By: Rick Bairett

Utah drivers wanting to push their skills and their cars to another level may not need to travel to a professional racing school to do so. Fortunately, a school is coming to us. 

Renowned motorsports instructor Mike McGovern is hosting a private “REV Performance Track Day Event” at Utah Motorsports Campus (UMC) on Saturday, May 4th. REV promises an adrenaline-filled opportunity to learn advanced techniques under McGovern’s guidance. 

Mike McGovern

When just out of his teens, Mike landed a summer job with Bob Bondurant. At first he had no idea that Bob was the operator of the famous Bondurant High Performance Driving School. 

After an instructor let young Mike experience a hot lap, he was completely hooked. So much so that he started running his own car on the school’s track. Since he didn’t have permission, he thought he might lose his job. Instead, it wasn’t long before Mike completed the Bondurant school himself, and progressed to instructor and then chief instructor. 

As a pro driver, Mike shuttled to tracks all over the country in one team owner’s private jet. He raced premium and vintage sports cars: mostly Ford/Shelby Cobras and Mustangs. The vintage car he really loved racing was #89, a 1964 Shelby Cobra 289. That machine belonged to legendary ‘winningest Cobra’ driver Don Roberts, and it may have logged the most wins of any Cobra in history. Mike’s favorite IMSA car was the #2 Ford Mustang BossR1 he raced in 2011. 

As a seasoned instructor, widely recognized for his passion and exceptional talent for driving, Mike has coached some of the best. Those include NASCAR drivers Kurt Busch, Joey Logano, and Denny Hamlin. He has also successfully trained celebrities, Navy Seals, law enforcement, and countless others. 

The goal of the training, whether for beginners or seasoned professionals, is to help drivers unlock their full potential behind the wheel. 

Move to Utah

Fortunately for Utahns, Mike, with his wife Marcia, recently moved to the state to join the Ford Performance Racing School team in Tooele. 

Utah’s amazing motorsports community, including “a passionate and dedicated population of racers,” also attracted the McGoverns. Another factor was UMC, which Mike describes as “the perfect backdrop for my REV Performance Track Day Events to thrive and expand.” 

He loves the UMC road course’s dynamic layout. That layout includes an “impeccable blend of technical challenges, thrilling straits, elevation changes, and a variety of corners.” In other words, “a perfect canvas for drivers to hone their skills and push the limits of their cars.” 

Mike says he is “excited to engage with the local community, share my knowledge and expertise and help foster a culture of excellence in performance driving here in Utah.” With 35 years racing and instructing, he should be ideal in that role. 

REV Performance Track Day Events have been running for three years in Arizona. The move to Utah allows the events to continue when it’s just too hot in Phoenix. Mike’s Arizona students rave about their training. So much so that some have already registered for the first Utah event. 

The REV Performance Experience

First, one of my favorite driving instructors, who has personal experience with Mike McGovern, described him as “fantastic.” He said that if there’s any way I can do a Track Day Event with Mike, he “highly recommends it.” 

So what sets REV apart from other track day events? Mike describes his commitment to providing an unparalleled experience. “With a maximum of 20 participants per event, we prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring that each driver receives ample track time and personalized instruction.” A 5-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio guarantees that every driver gets individualized coaching and feedback, tailored to their skill level and goals. 

REV also stands out for ensuring hours on track, so drivers maximize their learning and enjoyment. “We understand that time on the track is invaluable,” says Mike, “and strive to make every moment count. “Whether you’re a seasoned racer looking to fine tune your skills or a novice enthusiast who’s eager to improve, REV offers the perfect balance of instruction, practice, and exhilaration.” In short, “REV premium track days exceed expectations.” 

The May 4th Track Day Event

May 4th participants will get personalized coaching from McGovern and his team in their own cars as they navigate the twists and turns of the track. 

Besides on-track instruction, the event will feature an informative drivers’ meeting and ground school beginning at 10:30 AM. Focus areas include racecraft, vehicle dynamics, mastering cornering techniques, and perfecting braking and acceleration. On-track instruction, from noon to 4:00 PM,  incorporates ride-and-drive and lead-follow formats with pro racing instructors. So, a comprehensive experience designed to take your driving abilities to new heights.

The limited spaces for the REV Performance Track Day Event are $499. Not bad at all for high-performance training from some of the industry’s leading experts, including four hours of exclusive track use. Interested drivers are encouraged to register early to secure a spot.

© 2024, R Bairett