ATL_MB

This past weekend a number of Mercedes were at Roebling Road Raceway for two full days of lapping.

Mercedes was represented by 4 C63s (2 heavily modified Kleemann cars, 1 with a Kleemann tune, 1 stock), a heavily modded E55, a CLK 63 cabrio (formerly it was a CLK 55!), SL 55, and bringing up the rear a 2.3-16 190E and C230K SS (I apologize in advance if I am missing someone). There was also an M3 and a RX-7 (both full-on race cars), an M5, a GT3 and a 911 Turbo.

All the M-B cars did great -- one was sidelined on Sunday with a cut tire, the SL55 broke an oil cooler (due to an off-track tour), and the 190 had transmission problems -- that was it. And I think that everyone did at least close to 200 miles -- some did over 500! The 911 Turbo, unfortunately, spent some time on jack stands.

The C63s were beasts - I think the modded cars hit close to 150 down the straight. The instructors were fantastic, including Roland Linder (multi-time winner of Le Mans) who seeemed to 4-wheel drift the Kleemann E55 around the entire track -- with 4 people in the car! He owns a stock E55, an SLR and an F40LM -- his comment leaving the pits for the first time was "Wow - this car has a lot of motor!" His second comment after turn 1 was "You guys are heavy!"

Hearing three C63s and a GT3 going by wide open at the same time at 140mph was awesome. It was great that the 911s were there -- it showed how capable the C63 is on the (curvy) track (I don't think any of the 63's had the PP -- would have liked to compare it to the non-PP cars.)

Just a great time for everyone and I wanted to publicly thank Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead, who arranged everything, including the instructors and on-site dealer techs all weekend! They even gave away 2 sets of $4,000+ wheels (from Kleemann and Carlsson) and lots of other stuff. (And let me attend with my slow-@ss car!) How many dealers -- of any make -- do this????

Thanks, Kevin and Roland and everyone else!!!!

mbbpro

Thanks ! Just to let you know. Latter in the day on Sunday, Roland Linder was keeping up with the Porsche Turbo in a C350 ! That tells you how experieced he is! he was 3 seconds off the turbo but right behind it!

Kevin Ingold
Mercedes Benz of Buckhead Performance Center

Sincity

Where are the pics?

lawdawg

I also was lucky enough to get to go down and play on the track. I have to say, first and foremost that the Mercedes of Buckhead Performance Group was amazing. After popping a hole in my oil cooler on the way down, one was sent down that day on a Greyhound bus and the techs put it on the next morning to get me out on the track. To say that they went above and beyond to ensure that everyone had a fantastic time would be a HUGE understatement. It was really incredible to see how these cars can perform in a real race environment and I certainly have a new found respect for my car's abilities. It is pretty cool to see how these AMG's perform and the whole weekend was a true testament to the unique performance philosophy over at MB of Buckhead. We really had a great time and I hope to do the next event coming up and it is just a shame that more dealers don't have the same passion and commitment to enjoying these cars. Many thanks to all those that made the weekend possible.

ATL_MB

They had a professional photographer there - when he sends them out, they will get posted. I think some of the techs may have shot some video, too, but I am not sure about that.

perrysc63

WOW What a trip to Roebling Raceway past week end, many many thanks to MB OF BUCKHEAD, all employes Jeff, Kevin, Brain, for arranging such track event, All instructors where great, showed all correct lines to drive, i had 576 miles put on track ,around 286 laps, brandnew set of street tires have chucks missing, with my C63, which is stock car, cannot wait before next track event get upgrade with some more options offered by MB OF BUCKHEAD with there performance packages,what a great crew from dealer every one so help full, when my C63 had over heated engine oil they heard my engine making noise on long straight when i am doing around 145MPH, i was called in to check,help to cool engine oil down, here i go back on track to do more laps, i was the last car on track at the end of day,i had such great great time i cannot wait for another track event, many many thanks t other drives to bring there cars and drive them to there limits, what amazing machine, Thanks to Mr Roland,Todd,Brain for instructing on driving correct lines

ATL_MB

Here is a pic of the group -- hopefully more pics are to come.

MJ50

how come no performance centers in socal is throwing an event like this?

ATL_MB

Many thanks to Walter at Windward Photography for these. (WindwardPhotography.com)

He has provided some video too, and I will try to get that up once I figure out how.

ATL_MB

Email from Roland Linder (he asked that I post it):

I want first to say that I felt privileged to be part of such a team effort. I wasn’t expecting that from a first time track event. As much as I appreciated the compliments the right bravos goes to Kevin and his crew!

What a display of professionalism and dedication to the clients and the cars. The event went VERY well and they even were able to fix a SL 55 who had a little oil cooler incident like they were working at the shop.

Yes, I got spoiled to drive so many laps in these great cars and I’m not talking about the P. cars here!

My biggest surprise was to see how many laps the clients were doing with their cars…My hat to them, they did very well and I enjoyed working with each one of them. I’m known for my F. cars but I do own an E55 that I love a lot.

I look forward to do another event with such a crew.

My best souvenir to all
Roland

ATL_MB

Some more pics from this past weekend.

House711

I'm back from a driving weekend and a golf trip all in one. My track driving was much better than my golf driving btw. I have to thank M B for putting on an outstanding event. I brought two cars my Kleemann mod SL 55 and yes I am the one who brought there M-5 to the event. The MB guys were so kind to let me bring both cars. I must say the SL gets top speed of 145 mph compared to 140 mph with the M. My lap times with both cars ranged between 129 sec and 135 sec. THANK YOU INSTRUCTORS! And this is for a first timer on this kind of track. The team went above and beyond to make sure safety was at the top of the list seconded by fun. I can't wait for the next track day and I am spoiled by the number of laps we got in so hope we can keep it small again.

ATL_MB

Some video (hope this works):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqj42FdUw2g


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHIUjtKtPsA

Chappy

Great pics and feedback. I've known Kevin for nearly 10 years and would not hesitate to join in at the next opportunity. Congrats!

Saaz

I had a great time. Kevin and everybody at MB Buckhead did a great job with this.

I'll be signing up for the next one, and would highly recommend it for either regular track junkies or novices.

hhughes1

Check out the link below for a Sept instructional course at the same track. As of now I am the only MB registered.

http://clubregistration.net/index.cfm

House711

Times were 1:29 to 1:35

House711

Pic

mbbpro

Just to let others know, we are planning another Mercedes Benz of Buckhead track event. The difference with us is we bring in a complete crew of techs and equipment in case of problems. We also make sure our guest are provided lunch, etc and how about all those great give aways!!
Kevin

mbbpro

Ahh my second child! The baddest SL55 around packing 575 hp to rear wheels! Kleeman Tuned !

Juts want every one know that Scott did come in on Tuesdday and we did install his headers!! and also intake spacers. His Kleemann wheels that he won, and donated by Kleemann will go on on Monday.

Kevin

mbbpro

http://s478.photobucket.com/albums/r...view=slideshow

Thanks again every one!