AMG Driving Academy experiences?
06-28-2017, 07:28 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
AMG Driving Academy experiences?
Has anyone done this?
Interested in doing the BASIC at laguna seca in october. Never done any type of track driving before.
Do we use our own car?
Interested in doing the BASIC at laguna seca in october. Never done any type of track driving before.
Do we use our own car?
06-28-2017, 08:02 PM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Don't miss it as it is the best time.
Laguna Seca is a great track and you will love it.
After the basic try the advanced 2 day course and you will be smiling for the next week.
06-28-2017, 08:43 PM
#4
Super Member
not really. You can pull out your cell for some snaps, they do have a photographer but only get a few pics. They won't let you mount anything to the car. There is a great video of you driving the gts in car though, similar to corvette PDR.
06-29-2017, 08:44 AM
#5
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Join Date: Jun 2015
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'15 C63S
There is no pictures or video allowed in the cars at any time. They are very strict about that policy.
Outside of the cars while you are waiting your turn or during a break period, you are free to take whatever pics/videos you want.
That being said, within all the GT-S cars they have two cameras (one facing out the windshield, and the other mounted near the passenger A-pillar pointed toward the driver) that are turned on while you are doing your full laps of the track. They are tied into the car's telemetry so on your video you get to see your speed, RPM, lateral and longitudinal G-forces, throttle and brake position, and steering wheel position. All of that is posted by them on their website a few days after your class is finished.
Outside of the cars while you are waiting your turn or during a break period, you are free to take whatever pics/videos you want.
That being said, within all the GT-S cars they have two cameras (one facing out the windshield, and the other mounted near the passenger A-pillar pointed toward the driver) that are turned on while you are doing your full laps of the track. They are tied into the car's telemetry so on your video you get to see your speed, RPM, lateral and longitudinal G-forces, throttle and brake position, and steering wheel position. All of that is posted by them on their website a few days after your class is finished.
06-29-2017, 10:36 AM
#7
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2014 C63 Edition 507
Here is my write-up from last year...
Cool COTA Basic 4/21 - Match Report
Thought I would share my thoughts for the group on my experience at the ADA Basic program at COTA on 4/21. Being my first ADA event, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was not disappointed.
Facility - The COTA facility is absolutely gorgeous. Built 4 years ago, I believe, the facility was clean and well organized. The catering (breakfast, lunch and hot pretzels during the closing ceremonies) was just right and there were snacks/drinks set up at the Drive Modules if you needed refreshment. Quite a sight when you pull in and see all the AMG's laid out for full presentation. There was also a mini showroom set-up with a GLE 63, SL 65, GLA 45, C 63 Edition 1 Coupe, and a GTs.
Staff - The entire staff from check-in to send off was extremely positive and attentive. The instructor staff was outstanding. Great content, good humor and comradereie. Both the US and Global Directors of Instruction were in attendance. Thanks You AJ and Reinhard for putting together a top notch filed of instructors. Special shout out to Kevin Krauss and Rick D'Orio, our instructors for the day. Great communication throughout the modules and individual attention. I also had a chance to speak with the Technical Director - the man responsible for the vehicles. As my car is a former ADA vehicle, it was good to speak with him about the day in the life and maintenance of the fleet.
Driving Modules - We were hampered by thunderstorms early on and it was unsafe for course workers to be out in field so we did most all of our classroom work at the beginning, followed by some parade laps until the storms subsided. The weather may have cut in to our driving a bit, but not much and the weather ended up cooperating and being sunny and 80 degrees the rest of the day. I was paired with my brother, who made the trip down from Dallas, so it was fun in that regard too.[LIST][*]Drag Race and Agility Slalom - 3 runs each in a CLS 63 and E 63s. Hammer the drag start and focus on the upcoming stop box. Stomp the brakes in to the stop box without being short or long. The winner of the head-to-head match up gets to go first through the slalom. Have to say the CLS 63 is one impressive machine. Hands down the better performer, in my opinion. Very impressed with the CLS 63. Would definitely be a great daily driver.
Skid Pad - Several runs around the skid pad in a C63s. Pavement is wetted down and we were to try and get the rear end drifting a bit. Not so easy. Certainly not as easy as the instructors make it look. A balance of adrenaline and common sense is required. Everyone ends up spinning out at some point.
ABS Brakes on Lane Change - This was more of an emergency maneuvre kind of module. We drove the SL 63 (very comfortable) and had to approach an emergency braking area. The first pulls, we just did straight ahead trail braking. After that, when we approached, a directional light would go off and we had manueuvre to the R/L, and correct ourselves. I think this may be one module that got pared back a bit on us due to the weather. It was rather brief, but that's ok since it meant that our track time didn't get truncated.
Autocross - Aside from the track time, the most fun event. Drove the CLA 45 through an autocross course set up with cones. At start, we revved to about 3000rpm, let loose full throttle to a bend, then a tight turn, some esses, another tight turn, two hard turns then a stop box. I am amazed at the speed the CLA carried through this set-up. We had 3 runs each with partner, then 3 runs alone - best of the 3 gets counted. There is a team and individual award. The winning time was 31.08, if I remember right. My times were 32.3 - 32.5, if you were wondering. I will also say the exhaust note on the CLA at full performance was excellent.
Lead Follow/Track Time/Hot Laps - Wow, the feeling you get running the track at speed in incredibly engineered vehicles is astounding. We spent several laps following the instructors and their driving lines. Cones were also set up on the course for apex identification and braking zones, which definitely helped. Here the GTs really shined as you surely feel the balance of the car through the turns. The car just felt lighter compared to some of the others because of the handling. Top speeds in the straightaway got to about 120, but the real fun was taking turns at speed, hitting the brakes hard and setting up for the next turns. Your thinking about braking will change after this course - that was one of the first thing we got instructed on.
Hot Laps - If you think you were going fast, think again, the instructors can really push it. The car responds completely different under their direction, as you would expect. Hold on tight! My brother was lucky enough to pull a ride in the SLS BS with AJ and he told me they reached 165 in the straights. Again, the turns are where the action is though.
Final Thoughts - An excellent way to spend a day with fellow enthusiasts as we met some nice folks along the way and benefitted from some top notch instruction from top notch talent. It is a full day, they keep you moving - at a comfortable pace though, and surprising how physical it can be with the speed, G forces, etc. Way more fun than a roller coaster, especially since you are at the helm !!
Cool COTA Basic 4/21 - Match Report
Thought I would share my thoughts for the group on my experience at the ADA Basic program at COTA on 4/21. Being my first ADA event, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was not disappointed.
Facility - The COTA facility is absolutely gorgeous. Built 4 years ago, I believe, the facility was clean and well organized. The catering (breakfast, lunch and hot pretzels during the closing ceremonies) was just right and there were snacks/drinks set up at the Drive Modules if you needed refreshment. Quite a sight when you pull in and see all the AMG's laid out for full presentation. There was also a mini showroom set-up with a GLE 63, SL 65, GLA 45, C 63 Edition 1 Coupe, and a GTs.
Staff - The entire staff from check-in to send off was extremely positive and attentive. The instructor staff was outstanding. Great content, good humor and comradereie. Both the US and Global Directors of Instruction were in attendance. Thanks You AJ and Reinhard for putting together a top notch filed of instructors. Special shout out to Kevin Krauss and Rick D'Orio, our instructors for the day. Great communication throughout the modules and individual attention. I also had a chance to speak with the Technical Director - the man responsible for the vehicles. As my car is a former ADA vehicle, it was good to speak with him about the day in the life and maintenance of the fleet.
Driving Modules - We were hampered by thunderstorms early on and it was unsafe for course workers to be out in field so we did most all of our classroom work at the beginning, followed by some parade laps until the storms subsided. The weather may have cut in to our driving a bit, but not much and the weather ended up cooperating and being sunny and 80 degrees the rest of the day. I was paired with my brother, who made the trip down from Dallas, so it was fun in that regard too.[LIST][*]Drag Race and Agility Slalom - 3 runs each in a CLS 63 and E 63s. Hammer the drag start and focus on the upcoming stop box. Stomp the brakes in to the stop box without being short or long. The winner of the head-to-head match up gets to go first through the slalom. Have to say the CLS 63 is one impressive machine. Hands down the better performer, in my opinion. Very impressed with the CLS 63. Would definitely be a great daily driver.
Skid Pad - Several runs around the skid pad in a C63s. Pavement is wetted down and we were to try and get the rear end drifting a bit. Not so easy. Certainly not as easy as the instructors make it look. A balance of adrenaline and common sense is required. Everyone ends up spinning out at some point.
ABS Brakes on Lane Change - This was more of an emergency maneuvre kind of module. We drove the SL 63 (very comfortable) and had to approach an emergency braking area. The first pulls, we just did straight ahead trail braking. After that, when we approached, a directional light would go off and we had manueuvre to the R/L, and correct ourselves. I think this may be one module that got pared back a bit on us due to the weather. It was rather brief, but that's ok since it meant that our track time didn't get truncated.
Autocross - Aside from the track time, the most fun event. Drove the CLA 45 through an autocross course set up with cones. At start, we revved to about 3000rpm, let loose full throttle to a bend, then a tight turn, some esses, another tight turn, two hard turns then a stop box. I am amazed at the speed the CLA carried through this set-up. We had 3 runs each with partner, then 3 runs alone - best of the 3 gets counted. There is a team and individual award. The winning time was 31.08, if I remember right. My times were 32.3 - 32.5, if you were wondering. I will also say the exhaust note on the CLA at full performance was excellent.
Lead Follow/Track Time/Hot Laps - Wow, the feeling you get running the track at speed in incredibly engineered vehicles is astounding. We spent several laps following the instructors and their driving lines. Cones were also set up on the course for apex identification and braking zones, which definitely helped. Here the GTs really shined as you surely feel the balance of the car through the turns. The car just felt lighter compared to some of the others because of the handling. Top speeds in the straightaway got to about 120, but the real fun was taking turns at speed, hitting the brakes hard and setting up for the next turns. Your thinking about braking will change after this course - that was one of the first thing we got instructed on.
Hot Laps - If you think you were going fast, think again, the instructors can really push it. The car responds completely different under their direction, as you would expect. Hold on tight! My brother was lucky enough to pull a ride in the SLS BS with AJ and he told me they reached 165 in the straights. Again, the turns are where the action is though.
Final Thoughts - An excellent way to spend a day with fellow enthusiasts as we met some nice folks along the way and benefitted from some top notch instruction from top notch talent. It is a full day, they keep you moving - at a comfortable pace though, and surprising how physical it can be with the speed, G forces, etc. Way more fun than a roller coaster, especially since you are at the helm !!
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06-29-2017, 02:47 PM
#11
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Join Date: Oct 2016
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2016 C63 S
AUSTIN - CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS
I just got back from the basic course last weekend. OMG, if you can do it ... do it! Just about everything you could need is supplied. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable, polite and a lot of fun. Awesome breakfast and lunch buffet. I am actually thinking about the advanced course.
06-30-2017, 12:57 AM
#12
Senior Member
I attended the Advanced program at COTA this past Mon.-Tues. Great experience. Very well-run event. I'd echo the other comments above. Oh, and don't bring your own helmet. 
I do track days at home so I get where you're coming from, but there's no need to stand out and have to bother bringing it along. They have plenty of sizes to pick from as well as a new headsock to wear underneath.
I do track days at home so I get where you're coming from, but there's no need to stand out and have to bother bringing it along. They have plenty of sizes to pick from as well as a new headsock to wear underneath.
06-30-2017, 06:12 PM
#13
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Dallas
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2017 C63S Coupe AMG edition 1
Just got back from COTA last week and have been smiling every since. Got to drive all the AMG sedans and coupes and rode the AMG-GTR on he track.amazing experience and should not be missed. I am actually doing the 2 day advanced course at Laguna Seca next.
08-08-2017, 02:13 PM
#14
Member
They supply the cars(Gas and tires and brakes and your car does not get abused) and you get to drive most all the AMG models.
Don't miss it as it is the best time.
Laguna Seca is a great track and you will love it.
After the basic try the advanced 2 day course and you will be smiling for the next week.
Don't miss it as it is the best time.
Laguna Seca is a great track and you will love it.
After the basic try the advanced 2 day course and you will be smiling for the next week.
If you drove your own car , which they don't allow, you'd need to plan on a new set of tires fairly shortly after attending.
08-21-2017, 10:21 AM
#15
MBWorld Fanatic!
Hey all - long shot, big ask. If anyone finds this and is registered at Laguna Seca on October 2nd, PM me! I was hoping to secure this date over the weekend for the Basic class and sometime between Friday and Sunday, the class filled up. Saturday and Sunday are obviously wait listed as well and Monday was the last time I was able to match up with my travel schedule. If you're signed up and willing to switch dates, please let me know!
08-21-2017, 02:08 PM
#16
Just a heads up, US AMG Private Lounge members get a 20% discount on the US AMG Driving Academy courses.
Membership is free, you just need to be an AMG owner.
www.mercedes-amg.com/privatelounge
Membership is free, you just need to be an AMG owner.
www.mercedes-amg.com/privatelounge
08-22-2017, 05:25 PM
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!
I had a chance to attend the Basic course at COTA in June of 2015 and it was, without a doubt, one of the best automotive-related experiences of my life.
Everything about the course was run at a first-class level.
If you get any sort of motion sickness, make sure you load up on the dramamine.
Everything about the course was run at a first-class level.
If you get any sort of motion sickness, make sure you load up on the dramamine.
08-22-2017, 10:51 PM
#18
MBWorld Fanatic!
They supply the cars, they supply the race track, they supply lunch and seminars, they pay for it all (ie. once only) - what's there not to like about that, no brainer to jump in and do it
Here in Melbourne Aust. it's done at the Sandown race course, I've done it and as others have mentioned above it was one of the best auto related experiences I've had
08-24-2017, 09:25 AM
#19
I did mine at Lime Rock yesterday and it was amazing. Highly recommended. The Taxi ride in the end with the instructor in a GTS was insane. The GT R was also something else; best car I've ever driven.
08-31-2017, 02:55 PM
#21
MBWorld Fanatic!
I'm signed up for the 2nd. If you're in the area on Saturday and have the wife or others with you, AMG Private Lounge is hosting a car show and track experience. You can bring up to 3 guests. 230-7p I believe. Car show, hot laps driven by a pro and autoX driving opportunity...all free of charge as an AMG owner.
08-31-2017, 04:59 PM
#22
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I'm signed up for the 2nd. If you're in the area on Saturday and have the wife or others with you, AMG Private Lounge is hosting a car show and track experience. You can bring up to 3 guests. 230-7p I believe. Car show, hot laps driven by a pro and autoX driving opportunity...all free of charge as an AMG owner.
09-01-2017, 05:53 PM
#24
09-04-2017, 09:13 AM
#25
MBWorld Fanatic!
