaks for itself. Bob said, “Winning Le Mans in 1964 with Dan Gurney and the World Manufacturer’s Championship in 1965 were the biggest thrills of my life.”
Participating in the school is a great way to make memories and have fun while you’re visiting Phoenix. It’s worth looking into even if your trip is not planned.
Bob Bondurant High Performance Driving School, 20000 S. Maricopa Road Gate 3 Chandler, AZ 85226. Local 480.961.0143.
http://www.bondurant.com, Bondurant SuperKart School, 1.800.652 KART (5278).
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