Often referred to as America’s Fastest 60 Acres, the Bob Bondurant Performance Driving School is committed to professional instruction for all levels, from beginner to advanced to professional, and from individuals to large groups. It is classified as a multi-million dollar operation.
With a fleet of more than 200 cars, Bondurant boasts professional graduates and celebrities. To name just a few: John Andretti, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and Jr., Jeff Gordon, Kyle Petty, Jason Priestly, Al Unser, Jr., Candice Bergen, Nicolas Cage, Ice Cube, Clint Eastwood, James Garner, Gene Hackman, Paul Newman, Walter Payton and 85% of the drivers in NASCAR.
One of the best things about its location in the valley is the ease of getting to classes. Attendees can follow their dreams and learn how to maximize their own abilities. Bob focuses on using his own experience and that of other great drivers to improve the skills of each attendee. Says Bondurant, “Everyone who passes by leaves with a big smile on their face. They learn a lot and have fun learning. They are safer and learn to enjoy their car. You are never too old to learn something new.”
Paul Newman said, “Bob Bondurant is as good as he gets. I wish I had been as good as he is.”
One of Bob’s first teaching experiences was working with James Garner for the movie Grand Prix. He later taught Paul Newman and Robert Wagner for the movie Winning.
Bob’s racing accident in 1967 was a turning point in his career. He recognized a national need to inform drivers how to best react, whether racing or driving their own cars. Using other clues, he started his school in California in 1968. But, his dream was to have his own state-of-the-art, custom-designed training center that was considered the best in the world. Since 1990, the Bob Bondurant High Performance Driving School, located in the valley next to Firebird International Raceway, represents the achievement of his dream.
The facility was designed with high performance and training for racing drivers in mind. It features a 1.6-mile race track, a 3.5-acre asphalt pad, a classroom, and a garage complex. His instructors are all professional racing drivers who go through an extensive teaching program the way Bondurant wants things to be taught.
Bob said, “Usually, people have been taught to drive by a parent, brother, or sister. They haven’t learned how to maximize the handling of a high-performance vehicle. All you have is four tire patches between you.” and the road. It only takes an instant to be out of control.”
He further explained: “All we teach here is the basics and safety. In addition to how to sit properly in the car, we teach how to brake with ABS. Most people hit the brakes, pull the steering wheel to the right or left to avoid something, and We teach emergency braking/evasive maneuvers, higher speed ABS…, skid control (most people don’t realize they can handle the first skid, but after the second or third drift turn). ), elevating your vision by looking far ahead and avoiding problems, and using the proper line around corners. A lot of our students say, ‘I guess I never knew how to drive very well.'”
Needless to say, Bob Bondurant is adamantly opposed to cell phone conversations and other multitasking while driving.
Yukata Katayama, the father of the Z car, said of Bondurant: “His deep insight and passion launched the Bob Bondurant High Performance Driving School in 1968. A great idea to teach people how to drive safely and enjoy racing. sports cars on the road. and monitoring”.
The school says: “For all drivers, all levels, every day. It’s more than just the philosophy we live by. It’s what Bondurant has been to more than 100,000 graduates since 1968. And all with the selection of the right course begins to meet your individual needs.”
My own experience:
While attending a Phoenix press show, Bondurant was offered as an activity. Being over 60 years old, I saw this more as an adventure and an opportunity than a round of golf. Even with a heavy foot, I haven’t been to racing, but I enjoy new experiences and learning.
The few hours I spent at the school were the highlights of my trip. I walked away with a smile on my face, which has stayed with me as I implemented several of the skills I learned.
My personal preference on the track was the Cadillac®CTS over the (very tight) SuperKart. Walking out, I could feel my gut fluttering as my head asked, “What have you gotten yourself into?” The professional driver led the way and I mirrored his path. It was a real challenge, but the sense of accomplishment that I felt taking those corners was incredible. When the professional driver started and I had to do it alone, he made me excited that I could do it, just not as fast.
I knew I had to share this experience, so I went back to the school to interview Bob Bondurant. I was captivated by his experience, expertise and charm of him. But my real unexpected adrenaline rush was when Bondurant took me in his Corvette C5 Coupe for some fast laps where we hit 160 mph. His precision with the wheel was something he had never experienced. Now, I have a better understanding of performance driving. It was the best of any roller coaster ride – thrilling, exciting, a real benefit of interviewing!
Some of the courses offered are summarized below. However, they are not limited to what is shown and can be customized to suit your needs:
High-Performance Driving – Introducing the Cadillac®CTS, which combines advanced street driving skills with techniques refined over years on the race track (select automatic transmissions are available and must be ordered in advance).
Road Survival Training – is designed for those who want to gain confidence in their daily driving and feel comfortable behind the wheel.
Advanced Teen Driving – Teaches teens the skills they need to know – active driving skills that could one day save their lives.
Intro to Racing – This advanced combines street driving skills with proven racing techniques to give students a hands-on experience like no other.
Grand Prix Road Racing – Combining a race-ready Corvette C5 Coupe with the open-wheel thrill of an F-1-style Formula Bondurant, this is Bondurant’s signature circuit.
Advance Road Racing – This course is designed specifically for current racers and graduates of the 4-Day Grand Prix or other accredited racing school; some graduates include Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon, and Rusty Wallace.
Executive Protection/Anti-Kidnapping: This comprehensive course is designed to prepare executives, their families, staff and drivers, and military special operations personnel to detect, deter, or avoid potential confrontations or assaults, whether criminal or terrorist.
Grand Prix Specialty – 2 day course combining the Bondurant C5 Corvette with the open wheel Formula Bondurant.
Corvette Z06 Experience: 405 horsepower, 6-speed, 0-60 in under four seconds – the ultimate full-throttle experience on this American Dream Machine.
Lap the Oval at Phoenix International Raceway – This 2 1/2 hour course provides an oval track thrill experience like never before! Typically offered the weekend following IRL (Spring) and NASCAR (Fall) races.
RPM (Rapid Precision Maneuvering) for Father’s Day and New Years: Buckle up and experience the art of high-performance driving! Four events: Accident Prevention, Autocross, Lead and Follow and Pro Karts.
For those who want on-site kart training, The Bondurant SuperKart School is the proven leader in this type of training. It offers individual karting courses for thrill seekers to seasoned karting veterans. The school also specializes in group programs and team building programs for company meetings, employee incentive programs, birthday parties and more. The races use 125cc Tony Kart switch karts, 125cc TAG karts, and Briggs & Stratton powered ProKarts.
Bondurant still has the passion of his youth combined with skill and experience. His racing history speaks for itself. Bob says, “Winning Le Mans in 1964 with Dan Gurney and the World Manufacturers Championship in 1965 were the greatest thrills of my life.”
If you are visiting Phoenix, participating in this school is something that you will appreciate and enjoy the experience at the same time. If you’re not planning a trip there, I’d consider it.
Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, 20000 S. Maricopa Road, Gate 3, Chandler, AZ 85226, 1.800.842.RACE (7223) Local 480.961.0143,
http://www.bondurant.com, Bondurant SuperKart School, 1.800.652 KART (5278).
This article may be reprinted provided the author is credited.
