Frequently Asked Questions
Formula Car
Can I Drive More Than One Car?
You may drive different racecars throughout the program.
Do You Offer Insurance / What If I Damage The Racecar?
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.
How Can I Become a Race Car or f1 Driver?
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.
In Formula 1 Car Racing, What Is the Difference, If Any, Between Ground Effects and Downforce?
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.
What Is the Difference Between Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3 Racing Cars?
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
Can We Buy Food And Drinks At The Track?
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.
What Does Laguna Seca Mean?
Direct translation from Spanish is “Dry Lake” and refers to the dry lake bed that exists in the infield of the racetrack.
Where is WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca track?
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
After Taking a Course at a Racing School, Can I Start a Pro Career in Racing?
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.
Are There Weight and Height Restrictions?
Our Formula 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
Are There Any Minimum Age Requirements?
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.
Are Your Programs Ever Conducted on Weekends?
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.
Can I Buy One as a Gift?
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.
Can I Rent the Track for an Hour?
No.
Can I Bring a Guest?
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.
Can I Pass?
Yes, passing is allowed in all programs.
Can I Upgrade My Experience?
You can upgrade your program at any time, pending availability.
Can I Use My Own Video Camera?
No, as the official sponsor to GoPro, and for liability reasons of equipment and captured footage, we can only use our supplied cameras.
Can My Guest Ride With Me in the Car?
As these are single-seater racecars there is no room for passengers.
Do I Need to Make a Reservation?
Pre-booking / prepayment is required for all of our programs. Reserve your seat by calling us at (831) 230-1621 or online through our bookings page.
Do I Need Any Prior Racing Experience?
Do I Follow a Coach?
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.
Do You Provide Helmets and Race Suits?
Yes we provide all safety equipment.
Do You Offer Video?
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.
How Can I Become a Race Car Driver in the U.S?
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.
How Can I Get a Racing License in US?
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.
How to Book or Purchase a Class?
- 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
How to Drive in WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca?
Watch this YouTube video to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEH-2tFFeaM
How Much Does It Cost to Go to Racing School?
Please check out our various programs to view pricing.
What Are Your Cancellation / Rescheduling Policies?
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions page.
What Do I Need to Bring?
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!
What If It Rains / Bad Weather?
We operate rain or shine, however if conditions are forecast to be unsafe we will advise you by email or phone when possible.
What Happens After I Take My One-Day Program?
You are qualified to enter into our advanced / lapping programs.
What Is Provided?
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.
What Tracks Do You Operate At?
We only operate at the iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Northern California.
Where Is the Best Racing School?
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.