DannyBoyC6

Hi All,
I'm hoping to jump in on some driving instruction in the near future at Motorsport Ranch just outside of DFW. They offer 2-day The Driver's Edge event as well as 1-day Apex events. Any thoughts on the two instruction options? I'm a novice with no training so far.

I also see they have different track configurations: 1.3M / 1.7M / 3.1M -- should I target any particular event to make sure I get the best config?

I'm really excited to take my C6 out there and start learning how to really get something out of it!

Thanks in advance for any opinions on it.
Dan

OKsweetrides

1.7 ccw

edit:

The 1.7 like Speed Direct says, is the most straight forward. The 1.3 can be quite tricky for a novice and the transition from the 1.3 to the 1.7 in the 3.1 course can unsettle cars (I always take it easy on the transition points until I get enough cajones)

Speed Direct

I concur that the 1.7 ccw is the most straight forward configuration. The 1.3 has a few spots that take some getting used to and the 3.1 (which uses the 1.3 as well) is very long and tends to give you fewer laps and thus fewer chances to try things at each corner. I think the 1.7 is about right for learning. It's long enough for you to settle down in the straights yet short enough to get a rhythm going.

94lt1vette94

I've actually taken my Acura out to MSR. I plan on running my C4 out there sometime soon. I let my friend's dad drive my car since he races Indy at Laguna Seca . I guess it wouldn't hurry for me to start learning at an early age (17 haha). Best of luck to you! We ran my RSX on the 1.7CCW

DannyBoyC6

Gonna bring your ZR1 out there? I see it arrives today.
(not to hijack my own thread)

94lt1vette94

Lol no, it's a base C4. I ordered some AFS ZR1 wheels for it . I should be able to blaze around MSR with 275's on the front and 315's in the rear

VetteDrmr

Danny Boy,

I've had personal experience with TDE, and recommend them highly, especially for a novice. It's more expensive, but not only do you get 8 sessions with an instructor, but also classroom on track manners, car control, etc.

Regardless of the track configuration, TDE will keep you safe and learning. MSR is a great facility, also, with lots of runoff.

Have a good one,
Mike

rag1998

about TDE, Didnt run with APEX yet so cant say much about them..

timsam

Another +1 for TDE and the 1.7. Ive never tried Apex, but have done many events with TDE. Those guys are great.

DannyBoyC6

Thanks to everyone for the advice.

94lt1vette94

Someone recommended Apex to me

VetteDrmr

I think Apex is probably a fine organization, but they're not quite as extensive for the novice as TDE, if for no other reason the class time and 2 days of instruction.

Novi are drinking from a fire hose, and that 2nd day a lot of stuff starts clicking.

Have a good one,
Mike

LeMans05C6

I have only been on one track, MSR, but I really enjoy it so far. It doesn't have a long straight away in comparison to what other tracks look like, but it will throw most types of turns at yet (except for a Laguna Seca corkscrew of course). The 1.7 i did on my first session and that is a good one to start one. Some high speed turns, but also some technical turns up in the back and rattlesnake. The 3.1 adds the backside as everyone said and really makes this a course that will test your car. Miata's will ride your butt because its a technical course. There aren't long straights where you can pull away and build a gap. Drive your own car and let people pass. See what they are doing but don't drive thier line, as they could be wrong just in a faster car. Our cars are very capable, but give yourself time to learn the power those rear wheels have.

I have been to the driver's edge twice this year and i just got my 06 Z51 in November of 09'.

They run a great program out there and its well done. I think Apex is similar and heard good things about them too, and could be wrong but i think Apex came from some TDE guys so I am guessing its similar just in 1 day.

The driver's Edge two day event is a good idea especially for a novice. The two days let some things soak in and the 2nd day turns into a nice progression from your first day. The first session as a novice is under full caution so you just get used to driving the line and getting a feel for the car. The 2nd session was at speed, at least what your comfortable with. Your 2nd and 3rd session of the 2nd day will most likely be your best sessions, but everytime out its a blast just that checkered flag comes up quicker than you want it to everytime.

Any more questions about MSR or TDE, PM me ill be happy to tell you more.

94lt1vette94

How much does the 2 day session cost?

LeMans05C6

The drivers edge is 295 + 20 or 25 for a helmet if you don't have one. Since you get 8 sessions total, about 20-25 min each, it the better bang for buck. First time around I would really recommend TDE. 2 days is helpful first time.

94lt1vette94

Ok, so just a little over $300 for the 2 day? That sounds relatively reasonable...haha

rag1998

Yep & you can also ride in any instructors cars when ever they go out on the track, very good learning experience, but dont do it until the second day, believe me if you take it too early you will be spoiled

94lt1vette94

I think I've already been spoiled out there haha. My friend's dad owns an F40 and GT3. Talk about exhilarating...

rag1998

There you go

94lt1vette94

Man, when those twin turbos spool in 2nd, you can feel your innards hit the back of the seat. The sound is, idk anyother way to put this, jizztacular