Spring Mountain Raceway
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Spring Mountain Raceway
Has anyone out there gone to Spring Mountain Raceway for the 3 day driving school? I'm going the week of march 17th. The new C7 have just arrived and wanted to learn how. To maximize the car before my order arrives. Thanks. 
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,095
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
I did the 3 day Level 1 class a month ago. It was awesome! You'll love it and you'll learn a lot- about the C7 and about your own capabilities. Go there ready to learn. It's no walk in the park because it's fairly intense at times, but they make it a lot of fun. The instructors are excellent and the program will make a far better driver out of you. Savor the experience- as I pulled off of the track after the final session I felt like crying. Well, maybe not quite that bad but I damned sure wished I had one more day out there. 
Pro
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 576
Likes: 55
From: Vancouver British Columbia
I haven't done a racing school there yet but I did go check out the facility in November when we were in Vegas for a couple of days. It is certainly first class!
I have been to other racing schools in the Pacific Northwest (both in Canada and Washington state) and they were fine, good people, good instruction, but it wasn't on the same level as Spring Mountain. The facility is spectacular and the people all seem to love their jobs and it shows in how they treat the participants. The mechanics in garages and staging areas seemed very professional and all looked like they were hustling to prep the cars so they were ready to perform perfectly in the next session.
Like I said, I was just there to check the place out and was very impressed with the grand tour that my wife and I were taken on by Melinda and by the amount of time she spent with us. I also kept stopping to look at all the new Stingrays they had on site and not only did she indulge me, she amazed me with her knowledge and obvious enthusiasm for the new Vette.
I will definitely be going to Spring Mountain for my next racing school.
Keep the shiny side up!
Clive
I have been to other racing schools in the Pacific Northwest (both in Canada and Washington state) and they were fine, good people, good instruction, but it wasn't on the same level as Spring Mountain. The facility is spectacular and the people all seem to love their jobs and it shows in how they treat the participants. The mechanics in garages and staging areas seemed very professional and all looked like they were hustling to prep the cars so they were ready to perform perfectly in the next session.
Like I said, I was just there to check the place out and was very impressed with the grand tour that my wife and I were taken on by Melinda and by the amount of time she spent with us. I also kept stopping to look at all the new Stingrays they had on site and not only did she indulge me, she amazed me with her knowledge and obvious enthusiasm for the new Vette.
I will definitely be going to Spring Mountain for my next racing school.
Keep the shiny side up!
Clive
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,644
Likes: 13
From: South of Boston MA
I was there last October with a friend who did the 3-day, Level 1 course. I was there to take photos and video but got a lot of seat time in the GS, Z06 and ZR1. My only cost was the room and meals, no charge to attend all the classes and seat time as a passenger.
It's a great facility with a top-notch staff. Very professional. Two thumbs up for the track, staff and the cars.
They have added more track since last October. Check out their web site for full details.
It's a great facility with a top-notch staff. Very professional. Two thumbs up for the track, staff and the cars.
They have added more track since last October. Check out their web site for full details.
Pro
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 545
Likes: 286
From: Lords Valley PA
Spring Mountain Level 1 & Level 2
Been to Spring Mountain Level 1 & Level 2 C6 schools. Rick Mallone and his troops do a great job. Very professional, safe, fun and you really learn a lot about the capability of these cars. 1st class operation and facility. Be prepared to be EXHAUSTED at the end of the day... mentally and physically. Level 2 gives you much more lap time on the track vs Level 1 where a lot of time is devoted to 'drills' on the wet and dry skid pads, braking, heal toe exercise, etc. Will be interesting to see if Rick and the boys require rev match to be turned off on the C7s and continue to emphasis manual heal toe rev matching or if they let the computer take over that function. Lots of fun! Learned alot. One thing for sure - - Corvettes are tuff!!!! I don't think there is another factory stock vehicle (except maybe the Camero) that could hold up to the paces students put these car through over the course of the typical day at Spring Mountain.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 722
Likes: 19
From: Sebring Florida
I'm head back in early May for a two day level two course. I can hardly wait!
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 20,800
Likes: 59
From: Tellico Village, Tn
St. Jude Donor '08
Went to the 3 day intermediate and the 2 day advanced courses. Rick and his team are first class Corvette people, and outstanding instructors. Learned a lot, had a great time, and the staff went out of their way there to make sure you get your money's worth and have a pleasurable experience.
Your going to love it!!!
Your going to love it!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 598
I am returning March 31st - April 4th. I would download the C7 owners manual and read up on using the PTM Modes (what they change), and how to change the dash guages.
http://www.corvette7.com/tag/c7-corvette-owners-manual/
Then when you are at the track and try each mode you will feel a difference. eg using the sport mode you get alot of accelerator lag unless you turn off TC. Nice thing is Rick Malone and his staff cover this very well.
Here is a clip of on one my sessions in the C7.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 722
Likes: 19
From: Sebring Florida
This is from my trip Decemeber last year.
I am returning March 31st - April 4th. I would download the C7 owners manual and read up on using the PTM Modes (what they change), and how to change the dash guages.
http://www.corvette7.com/tag/c7-corvette-owners-manual/
Then when you are at the track and try each mode you will feel a difference. eg using the sport mode you get alot of accelerator lag unless you turn off TC. Nice thing is Rick Malone and his staff cover this very well.
Here is a clip of on one my sessions in the C7.
2014 Corvette (C7 Z51) Spring Mountain New East 2.1 Mile Track - YouTube
I am returning March 31st - April 4th. I would download the C7 owners manual and read up on using the PTM Modes (what they change), and how to change the dash guages.
http://www.corvette7.com/tag/c7-corvette-owners-manual/
Then when you are at the track and try each mode you will feel a difference. eg using the sport mode you get alot of accelerator lag unless you turn off TC. Nice thing is Rick Malone and his staff cover this very well.
Here is a clip of on one my sessions in the C7.
2014 Corvette (C7 Z51) Spring Mountain New East 2.1 Mile Track - YouTube
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 43,145
Likes: 45
From: Gaithersburg Maryland
CI 6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude's Donor '06-'10-'11, '15
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 598
We only used the new 2.1 east track, but I have driven 5 layouts.
The new 2.1 mile East Track. In May for level 2 you should be using the 2.4 mile Level 2 layout. Assuming all the GM academy classes are over.
The 1.5 mile track which is what I think you are referencing.
1.5 Mile Layout
The 2.2 mile Level 1 layout.
2.2 Mile Level 1 Track
The 2.4 mile Level 2 layout.
2.4 Mile Level 2
The 2.4 mile with bowl Level 3 layout.
2.4 Mile Level 3 with Bowl
Last edited by cagotzmann; Jan 11, 2014 at 06:43 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC
This is from my trip Decemeber last year. I am returning March 31st - April 4th. I would download the C7 owners manual and read up on using the PTM Modes (what they change), and how to change the dash guages. http://www.corvette7.com/tag/c7-corvette-owners-manual/ Then when you are at the track and try each mode you will feel a difference. eg using the sport mode you get alot of accelerator lag unless you turn off TC. Nice thing is Rick Malone and his staff cover this very well. Here is a clip of on one my sessions in the C7. Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg2o2SYWmGU
I agree tho, study up on how to use the gauges and tac. The instructors didn't have a handle on that when I asked... But we we only the second group thru. Also, on the last day we were timing our laps with the built in lap timer, tho I don't think Rick and his team really want you to do that. Out group saw some in the low 1:50s.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 598
Our group was only the second in the c7s. The course was awesome, but I don't think they had really dialed in what level of traction control we should have been using. Everyone was told to use sport, but that really bogged down the cars under corner exit. By the end they were telling us to move up one level (sport 2? I don't remember...) which really let the cars put down power earlier exiting corners. Things got really fast after that.
I agree tho, study up on how to use the gauges and tac. The instructors didn't have a handle on that when I asked... But we we only the second group thru. Also, on the last day we were timing our laps with the built in lap timer, tho I don't think Rick and his team really want you to do that. Our group saw some in the low 1:50s.
I agree tho, study up on how to use the gauges and tac. The instructors didn't have a handle on that when I asked... But we we only the second group thru. Also, on the last day we were timing our laps with the built in lap timer, tho I don't think Rick and his team really want you to do that. Our group saw some in the low 1:50s.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC
We drove the 2.2 mile 10 turn course. It was the same one they had been running the school on for a while. We saw low 120 mph on the straight before the turn. Seemed almost impossible to stuff the c7 without doing somethjng really stupid on that track.