AMG Dictator

I was just reading on the AMG Private Lounge that if you buy an AMG after December 31, 2010 you can attend the Basic course for free.

I had no idea they were finally doing something like this. If I pick up a new 2010 when the 11's come out, I may be able to take advantage of it.

They are also offering a 20% discount for members.

I will post the link if I can find it.

Has anyone taken the basic course? Is it worth doing?

AMG Dictator

Here is the link.

http://www.mercedes-amg.com/privatel...ad.php?t=27082

ATL_MB

I have been to the Road Atlanta basic course. At free, I think it is a great experience. I was a little disappointed for the $1,500 or so that I paid, though. Many people may not agree with me, but I would have appreciated more time on the exercises - especially the wet skid pad - and less time on track. This is for two reasons.

First, you can't master an entire race track until you can master the little things, which the exercises are much better at teaching. For an analogy, American soccer players spend much more time playing games - and less time practing individual skills - than the rest of the world. This shows in the World Cup, when we get worked over because while our strategy and overall shape might be good, Americans lose the ball on the first touch, can't win in the air and can't clear the ball. Our individual skills suck because we don't get enough time practicing the little things. AMG academy is the same way.

The second reason is that all the track time is lead-follow, which gets pretty damn boring pretty damn quick when it is at the pace of the slowest driver in the group, which by definition it has to be. If Formula 1 is the world's fastest parade, AMG Driving Academy is not far behind.

ATL_MB

Now that I have read my post again, it may sound more negative than I meant it. So let me add this - if you have never driven on track before, it would be a great experience. But don't expect to recreate a Formula 1 race on the final day.

Worth the wait

Did you get a chance to drive an SLS or a BS?

That has a lot of value built in for me...but I hear your points.

ATL_MB

Yes, we drove the SLS in one of the exercises and on track. We drove the CLK Black Series on track - was the highlight of the day. Much more entertaining on track than the SLS. I have heard that they were going to retire the Black Series so it may not be available any more, but I really do not know if they actually did. I am sure you can check that somewhere.

We also drove the E63 on track but not the C63, and my suggestion to AMG (I am sure it was heeded) was to drop the fat-a@@ E63 completely and use the C63 instead.

Newzchspy

I am sure there are some 211/212 guys who will respectfully disagree with you!!

AMG Dictator

Thanks for the feedback guys. I may give them a call and see if I could put the money towards the advanced course.

I have a few track days under my belt.

harrower

Most likely BS will be dropped from the 2011 calendar as they were getting beaten up and abused. At last event of the year last year, one of engines let go so they are down to just a small number of them

Newzchspy

They'll only let you do Advanced after completing the Basic..

khmergod

I got my email from MB telling me to RSVP April 3-4 basic...for free. The thing is I can't go .

black-clk500

C'mon just tell her you'll get her another fancy bag

Seriously, see if they can reschedule you.

AMG Dictator

Did you just take delivery? I thought you could attend any of the basic programs for free? I didn't know you needed to be invited to a specific date.

Carac

Just got an invite to Road Atlanta on the 8th for the basic. Not really miffed about them dropping the Black Series for obvious reasons Really interested in trying out the SLS, whether I would miss the Black if I traded for instance.

Yuille36

Unfortunately for alot of us, that bought our C63 back in 2010, this doesn't apply. And that pisses me off, but they had a make the cut somewhere.