AMG Driving Academy 2011
#1
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2009 C63 AMG
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I am considering going to AMG Driving Academy next year and wanted to ask the members who have been there already a few questions:
1. It seems that there is no way to skip the Basic program and go right to the Advanced. Is the Basic going be interesting to a person who already has basic performance driving skills?
Is there any excitement or the whole thing is just a class session followed by slow cruising around the track as on this video? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY8jrnVayTc
2. Which of the three locations the best? Road Atlanta, Laguna Seca or Lime Rock? It seems that Road Atlanta is the longest track of the three.
3. What is the best local hotel to stay in?
4. Do they use the same factory seats in their cars? I am 6'4" and afraid I might not fit in the smaller cars when wearing a helmet.![Frown](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
5. Is there anything else I need to know?![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Thanks!
1. It seems that there is no way to skip the Basic program and go right to the Advanced. Is the Basic going be interesting to a person who already has basic performance driving skills?
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
2. Which of the three locations the best? Road Atlanta, Laguna Seca or Lime Rock? It seems that Road Atlanta is the longest track of the three.
3. What is the best local hotel to stay in?
4. Do they use the same factory seats in their cars? I am 6'4" and afraid I might not fit in the smaller cars when wearing a helmet.
![Frown](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
5. Is there anything else I need to know?
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Thanks!
#2
I am considering going to AMG Driving Academy next year and wanted to ask the members who have been there already a few questions:
1. It seems that there is no way to skip the Basic program and go right to the Advanced. Is the Basic going be interesting to a person who already has basic performance driving skills?
Is there any excitement or the whole thing is just a class session followed by slow cruising around the track as on this video? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY8jrnVayTc
2. Which of the three locations the best? Road Atlanta, Laguna Seca or Lime Rock? It seems that Road Atlanta is the longest track of the three.
3. What is the best local hotel to stay in?
4. Do they use the same factory seats in their cars? I am 6'4" and afraid I might not fit in the smaller cars when wearing a helmet.![Frown](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
5. Is there anything else I need to know?![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Thanks!
1. It seems that there is no way to skip the Basic program and go right to the Advanced. Is the Basic going be interesting to a person who already has basic performance driving skills?
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
2. Which of the three locations the best? Road Atlanta, Laguna Seca or Lime Rock? It seems that Road Atlanta is the longest track of the three.
3. What is the best local hotel to stay in?
4. Do they use the same factory seats in their cars? I am 6'4" and afraid I might not fit in the smaller cars when wearing a helmet.
![Frown](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
5. Is there anything else I need to know?
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Thanks!
2) RA is my home track, so sort of biased there.
3) They will recommend a hotel.
4) Yes
5) I'm relatively fast on the track, and I think there are still things to learn in the Basic class. That being said, I would have preferred more time on the full track (I understand having to limit time based on car availability).
#3
road atlanta is outstanding. if that is your choice definitely stay at chateau elan. don't know if beginner is prerequisite for advanced. if you get in advanced your limits are basically set by yourself- instructors are very encouraging of you advancing your skills. you will definitely be uncomfortable in sls with helmet, though it is an extrordinary car. good luck.
#4
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2009 C63, 2007 GL 450
I am considering going to AMG Driving Academy next year and wanted to ask the members who have been there already a few questions:
1. It seems that there is no way to skip the Basic program and go right to the Advanced. Is the Basic going be interesting to a person who already has basic performance driving skills?
Is there any excitement or the whole thing is just a class session followed by slow cruising around the track as on this video? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY8jrnVayTc
2. Which of the three locations the best? Road Atlanta, Laguna Seca or Lime Rock? It seems that Road Atlanta is the longest track of the three.
3. What is the best local hotel to stay in?
4. Do they use the same factory seats in their cars? I am 6'4" and afraid I might not fit in the smaller cars when wearing a helmet.![Frown](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
5. Is there anything else I need to know?![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Thanks!
1. It seems that there is no way to skip the Basic program and go right to the Advanced. Is the Basic going be interesting to a person who already has basic performance driving skills?
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
2. Which of the three locations the best? Road Atlanta, Laguna Seca or Lime Rock? It seems that Road Atlanta is the longest track of the three.
3. What is the best local hotel to stay in?
4. Do they use the same factory seats in their cars? I am 6'4" and afraid I might not fit in the smaller cars when wearing a helmet.
![Frown](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
5. Is there anything else I need to know?
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Thanks!
2. I would say Laguna Seca or RA. Depends where you live and which is closer. LS fills up very quickly
3. The Academy will recommend hotels and usually is able to get decent rates based on group buy. You can contact them on this. If going to RA I would stay at Chateau Elan - this is where I am staying when I come over for event in April.
4. They use the factory seats in all the cars. As russjr states the SLS is a pain with helmets and very snug. At your height you will need some time to adjust seat position to be somewhat comfortable.
5. Just enjoy yourself and have fun. They are great events.
Dave
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2009 C63 AMG
Guys, thanks for your replies!
According to the website: "Advanced is offered to drivers who have completed either Basic, AMG Challenge, European Driving Academy program or equivalent courses." I am not sure if they enforce this requirement though.
Do you guys think I should sign up for Advanced? I am not a Russian women and know a bit how to drive an AMG!
What do they teach in Basisc except emergency braking, slalom, skidpad and trail braking?
As to my height, it is really a concern since I am uncomfortable in my C63 with the seat lowered all the way down and no helmet. It would really suck to pay, fly all the way there and not being able to drive any of the cars except E63 and maybe CLK63 BS (my CLK55 had a bit more room than my C63.)![smash](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smashfreak.gif)
As to the location, I was inclined to choose RA from the very beginning and you guys just affirmed my choice.
According to the website: "Advanced is offered to drivers who have completed either Basic, AMG Challenge, European Driving Academy program or equivalent courses." I am not sure if they enforce this requirement though.
Do you guys think I should sign up for Advanced? I am not a Russian women and know a bit how to drive an AMG!
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
As to my height, it is really a concern since I am uncomfortable in my C63 with the seat lowered all the way down and no helmet. It would really suck to pay, fly all the way there and not being able to drive any of the cars except E63 and maybe CLK63 BS (my CLK55 had a bit more room than my C63.)
![smash](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smashfreak.gif)
As to the location, I was inclined to choose RA from the very beginning and you guys just affirmed my choice.
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2009 C63, 2007 GL 450
Guys, thanks for your replies!
According to the website: "Advanced is offered to drivers who have completed either Basic, AMG Challenge, European Driving Academy program or equivalent courses." I am not sure if they enforce this requirement though.
Do you guys think I should sign up for Advanced? I am not a Russian women and know a bit how to drive an AMG!
What do they teach in Basisc except emergency braking, slalom, skidpad and trail braking?
As to my height, it is really a concern since I am uncomfortable in my C63 with the seat lowered all the way down and no helmet. It would really suck to pay, fly all the way there and not being able to drive any of the cars except E63 and maybe CLK63 BS (my CLK55 had a bit more room than my C63.)![smash](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smashfreak.gif)
As to the location, I was inclined to choose RA from the very beginning and you guys just affirmed my choice.
According to the website: "Advanced is offered to drivers who have completed either Basic, AMG Challenge, European Driving Academy program or equivalent courses." I am not sure if they enforce this requirement though.
Do you guys think I should sign up for Advanced? I am not a Russian women and know a bit how to drive an AMG!
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
As to my height, it is really a concern since I am uncomfortable in my C63 with the seat lowered all the way down and no helmet. It would really suck to pay, fly all the way there and not being able to drive any of the cars except E63 and maybe CLK63 BS (my CLK55 had a bit more room than my C63.)
![smash](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smashfreak.gif)
As to the location, I was inclined to choose RA from the very beginning and you guys just affirmed my choice.
#7
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2012 C63;1971 280SE 3.5(Sold);2023 EQS 450 SUV 4 Matic (Wife's)
At Mont Tremblant, at the MB Drivers School, I got in several cars after a tall driver (6'2" - 6'3" at a guess) and the driver's seat was positioned quite far back, if not all the way and tilted enough to take a nap. ![rolf](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
The helmet does reduce the head room in a hurry and I even bumped my head a few times but I did not hear any complaints from the taller guys. They all managed somehow.
![rolf](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
The helmet does reduce the head room in a hurry and I even bumped my head a few times but I did not hear any complaints from the taller guys. They all managed somehow.
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#8
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2002 C32 (gone), 2009 C63 K1
Posting in case people had missed the AMG Driving Academy dates. Driver training is my #1 favorite mod, and if you haven't done an event like these (auto-x, road race, HPDE etc) I highly recommend checking it out! I'm confirmed for PRO 4/9-11 @ Road Atlanta.
More info at www.AMGAcademy.com.
Schedule for the AMG Driving Academy:
Road Atlanta, GA
March –
· 14 BASIC
· 15 BASIC
· 16 BASIC
April –
· 1 BASIC
· 2 BASIC (PRIVATE LOUNGE ONLY)
· 3-4 ADVANCED
· 5 BASIC
· 7 BASIC
· 8 BASIC
· 9-11 PRO
Lime Rock, CT
May
· 12 BASIC
· 13 BASIC (PRIVATE LOUNGE ONLY)
· 14 BASIC
· 16-17 ADVANCED
· 18 BASIC
June
· 14 BASIC
· 15 BASIC
· 16 BASIC
Laguna Seca, CA
September
· 23 BASIC
· 24 BASIC (PRIVATE LOUNGE ONLY)
· 25-26 ADVANCED (PRIVATE LOUNGE ONLY)
· 26 BASIC
November
· 8 BASIC
· 9 BASIC
· 10-12 PRO
October
· 6 BASIC
· 7 BASIC
· 8 BASIC
· 9 BASIC
· 19 BASIC
· 20 BASIC
· 21 BASIC
· 22 BASIC
· 23-24 ADVANCED
December
· 2 BASIC
· 3 BASIC
· 4 BASIC
· 5 BASIC
· 6 BASIC
· 7 BASIC
More info at www.AMGAcademy.com.
Schedule for the AMG Driving Academy:
Road Atlanta, GA
March –
· 14 BASIC
· 15 BASIC
· 16 BASIC
April –
· 1 BASIC
· 2 BASIC (PRIVATE LOUNGE ONLY)
· 3-4 ADVANCED
· 5 BASIC
· 7 BASIC
· 8 BASIC
· 9-11 PRO
Lime Rock, CT
May
· 12 BASIC
· 13 BASIC (PRIVATE LOUNGE ONLY)
· 14 BASIC
· 16-17 ADVANCED
· 18 BASIC
June
· 14 BASIC
· 15 BASIC
· 16 BASIC
Laguna Seca, CA
September
· 23 BASIC
· 24 BASIC (PRIVATE LOUNGE ONLY)
· 25-26 ADVANCED (PRIVATE LOUNGE ONLY)
· 26 BASIC
November
· 8 BASIC
· 9 BASIC
· 10-12 PRO
October
· 6 BASIC
· 7 BASIC
· 8 BASIC
· 9 BASIC
· 19 BASIC
· 20 BASIC
· 21 BASIC
· 22 BASIC
· 23-24 ADVANCED
December
· 2 BASIC
· 3 BASIC
· 4 BASIC
· 5 BASIC
· 6 BASIC
· 7 BASIC
#9
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2021 Taycan Turbo, 2018 Radical SR3, 2021 Lincoln Aviator
I'm 6' and I must say that in a regular driving position and helmet on, I am pretty much flush with the head room on the C63.
That being said,if you are taller it's going to be tougher. Keep in mind your arms should be on the steering weel and slightly bent. Also you should be able to turn the steering wheel completely touching both arms. If you are really tall the seating position is going to be bad. If the SLS has less head room, that's a big problem...
That being said,if you are taller it's going to be tougher. Keep in mind your arms should be on the steering weel and slightly bent. Also you should be able to turn the steering wheel completely touching both arms. If you are really tall the seating position is going to be bad. If the SLS has less head room, that's a big problem...
#10
Super Member
Nice info, thanks gmullin. I have been strongly considering taking AMG up on there classes at Laguna Seca. Its just hard for me to plan that far head but that schedule you provided helps alot.
Has anyone here taken the course? Is it helpful, or is it just a reason to go tear *** in someone elses car
Has anyone here taken the course? Is it helpful, or is it just a reason to go tear *** in someone elses car
![naughty](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/naughty.gif)
#11
Guys, This thread is great. I started another one on here as well about the Academy a day or two ago about being able to attend for free if you just bought a car.
Did you all see that you can get a 20% discount on the AMG Private Lounge days just by being a member?
20% saves you like $300 on the course.
http://www.mercedes-amg.com/privatel...ad.php?t=27092
Did you all see that you can get a 20% discount on the AMG Private Lounge days just by being a member?
20% saves you like $300 on the course.
http://www.mercedes-amg.com/privatel...ad.php?t=27092
#12
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
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2009 C63, 2007 GL 450
Posting in case people had missed the AMG Driving Academy dates. Driver training is my #1 favorite mod, and if you haven't done an event like these (auto-x, road race, HPDE etc) I highly recommend checking it out! I'm confirmed for PRO 4/9-11 @ Road Atlanta.
More info at www.AMGAcademy.com.
Schedule for the AMG Driving Academy:
Road Atlanta, GA
March –
· 14 BASIC
· 15 BASIC
· 16 BASIC
April –
· 1 BASIC
· 2 BASIC (PRIVATE LOUNGE ONLY)
· 3-4 ADVANCED
· 5 BASIC
· 7 BASIC
· 8 BASIC
· 9-11 PRO
Lime Rock, CT
May
· 12 BASIC
· 13 BASIC (PRIVATE LOUNGE ONLY)
· 14 BASIC
· 16-17 ADVANCED
· 18 BASIC
June
· 14 BASIC
· 15 BASIC
· 16 BASIC
Laguna Seca, CA
September
· 23 BASIC
· 24 BASIC (PRIVATE LOUNGE ONLY)
· 25-26 ADVANCED (PRIVATE LOUNGE ONLY)
· 26 BASIC
November
· 8 BASIC
· 9 BASIC
· 10-12 PRO
October
· 6 BASIC
· 7 BASIC
· 8 BASIC
· 9 BASIC
· 19 BASIC
· 20 BASIC
· 21 BASIC
· 22 BASIC
· 23-24 ADVANCED
December
· 2 BASIC
· 3 BASIC
· 4 BASIC
· 5 BASIC
· 6 BASIC
· 7 BASIC
More info at www.AMGAcademy.com.
Schedule for the AMG Driving Academy:
Road Atlanta, GA
March –
· 14 BASIC
· 15 BASIC
· 16 BASIC
April –
· 1 BASIC
· 2 BASIC (PRIVATE LOUNGE ONLY)
· 3-4 ADVANCED
· 5 BASIC
· 7 BASIC
· 8 BASIC
· 9-11 PRO
Lime Rock, CT
May
· 12 BASIC
· 13 BASIC (PRIVATE LOUNGE ONLY)
· 14 BASIC
· 16-17 ADVANCED
· 18 BASIC
June
· 14 BASIC
· 15 BASIC
· 16 BASIC
Laguna Seca, CA
September
· 23 BASIC
· 24 BASIC (PRIVATE LOUNGE ONLY)
· 25-26 ADVANCED (PRIVATE LOUNGE ONLY)
· 26 BASIC
November
· 8 BASIC
· 9 BASIC
· 10-12 PRO
October
· 6 BASIC
· 7 BASIC
· 8 BASIC
· 9 BASIC
· 19 BASIC
· 20 BASIC
· 21 BASIC
· 22 BASIC
· 23-24 ADVANCED
December
· 2 BASIC
· 3 BASIC
· 4 BASIC
· 5 BASIC
· 6 BASIC
· 7 BASIC
#13
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clk 500 (wifey's); 350Z roadster (daily driver); 350Z coupe (track car)
Did you all see that you can get a 20% discount on the AMG Private Lounge days just by being a member?
20% saves you like $300 on the course.
http://www.mercedes-amg.com/privatel...ad.php?t=27092
#14