Which driving (racing) schools around the country are considered the best? I am looking for one offering courses in their own cars and preferably close to the New England region (I suspect not many).

I think Skip Barber is in CT (Lime Rock), is that close enough?
http://www.skipbarber.com/

Another big name is Bob Bondurant - http://www.bondurant.com but they're in Arizona.

Don't forget you can always choose the BMW Performance Center Driving School in South Carolina - http://www.bmwusa.com/bmwexperience/Perfor...nter/school.htm

One additional "complication" is that I want cars with SMG type transmissions; I have never owned a manual. What would be my best bet, to polish my manual skills?

As Rudy mentioned, the BMW Performance Driving School in South Carolina is good and you can get cars with SMG.

I had my delivery there and we did a few hours on the course and I was in an SMG car.

For the M course, I was told you have to spend some time driving a manual. I suspect you would get some seat time in the E39 M5 (skid control?) and maybe a manual m3. :think: You would also get some time in the SMG cars too, but you can't be there all the time.