Started as a racing team by mechanic Henri Julien in 1968, AGS (Automobiles Gonfaronnaises Sportives) now focuses exclusively on its single-seater F1 racing school located in the gentle hills of Provence near St. Tropez and Nice. Michael Schumacher-wannabes begin either a one- or two-day course in a somewhat modest 180 hp Opel Formula Vauxhall for roughly 15 laps of the prestigious, F1-sanctioned, 1.37-mile Circuit du Var. Students then have the option of upgrading to the growling, 650-hp single-seater Ford Cosworth for a mere three laps. Cost: $1,730. And yes, the price increases with each additional lap.

For more information: AGS Formule One