The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving is an iconic racing school that was founded back in 1968 by racing legend Bob Bondurant. I myself went through the school back in 1999, back when they were still running old SN95 Mustangs.
As you may have heard, the school recently filed for bankruptcy after finding themselves millions of dollars in debt, and no way to turn things around. At the time, the fate of the school wasn’t looking so great.
Luckily, a group of investors (cleverly calling themselves Stig Investments, Inc) swooped in to purchase the famous school and keep things running. Stig is a select assembly of entrepreneurs who are also graduates of the Bondurant school, racing enthusiasts and automobile collectors.
One member of the investor group, Bruce Belser, will serve as Bondurant’s CEO, effective upon the close of the transaction, which is expected in the coming weeks. Belser is a successful entrepreneur, having founded several businesses, and has served as a corporate pilot, Delta Airlines commercial pilot, fighter pilot and U.S. commander in the U.S. Air Force. Belser has attended Bondurant school twice as a student.
The new owners plan to ensure current/incoming students have an excellent experience without interruption; the company is currently operating and school is in session. They will immediately stabilize the financial foundation of the organization and plan to infuse significant capital into the business to enhance the guest experience for individuals and groups, and provide excellent return on investment for sponsorship partners and a best-in-class work environment for employees.
“We plan to establish the next generation of race car learning and entertainment as popularity in car racing and interest in consumer destination experiences continues to grow,” said Belser.
He adds that the private investment group will retain and enhance the reputation of the solid instruction the school is known for; head instructor Mike McGovern, who has been with the company for 36 years, and assistant instructor Danny Bullock, an employee for 22 years, will continue to lead guest experience and teaching with all current instructors. The team of instructors at the school are world renown for their deep knowledge and experience, and have taught some of the winningest drivers in the world as well as celebrities, star athletes and corporate executives.
“We’ve worked diligently over the last six months to find new owners who are not only smart business leaders, but can continue Bob Bondurant’s rich legacy,” said Tim Shaffer, chief restructuring officer at the school. “Bruce Belser and his colleagues will maintain the integrity and quality of the school to the highest standards. I’m confident the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving will remain a vibrant part of the international racing and local communities for years to come.”
“As graduates of the School, we truly honor the lasting impact Bob Bondurant has made on the racing community,” said Belser. “We have a profound respect for Bob and what he has built — an immersive experience for drivers of all skill levels. We sincerely appreciate the immense dedication of the school’s employees, students and sponsors over the last few months. Their support and hard work have been integral to keeping the company on track and will be critical as we move forward.”
Here’s hoping that everything works out for the best!
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