Guys,

Just checking in as it has been some time. Just thought I would post latest fun in SLS GT3. I have got to be the luckiest guy around as my wife agreed to join me and drive the SLS GT3.

After a short flight from Prague to Frankfurt we grabbed a brand new E-Klasse Wagon and headed down to Hockenheim. Upon arrival at the pits where the ADA was putting on a Power & Passion event we were as always greeted warmly by the Academy family. Good to see old friends again after the winter break. We arrived 2 hours before Sona was to do her event so we kicked back and had some cafe and food.

Sona was the only woman in the event and of course this turned a few heads. After an initial briefing on the car/track they headed out in street SLSs to learn the track and racing line. Peter Ebner was her coach for event and he is one of the best damn instructors out there. Very relaxed and one of the nicest guys around.

I had already suited up and was paired up with Jan Seyffarth who races the SLS GT3 for Rowe and just came in 3rd place in the 24Hr race at Nurburgring. Was going out just to get back into the groove in GT3 and do some training. Jan is a very cool guy and VERY fast in his own right. Found out I would be using the good old "Sabo" car that I had driven before but was pleased to see a new set of Dunlop sticker slicks awaiting to be fitted to the car. So after scrubbing in the new set of slicks Jan went out and set reference laps for data analysis purposes. All in all, did 4 sessions and had a great time as usual. Lap times were 1:48.6 region

Back to Sona. After initial laps in SLS she suited up and got fitted for the car. The car had just had a new livery put on it and looked sharp. In all she did 2 sessions of 4-5 laps a session as is custom with GT3 Experience. I was amazed to see her coming down front stretch at decent speed and hitting her line perfectly. Now you need consider that this was her 1st time in the GT3 and had only been on a race track 4 times before and these were all within the last 8 months. I am still amazed at how well she did and very proud of her. In all honesty she did MUCH better than I did when I drove the car for the 1st time and I had a lot more track experience than she had. Here is video of her 2nd session. Love how she pushes Peter to go faster....a racer if I ever saw one.
After I finished up my last session I asked her how she liked it. Response....I LOVE IT! Damn, looks like I will be sending more $ AMG way. Looking at having her do the SLS GT3 Warm-up at Lausitzring in 2 weeks if logistics work out.

Another great day with the ADA and special thanks for all of the team for putting a great event and getting my wife hooked on the GT3 (not!)

Here is video of one of my sessions towards end of session. Had been 6 months since I have been in the car so a little bit of rust on me.
ok, ok...I know...where are the bloopers....well here you go....
This was one of earlier sessions and the rear end had felt really loose. I thought it might be due to the fact that tires might be getting a little greasy as the air temp was going up as the sun had come out later in the day and made things warmer overall. After we came in we had mechanics look at the car and they found out that the torsion bars had been set to Level 1...what does that mean...one level lower and I would have no rear end! So they tightened them up and the car had a very positive feel to it. For all those of you who have done Winter Sporting....looks familiar doesn't it but I am not sure this technic was design for SLS GT3 on slicks. Poor Jan had to clean his shorts after this one and I hit him in belly and told him that I would not kill him today since he had the 24Hr Nurburgring Race on the weekend. Laughs all around.

Dave

 

more pics

 

more pics #2

 

more pics #3

 

Looks Amazing Dave!! Thanks for sharing!!

 

That's great you share interest in racing. Tell her to leave the hoop earrings at home next time. Haha.

 

You're livin the dream Dave!

Great video and pics

 

Looks like a great time I love it when the better half's appreciate our toys

 

Thanks for Sharing! It must feel amazingly great that a man can "discuss(both ways)" SLS GT3 experience on the track with his wife!

 

Wow awesome wife for sure. Great vid!

 

Looks like it was epic

 

Love your title David... "I am lucky guy...convinced my wife to drive SLS GT3" . It's funny cuz she should be the lucky woman for driving the SLS GT3. LOL

 

Can't open the photos on my phone right now but a great story nonetheless. Everything's good Dave? Sure seems like it!

 

Theres a term for women like that:

Keeper!

 

I'll be your wife....

 

Now that's a beautiful car! And...well you know

 

awesome man! was that the ADA's Pro level? good job running on the track with good times.. haha and well done in getting the wifey into AMG!

 

This is the ADA Master's level. They have a complete program that allows you to progress from running with TC set high and on rains through to point where you run with moderated TC/ABS and slicks as you gain experience with the car. On getting her into the car...well once she was in and had done her 1st stint the game was over....she loved it.

Dave

 

Must've been great fun!!! Its amazing that you and your wife are able to share and enjoy the driving experience