The program includes a full day of instruction, starting in the classroom and moving to the tarmac. The curriculum focuses on improving driving technique, speed and car control skills on the twisties of Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California.
Drivers will get behind the wheel of one of the five Mitsubishi Evo MRs equipped with the six-speed TC-SST automatic transmission or the five manual-transmission GSRs for the driving portion of the class. The 2008 Mitsubishi Evo X makes 291 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque.
"Deciding to work with Mitsubishi Motors for the Lancer Evolution program was an easy choice. We have been using the 4G63 engines in our Lola-built school cars and found them to be exceptionally reliable," said Chip Pankow, president of Jim Russell Racing Drivers School.
For those with some driving experience, Jim Russell also offers its Advanced School of Racing, a three-day course that uses the single-seat FJR-50 F3 car. The F3 has a maximum of 300 hp at a weight of just over 1,250 pounds.
Two of the Jim Russell Lancers and the F3 car will be shown at Mitsubishi Owners Day on July 11, when more than 1,500 Mitsubishi owners and enthusiasts are expected to congregate and show off their rides. All Mitsubishi owners will be eligible for a drawing, with the grand prize being the first seat in the Jim Russell Lancer Evolution Experience — a prize worth $1,000.
Inside Line says: Both the Evo GSR and MR have plenty to offer on the Jim Russell track in Sonoma. — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent
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