SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Driving Schools..Any recommendations?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Boston & Bonita Springs, Fl
2005 SL65 w/RENNtech Stage 2, 2013 MB GL550
Driving Schools..Any recommendations?
Now that I have my SL 65 I want to make sure I can handle it safely, especially if I get the oppurtunity to take on a ZO6.(My friend has one and we bust each other constantly) I've heard about some AMG 2 or 3 day driving schools at different race tracks around the country. Has anyone ever been to these or any others that you would recommend?
Thanks,
Thanks,
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 165
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From: KS
08 E-550 4-matic Sport; '15 RAM, '15 X3, '15 Charger SRT
Schools
I went to Bondurant years ago when they were in N. CA - now they are in Phoenix. They have a good program IMHO but I've no recent experience. Take a look at their website. For what you want I would suggest the 3 day high performance program. I did that one as well as Jim Russel years ago and also the Snow and Ice Driving School in Steamboat Springs, CO.
I looked at the MB one day program a year ago but I think it is more promotional than educational. How much can you do in one day? There are other reputable schools out there around the country. I think 3 days is about right as you have time to practice and ponder what you are learning over three days.
The schools really tightened up my driving, improved my focus and road awareness, and where I could and couldn't go fast. They work a lot on smoothness of inputs: steering, braking and acceleration as well as where your eyes are looking. If you learn smoothness, the speed comes naturally. I think anyone with a high performance car should attend. Good luck and congrats on your car!
I looked at the MB one day program a year ago but I think it is more promotional than educational. How much can you do in one day? There are other reputable schools out there around the country. I think 3 days is about right as you have time to practice and ponder what you are learning over three days.
The schools really tightened up my driving, improved my focus and road awareness, and where I could and couldn't go fast. They work a lot on smoothness of inputs: steering, braking and acceleration as well as where your eyes are looking. If you learn smoothness, the speed comes naturally. I think anyone with a high performance car should attend. Good luck and congrats on your car!
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Joined: Feb 2004
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'14 ML BT
I've heard really good things about the Porsche driving school, I think it's in Dothan, Alabama.
I would suggest the women only event, just because I like the odds, but I'm not sure they will let you in.
I've done the AMG experience, it's fun but not deeply instructive.
I would suggest the women only event, just because I like the odds, but I'm not sure they will let you in.
I've done the AMG experience, it's fun but not deeply instructive.
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 165
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From: KS
08 E-550 4-matic Sport; '15 RAM, '15 X3, '15 Charger SRT
Schools in CA
I Goggled "performance driving schools in CA" and at least 3 came up including Jim Russell. Don't have recent info on any of them but they should be willing to give references.
Super Member
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SL55, ML500, GT3 RS, 997C2S
The Porsche driving school is excellent, only problem is that your SL is a heavy pig (slightly heavier than mine) and the P cars are not just lighter, they have the engine in the wrong place, behind the rear axel. They have a completly different driving dynamic when pushed to the limit. You may want to look into Skip Barber because I think they have Vipers for the students. The Viper is powerfull like your SL and is a closer match to handeling like your SL.
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Member
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Bay Area, California
SL65
Russell, Skip Barber and NASA...
I'm doing the Skip school in October. I'm also heading the the NASA HPDE in Thunderhill in a couple weeks. NASA I'm sure will be lower quality instruction (damn near free), but it still gives me some track time.
I'm doing the Skip school in October. I'm also heading the the NASA HPDE in Thunderhill in a couple weeks. NASA I'm sure will be lower quality instruction (damn near free), but it still gives me some track time.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Hotlanta
AMG
Now that I have my SL 65 I want to make sure I can handle it safely, especially if I get the oppurtunity to take on a ZO6.(My friend has one and we bust each other constantly) I've heard about some AMG 2 or 3 day driving schools at different race tracks around the country. Has anyone ever been to these or any others that you would recommend?
Thanks,
Thanks,
For everyone's benefit:
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-sl63-amg-sl65-amg-r230/198592-no-problem-raceway-2-track-days-250-a.html
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
I have been to Bondurant, Barber, Russell and have done the AMG Challenge schools. They are all good experiences and will definitely take your skills to the next level.
