Performance Classes

Learning under the most challenging conditions helps people become better drivers in every situation. That’s why everyone – not just people who race – can benefit from our exciting performance classes.

Our Performance Driving School Classes

Two-Day Performance Driving Experience

Fifth Gear Fastest Ride on Ice

Our premier program, Fifth Gear, is a two-day performance driving class for those who want to get the most out of themselves and their vehicle in all driving conditions. In addition to teaching you to properly control a vehicle in low-grip situations, we also pass along the tricks and techniques used by the world’s greatest rally drivers. You will learn advanced skid control, the best use of traction, emergency/threshold braking, and how to maximize weight transfer. Extended time is spent exploring the handling nuances of different drive train configurations (front, rear and all-wheel drive).

Fifth Gear is a fast-paced, competitive class designed to challenge even the most experienced drivers. With a student to instructor ratio of 4:1 on day one and 2:1 on day two, and a maximum class size of eight, you will have semi-private coaching and plenty of time to practice and apply advanced skills used by world class rally drivers. At the end of the second day, a timed race against the clock lets you demonstrate to your classmates and the instructors your newly-learned skills. Catered lunch included.

Please be aware: While we are taking COVID-19 seriously and are following CDC guidelines for social distancing as best as practicable, the nature of our performance classes does require an instructor and/or an additional student to be in the same vehicle during portions the class. Whenever there is more than one person in a vehicle, masks will be mandatory for all onboard.

$3295 

Seats are now available for the 2023-24 winter season.

Fifth Gear will be offered on January 7/8, January 14/15, January 21/22, February 4/5 and February 11/12.

Prerequisite: Second Gear not required but is recommended.

Click below to check for availability.

One Day Performance Driving Experiences

Third Gear

Third Gear is a one-day performance driving class for those who want to learn performance driving but can’t dedicate two consecutive days to the process. Third Gear is based on day one of our Fifth Gear class. You will learn advanced skid control, the best use of traction, emergency/threshold braking, and how to maximize weight transfer. You will also study reading the road surface and using the appropriate low traction trajectory with an emphasis on oversteer in every corner, and learn the back spin turn.

With a low student to instructor ratio of 4:1, and a maximum class size of eight, you will receive plenty of personal attention from your coaches. Catered lunch included.

Please be aware: While we are taking COVID-19 seriously and are following CDC guidelines for social distancing as best as practicable, the nature of our performance classes does require an instructor and/or an additional student to be in the same vehicle during portions the class. Whenever there is more than one person in a vehicle, masks will be mandatory for all onboard.

 $1325 

Third Gear will be offered on an on demand schedule for our 2023-24 schedule, as our schedule allows.

Prerequisite: Second Gear not required but is recommended.

Click below to check for availability.

Fourth Gear

This one-day performance driving class builds on Third Gear and is based on day two of our Fifth Gear class. Fourth Gear will challenge even the most experienced driver. In this class you will learn the techniques to make the car do what you want it to do in every situation. Rally and ice racing skills such as left- foot braking and the Scandinavian flick, or pendulum turn, are introduced. With a student to instructor ratio of 2:1 and a maximum class size of eight, you will have semi-private coaching and plenty of time to practice and apply the advanced skills used by world class rally drivers. Catered lunch included.

Please be aware: While we are taking COVID-19 seriously and are following CDC guidelines for social distancing as best as practicable, the nature of our performance classes does require an instructor and/or an additional student to be in the same vehicle during portions the class. Whenever there is more than one person in a vehicle, masks will be mandatory for all onboard.

$2185

Prerequisite: Third Gear is required prior to attending Fourth Gear.

Please call 1.800.WHY.SKID for registration information and eligibility.

Corporate Programs

Achieve your group or company goals at North America’s finest ice track facility, at your location or at one of our event sites nationwide. Our winter programs can be tailored for company objectives including vehicle specific training, specific skill needs, team building, employee rewards, conflict management, strategic planning, and team leadership training. Classes such as trailering on ice, tactical driving and chauffeuring can be designed to meet your specifications. Our student to instructor ratio is the best in the business, and customizable from 6:1 to 1:1.

Call us today at 1.800.WHY.SKID to discuss your needs.

Interested in a private lesson?

“It was great to have the opportunity to get on a course with adverse conditions to test and improve our skills.”