There are times in the life of every New Yorker when the frustration of idling on the George Washington Bridge or inching up Madison produces a lust for more power. But for those of us whose need for speed can’t be sated (at least not legally) on the New Jersey Turnpike, there’s relief. Skip Barber Racing School in Lakeville, Connecticut, will teach you to accelerate like Mario Andretti and corner like Jeff Gordon. The school’s daylong “Intro to Racing” class includes 90 minutes behind the wheel of a Formula One Dodge race car. (The truly ambitious can sign up for three-day, five-day, and six-day packages, which place greater emphasis on track time.) At day’s end, downshift with an Asian-fusion meal at the cozy local favorite, West Main Restaurant. (And ask for the delicious bread pudding.) Then drift off to sleep at the venerable White Hart Inn-the roomy white clapboard hotel has been welcoming guests since 1867-while dreaming of the Indy 500.
Details Skip Barber Racing School, 800-221-1131 or www.skipbarber.com ($495 for the one-day class); West Main Restaurant, 860-435-1450; White Hart Inn, 800-832-0041 (rooms start at $139).