Open Wheel Racing Barber Style

I recently had the opportunity to partake in Skip Barber’s Intro to Road Racing class. It was held up at Limerock Raceway in Limerock, Connecticut. The class is about three hours long with more than an hour of track time in a small 2 liter Barber formula car. The cars are these little itty-bitty open wheel machines with 150 hp Dodge Neon mills. Now this doesn’t sound too muscular, but let me tell you that these little buggers will do 130 mph as they only weigh 1,100 pounds. Basically, you’re driving an engine bolted to some plumbing parts with wheels attached. Contine reading…

Now, first things first—nd I will put this as candidly as possible—these cars are small, really small, so if you are over 6′ 4" tall you’ve got no shot. I’m 6′4" and was wedged in this thing like a sardine. Also, if you’re fat (and you know if you’re fat, so don’t bitch at me for being politically incorrect) you’ve got no chance as a big bottom is just not gonna fit in these things. So basically if you’re 5′ – 6′ 3" and in good shape, you’ll do just fine, otherwise forget it.

The class itself was very well done. The instructor used basic terms that everyone will understand, so even if you are not up on the latest automotive lingo, rest assured you’ll come out understanding everything that was said. We went over cornering, competition downshifting, braking and apexing and then we jumped in the cars and had a chance to really put what we’d learned in the classroom to the test on the track. Driving an open wheel car may not be for everyone. I for one am a big fan of fenders and also was not too keen on the Barker Lounger driving position. I must say though that these little cars are a hoot to drive fast once you get over the fact that your tush is only two inches from the pavement. They handle amazingly well, go like stink and when you actually apply what you learned in the classroom you’ll be ending up your day with a big smile on your face.

Keep in mind before you run over to sign up that the class is pricey. $599.00 to be exact. BUT if you want to have a great experience and get some instruction from some of the best in the business, Skip Barber’s little hot rods maybe just the ticket.