Personally...I think $295 for a day is pretty expensive, for no more track time than what was listed. But...that's just me.... I've been tracking my SPF for over 6 years and run in "A" run groups at all events. I'd not be so interested in the classroom time, while others with less experience would.
I'd like to see a full day of track time...with, of course, signoff by intructor-drivers. I'd certaily understand why tracks would want some validation of claims someone is experienced, or intermediate, etc. No problem.
FYI...during the London Cobra Show week, Mid-Ohio's two day event is $300. Experienced and Intermediate drivers participate in corner drills, and then are given several sessions of track time following an instructor. And, we're asking for more open track time. Most of us think $300 is a lot to spend for no more than 3 hours track time out of two days.
By comparison, Olthoff-sponsored events (normally SPF events) held at Virginia Int'l Raceway (VIR) are typically $300, or so. Participants are divided into A, B, C, and Women's classes. Normally, with 50 cars participating, each run group gets as many twenty-minute rotations on the track - with approx 5 minutes between each run group - as can fit in an 8 hour day. With less than 50 cars, drivers get more track time on the second day alone than most events get on two days. Plus, if you're driving quicker than those in your class, you'll get bumped to the next highest class. I've actually passed on several scheduled track sessions just because I was whipped...4 morning track sessions, and no less than 6 in the afternoon, and you're powered dog poop....wore plumb out...toast.
$295 is not so much of a "deal"...
PLUS...add in the cost of towing a car back and forth. In my case, I just came off the road from taking my car to Charlotte for some work at Olthoff's racing in Mooresville, NC. Gas alone was $390 for one round trip, and about that much again for the return trip to pick it up!!! So...I've got $800 in gas...not to mention a $120 hotel room...before I even get to the bill for work performed...! I'm talking $1600 or so here... Driving to Austin will be about another $800 in gas, plus at least $500 in hotel charges...and we've not even opened the liquor tab...
...add another $295 on top of all that for a track event for one day with only afternoon track time...and a very little bit of it, at that...well, I think you see my point.