OMG

Can't even begin to describe how awesome it was....Honestly, apart from getting married (disclaimer necessary ) this was the best day of my life.

The whole event impressed the absolute **** out of me.

From a professional, experiential and attention to detail point of view, it really was top notch. Everything was super well organized, the instructors were not only incredibly knowledgeable, but were also awesome to talk to and get along with. They were super patient with everyone and never made anyone feel like they were too stupid or inexperienced...the feedback that they gave you to improve was incredible and really helped develop solid driving skills.

The cars were amazing...the SLS is just so smooth on the track it's unbelievable. You can feel everything about the car - it communicates so well and really is purpose-built and still gets you there in style and comfort.

From a power perspective, let me just say that the SL63 with PP is an absolute monster above 100MPH. Literally pulls like a freight train and would stomp the SLS from an acceleration point of view. That being said, it obviously does not handle the same way as the SLS.

Got to use carbon ceramic brakes for my first time on a track, and it's incredible how much more effective they are than standard/compound rotors.

Guys and gals, if you haven't done one of these yet, you are missing out like you have no idea. Even if you don't have the credit to go due to purchasing a new car, the $'s are worth their weight in gold...

If it cost $5K, I'd do it all over again - simply amazing.

Also, the amount of seat time that we got was surprising. I don't think that I wasn't driving for more than 3 hours of the day total (including lunch and driver's meeting). We started at 8:30 and ended at 5:30.

Anywho, I've attached some videos and a photo gallery.

Enjoy

Will post the in-car SLS video and telemetry as soon as the academy releases it...that should be a treat. :-)

Best,

Chris



(photos - first few are iPhone, rest are high-res SLR)
http://img.gg/9SPNxaU

(Track video and beautiful SLS noise)

(intro and braking module)

NICE!

Nice! There's a good thread in the AMG PL about the session.

Very Nice and I couldn't agree more. One of the best days in my life when I did it back in October and all your points are true. Instructors were great, it was professionally organized and the cars were awesome. Also, the amount of time you spend behind the wheel is ALOT. Driving home I didn't realize how tired I was after all the excitement calmed down.

Loved the program so much as soon as registrations for this years courses opened up I signed up for the two day Advanced session at Laguna Seca.

how much was the 2 day?

I signed up for the two day advanced course, I think it was roughly $2400. That's with a 20% price break they give you for being an AMG owner (they will ask for your VIN)

Am definitely going to do the advanced and pro courses...just need to find the time, and hide the money...

I was at the Advanced last Saturday and Sunday. Great event but a little slow paced for me but it was still fun to dp and beating on their cars is priceless. The event really is top notch, AMG spares no expense. I am going to register for the pro class, I hear that one is a lot faster paced and they let you drive at 100%

I have done basic and am looking to spend $$$ on advanced.

I am very curious as regards what they offer in advanced compared to basic.

In basic, we
- spent some time with C63 coupes on wet skid pad
- spent some time with SLK55 on a li'l autox
- drag raced E63/CLS 63 and slalomed them
- took the SLS on the bigger high speed track
- took the CLS 63 on the same bigger high speed track
- hot lapped with tommy.

What difference can I expect in advanced? except that its a 2 day course.

Found the answer... lol.

Day 1


7:45 am
Arrival at the Racetrack and Breakfast

8:15 am
Welcome Introductions/Technical Classroom

8:45 am - 12:15 pm
Separate into Groups and Begin Drive Modules
Agility Slalom & Drag Race/Group
Photo
Skid Pad (Wet Cornering)
ABS Brakes on Lane Change
Line Technique

12:15 pm - 1:00 pm
Lunch

1:00 pm - 4:40 pm
Separate into Groups and Begin Drive Modules
Sector Training 1
Sector Training 2
Line Talk Classroom
Handling Course/Autocross
Group Lead/Follow-Full Course

4:40 pm - 5:15 pm
Driver Debrief/End of Day Activities

6:30 pm
Driver Reception and Dinner




Day 2

8:00 am
Arrival at the Racetrack and Breakfast

8:15 am
Intro and Driver Briefing on Day's Events

8:45 am - 12:15 pm
Group and Begin Driving
Lead Follow 1
Lead Follow 2 with Taxi Rides
Lead Follow with Video/Data
Data Classroom
Competition Autocross

12:15 pm - 1:00 pm
Lunch

1:00 pm - 4:45 pm
Group and Begin Driving
Lead Follow 1
Lead Follow 2 with Taxi Rides
Lead Follow with Video/Data
Data Classroom
Competition Autocross

4:40 pm - 5:15 pm
Victory Ceremony and Farewell

Also, from what I gathered and what JRCart mentioned, the instructors said the basic course they only let us go at about 70%. Advanced they loosen up a bit and let you push farther to about 85%. Pro course they let you loose and try to get your best times in.

And JR, I know what you mean that sometimes it feels slow paced but at the end of the day, its like you said and what they told us "For those of you who own AMGs, remember THESE ARE NOT YOUR CARS. They are not your tires. They are not your brakes. So don't worry. Burn up the tires. Stomp on the brakes. Go have fun"

This was an absolutely epic event! I did all 6 days in a row. Beg, Adv, and Pro. Pro was a ton of driving and most of it was by myself in the SLS. !

I wish there were locations closer to where i live so i can experience it

Which group were you in for Advanced? Did we meet? I was in the blue group on Saturday and Sunday.

thanx for sharing! I was supposed to BE THERE THAT DAY and was really disappointed that I couldn't make it.......but it was free so I didn't lose any loot hehe.....

one of these days!!!!! did you meet Kate? was she cute?

UM.....Laguna Seca?!?

I live in Louisiana. The closest would be GA i guess

I'M AN IDIOT...SORRY. ALLERGY MEDS ARE MESSING WITH MY HEAD

WHAT ABOUT ATLANTA?

lol! Yeah that is what i'm saying GA as Georgia.

Off topic :Currently watching speed channel and the new viper. This car seems to be a beast as well!

For advanced I was yellow and w Don & Ernie I think.

For Pro I was and with Neal and Lou.