Expert: Adam - 6/12/2008

Question
Hi my name is Robert and I am seventeen years old. I live in the U.S. and I started racing karts when I was twelve and am now racing a Nomra M20F. This is my first year racing that car and have already won three out of three races agains experienced professional drivers. My father races a 997 GT3 Cup in the Grand-Am series and will be racing a daytona prototype next year, and also races in vintage leagues with his 1998 Benetton B198, 2002 Dallara IRL, and 1998 Riley & Scott MkII. I am pursuing racing as a career however here in the U.S. other than NASCAR racing isn't as popular as it is in Europe. My parents and I are looking at trying to send me over to Europe to try and gain experience and possible start my career over there. I was wondering if you knew of any racing academies anywhere in Europe where I would be guided and trained year round, instead of a week long race school. Thanks.

Answer
Hello Robert thanks for the question.

As you probably know, there are a number of racing schools in Europe, maybe 20-30, but very few "academies". Racing Schools aren't necessarily 1 week (or 1 day) affairs over here, they can offer a series of training courses and even races too.

Regarding academies, the only ones I know of are as follows, the most famous one (the Winfield one at Magny-Cours) seems not to exist anymore.

Le Mans, France
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/21122006/13/ffsa-unveil-auto-sport-academy.html

Nurburgring, Germany
http://www.nuerburgring.de/Racing-driver-training.367.0.html

Vallelunga, Italy
http://f1chronicles.com/2007/06/06/giancarlo-fisichella-opens-motor-racing-acade...

If you need details of racing schools, please let me know.
Best wishes,
Adam