Road America is one of America’s most iconic racetracks. A 4.048-mile, 14-turn masterpiece that has proved difficult for racers and even professionals for decades.
If you love cars and racing like myself, or you are an aspiring racer, training here isn’t just fun; it’s a rite of passage. From pro-level racing schools to club-run high-performance driving, Road America offers a variety of ways to learn and grow.
I teach and talk a lot about video recording techniques and spent time capturing the races at Road America. I’ve also seen firsthand how these schools operate, and I’m here to help you pick the right one
Top Racing Schools & Programs at Road America
If you’ve ever watched cars race around Road America and thought, “Yeah, I could totally do that,” here’s your sign to make it happen. Whether you’re just starting out or already feeling like a pro behind the wheel, here are four go-to programs if you’re ready to stop watching from the stands and hit the track.
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Skip Barber Racing School (Road America)
Skip Barber is one of those names everyone on the track knows. If you tell someone you trained there, they instantly take you a little more seriously. Their instructors are strict but friendly, and the day moves fast from the classroom to being on track.
What makes Skip Barber stand out is how quickly they get you into driving. You won’t just listen to someone talk about racing lines; you’ll be out there testing and learning techniques and their practical uses.
If you’re serious about racing or you want to get a racing license one day, this is one of the best places to start. Just know everything is manual. No assists. Just you and a car that will expose you if you’ve been avoiding stick shift your whole life.
Features
- Length: 1-day, 2-day, or 3-day courses
- Cars: Race-prepped Ford Mustangs (manual only)
- Best for: Drivers who want real race training or license-track programs
- Price: From $350 (1-day Silver) to $1,650 (3-day Gold)
- Heads-up: You must know how to drive a manual or be open to learning fast.
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Porsche Club of America—Milwaukee Region (Driver Education at Road America)
If you’ve got a performance car and want to see what it can do, PCA Milwaukee is the safest way to push it. It’s like a community of car and racing enthusiasts who want you to enjoy the car you spent all that money on.
Each event is organized into run groups, so you’re not thrown into the deep end. There are guides and instructors for any level of experience. If you’ve done a couple of HPDEs already, PCA is where you learn proper track etiquette.
Just consider that you’re running your own car. Any repairs or maintenance are on you, and yes, you should call your insurance. Trust me.
Features
- Length: Multi-day HPDE events with skill-group placement
- Cars: Bring your own (Porsches preferred, but not required)
- Best for: Drivers stepping up from basic track days
- Price: Varies per event. Check PCA Milwaukee for more information.
- Heads-up: All wear-and-tear is on your wallet
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Road America Performance Driving Program (PD1 & PD2)
These programs are track-local favorites because they strike the perfect balance between fun and serious learning.
PD1 is usually people’s first step into performance driving. It’s hands-on and structured. PD2 steps things up with more technique and personal coaching. It’s a smart way to train if you want to understand your car better or become a skilled driver overall.
You can bring your own car. And if you don’t want to put miles on it, Road America can hand you the keys to a RUSH SR. It’s basically a toy for grown-ups.
Features
- Length:
- PD1: May–October (single-day sessions)
- PD2: June–September (single-day sessions)
- Cars: Your own street-legal car or a rental RUSH SR
- Best for: Learning speed and control without racing ambitions
- Price: $375 per session
- Heads-up: Cars must pass a tech inspection
- Length:
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Sports Car Club of America (SCCA)—Milwaukee Region Track Days
These programs are track-local favorites because they strike the perfect balance between fun and serious learning.
PD1 is usually people’s first step into performance driving. It’s hands-on and structured. PD2 steps up with more technique and personal coaching. It’s a smart way to train if you want to understand your car better or become a skilled driver overall.
You can bring your own car. And if you don’t want to put miles on it, Road America can hand you the keys to a RUSH SR. It’s basically a toy for grown-ups.
Features
- Length:
- PD1: May–October (single-day sessions)
- PD2: June–September (single-day sessions)
- Cars: Your own street-legal car or a rental RUSH SR
- Best for: Learning speed and control without racing ambitions
- Price: $375 per session
- Heads-up: Cars must pass a tech inspection
- Length:
What a Typical Racing School Day Feels Like at Road America
Every school runs things differently, but most follow a similar schedule—a mix of classroom and track runs. Here’s what a typical day usually looks like when you sign up for classes at most racing schools:
Morning: Signing Up
You’ll want to show up early; registration, waivers, and a quick car check happen before anything else. It usually kicks off with a safety briefing and a classroom session where instructors break down racing lines and braking points.
Some programs include a track walk or van lap so you can see where elevation changes and tricky corners are before you hit the track at full speed.
Midday: Practice and Precision
After the theory, it’s time for practice. You’ll usually begin with lead-follow sessions, where instructors show you the ideal lines and braking zones from their cars.
These drills are focused on teaching car control. Quick lunch break, then you’re back out for more laps.
Afternoon: Putting It All Together
Now the fun really starts. Most programs let you loose for open-lap sessions or structured runs, depending on your experience level. You’ll get one-on-one feedback between sessions. Some schools, like Skip Barber, might include timed sessions with a pro driver, so you see how it gets done.
End of Day: Cooldown and Debrief
Back in the classroom, instructors break down your performance, sometimes with data or video from your laps. They’ll review what worked and what’s next, whether that’s advanced training or your first club track day. Most students leave with a certificate acknowledging participation or training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does a racing school at Road America cost?
It depends on the program. Skip Barber’s one-day high-performance course costs $1,800, while the two-day advanced option is $3,200.
Do I need prior racing experience to attend?
Not necessarily. Road America’s PD1 and Skip Barber’s one-day class are for beginners with no previous performance driving experience.
For more advanced sessions, it helps to have some track experience. PD2, for example, usually requires completing PD1 first (or a solid foundation).
Can I bring my own car?
Yes. Most racing schools allow you to bring your own street-legal, inspected vehicle.
What does the cost cover?
You’re paying for track time, instruction, safety briefings, and classroom sessions. Bigger schools like Skip Barber also cover car use, helmets, fuel, and data analysis.
For programs where you bring your own car, you’ll need to factor in fuel and tire wear.
What should I bring to my first class?
Bring your driver’s license and wear something comfortable with closed-toe shoes. If you’re using your own car, make sure it’s in good condition. Most schools will give you a short checklist to keep things simple.
