Frequently Asked Questions
Formula Car
You may drive different racecars throughout the program.
We offer an optional insurance policy to limit your liability, as each racecar is very expensive. We provide training and high-quality racecars, so damage is unlikely, but we still recommend purchasing the insurance policy in order to reduce your financial exposure in the case of any incident.
please see our News and Resources page, which provides much information on embarking on a career in race driving.
A racing drivers career can be tumultuous. Every driver dreams of being a pro driver or racing in formula one. Dedication, self-discipline, and determination are key in making it to the top. Of the thousands of drivers that participate in racing, there are only 20 drivers that race in F1. It is the Olympics of motorsport
Formula 1 racecars are amongst the fastest in the world, in terms of top speed. They often reach speeds of 210 MPH / 336 KPH.
Downforce is “negative lift” generated by a racecars airfoils (wings) and overall design, which pushes the racecar into the ground at higher speeds, which generates additional traction. Ground effects is one factor in downforce and is generated by proximity/alignment of the bottom of the racecar in relation to the road surface
If yes, why are they different? Passenger road cars are designed to safely and reliably transport its occupants from one point to another. Formula racecars are purpose-built to drive around a racetrack as fast as possible
With heart rates reaching close to 180 BPM in the cockpit, racing drivers are true athletes and follow rigorous training regimens These include aerobic activities, weight training, stretching & diet.
In general terms, Formula cars are purpose-built for driving on a racetrack and are designed around specific regulations or “formulas” that creates parity between competitors. This includes engine capacities, size, weight, aerodynamic and technology aids etc. Formula 1 is the pinnacle of Formula car racing, followed by Formula 2, 3 etc.
Laguna Seca
Historic Formula 1 cars frequently compete at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in the Monterey Historics festival each August. Modern F1 cars could run at this circuit, although the track is not licensed to hold F1 races.
We provide food and beverages throughout the day. There is a great retail outlet at the track that sells Laguna Seca licensed productions however there is no food or beverage vendor at the track.
Direct translation from Spanish is “Dry Lake” and refers to the dry lake bed that exists in the infield of the racetrack
90 miles SW of San Francisco nestled next to Monterey, CA on the Pacific Ocean. You can view of the ocean from the top of the corkscrew.
Racing School
Racing is like any other sport. That is, it takes many years of practice & competing at amateur levels before being picked up by a pro team. Like other sports, the athlete (in this case driver) will need to be able fund his career until making the transition to pro, and there are many drivers seeking pro drives with top teams. First step after taking a racing school is to compete in lower level formula car racing series. We can provide our graduates with options and introductions to pursue racing at amateur levels upon request.
Our Formula 1 style racecars can accommodate anyone 5’0” to 6’4” and maximum weight of about 250 lbs. Please contact us or email us at Questions@Allenbergracingschools.com if you have further questions
The minimum age requirement for our formula car programs is 14 - if participants can demonstrate significant kart racing experience or similar.
Otherwise, the minimum age for our formula car programs without any previous competitive driving experience is 16.
All participants under 18 will need to have both parents complete parental consent waivers and the minors sign minor waivers.
The minimum age for the Three Lap Ride Along and Road Car Track Day programs is 18.
If you have any questions please contact us.
Due to the use of the facility for racing events during the peak season, most of our programs operate on weekdays. WTRLS allocates the dates on which we operate. We operate on weekends whenever they are available to us! Please visit our Bookings page for the list of dates and availability.
Yes, all programs are available in gift certificate form. You can purchase without selecting a date so the lucky racing student can select the best date and time. We can also include a personalized letter from Allen, so let us know the occasion.
You are welcome to bring family/friends to share the experience with you. We have specific viewing areas, to see you on the track. Guests are subject to the same rules and regulations as students.
Yes, passing is allowed in all programs.
You can upgrade your program at any time, pending availability.
No, as the official sponsor to GoPro, and for liability reasons of equipment and captured footage, we can only use our supplied cameras.
As these are single-seater racecars there is no room for passengers.
Pre-booking / prepayment is required for all of our programs. Reserve your seat by calling us at (888) 722-3220 or online through our bookings page
Proficiency to drive a road car or race kart is necessary, however no prior racing experience is required - please contact us if you have any question about your eligibility.
All programs begin by following a high-speed performance car driven at very high speeds, by a professional racecar driver. As you become more comfortable driving a Formula racecar, your speed increases, exceeding cornering speeds of 90 mph.
Yes we provide all safety equipment.
Yes, GoPro cameras, are available to capture your experience on the track for a moderate charge. Mounted just above the driver’s helmet (just like the pro drivers), you would receive the HD footage before you leave the track on an SD card.
Drivers start by first taking a racing school to obtain their racing license, from their entering into lower level racing series. We provide our graduates with options and introductions to pursue racing upon request
Allen Berg Racing Schools two and three day formula car programs are accredited by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) for novice race licensing. Please contact us for further information
- On any page of our website www.allenbergracingschools.com, click on the 'Register For Race School' button at the top right of the screen.
- Select the location from the list on the left of the screen
- Select your preferred date and program, then follow the instructions presented to you
Please check out our various programs to view pricing.
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions page
Closed-toe shoes and clothes that will be comfortable under the drivers suit. Keep in mind that the race car pedals sit very close together, so skinnier shoes are highly recommended. We recommend shorts and t-shirt to wear under the racing suit, NOT jeans or trousers. We provide the rest!
We operate rain or shine, however if conditions are forecast to be unsafe we will advise you by email or phone when possible.
You are qualified to enter into our advanced / lapping programs
We provide all equipment, including driver’s suit, helmet and gloves. Wear closed toed shoes and clothes that will be comfortable under the drivers suit. If you have your own equipment, they must be Snell and FIA compliant.
We only operate at the iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Northern California
There are many options available. Most drivers start there careers in an Open Wheel or Formula Car Racing School, such as ours. A Formula Car is a great learning tool, what you learn with us will transcent into any other driving platform / discipline. As we are an industry leader in formula car racing schools and uitlize the latest technologies at our disposal, we are one of the best options.
Allen Berg Racing Schools takes your safety and the safety of our staff very seriously. In response to the COVID-19 virus, we follow CDC guidelines and comply with recommendations on the Federal, State, and Local level. You can expect increased sanitation in all areas at our school from within the classroom to our racecars, including exclusive use of race suits and helmets. In addition, all our staff have received extra covid-19 protocol training to ensure that each of our guests feels comfortable and safe at any Allen Berg Racing School event.
If you are feeling unwell or have tested positive for covid 5-10 days prior to your attendance, please, stay home.