Just got back from the Corvette Owners 2 day program. It was well worth every penny, even without the GM gift certificate. The facilities are well maintained including the rooms and amenities and everyone on the staff is exceptionally helpful.

The program is a blast. Day 1 is spent on practice and overcoming a lot of habits we pick up in normal driving. Peripheral vision exercises, wet surface stopping and car control, figure 8s, heel to toe exercises and learning how to use the rev match as an aid and learning tool, then some track familiarity.

Day 2 is 90% track runs (of course there are lectures between various segments). I was blown away by the capabilities of the Z51. Thought we were pushing the car pretty hard until we had a ride with the instructor after lunch. All I can say is wow. The instructor run is said to be 70% capacity of the car and their skills. Well in comparison, I think we were at 50% of their 70%. This car flew, G forces actually caused my jaw to shift!

Something this really makes one realize is that using 0-60 times and quarter mile runs - which I do - is a very one dimensional way to evaluate a car. To see and feel these cars handle a Le Mans designed track is a totally different experience.

If anyone gets the chance, this is an experience that should not be missed. I think I may do the next level next year, but I do need to get into better shape as I was pretty tired at the end of day 2. This is a challenging and fun task.

 

1st class operation all the way!

 

I ordered my ride very early and had it delivered in mid November. This week I got my letter and booklet from Corvette. So,I will be calling to make my arrangements at the Fellows School. I can't wait!

Norm

 

So, I assume you use their cars on the Spring Mountain course? We were considering flying in to do that. Then, does the cost change if you use their cars vs. your own?

I probably need to just call them.

 

No, the use of their cars is included in the price. No need to purchase the extra insurance either.

 

The cars are stock Z51s. They have some 6 speed automatics, the 8 speeds aren't in yet. They said the only thing they do is the manufacturer recommended oil specs and adding the break inserts that come with the Z51.
I did buy the extra insurance for $200, but ultimately did not have any issues that needed it.
They had 4 new Z06s in stock but not yet broken in, so they hadn't tested them on the track.

 

That's great news. Thanks for the info.

 

I wouldn't think you'd want to use your own car just for the wear and tear and the possibility of damage. We had one fellow attendee 3 years ago who drove down from CO in his own Vette but used a SM car.

 

I agree. I didn't really want to use mine as I'm still in the "babying it" phase. About 800 mi. on it now. Mine is an 8 speed, so I figured not being used to the 7 spd manual might cause other issues for me on the track. But hell, maybe that's what I'm paying for. The learning experience.

Thanks for the insight!

 

I spoke with Melinda at SM yesterday who told me that their 2015's have been built and should be delivered soon.

 

I concur completely, I went in March. The big impact it had on me was how I now view my car. I would NEVER have used or learned even 20% of what are cars are capable of had I not gone to the school.

It rained hard here in Indianapolis yesterday and while coming back from lunch I went to a large disserted industrial parking lot and practiced what we learned on the skid pad, doing figure eights and using the "Weather" setting. Had I not gone to school, I probably never would have even tried it much less have confidence in it.

The school has made my enjoyment of the car go up 100% and that is pretty hard to do.

If you can see your way clear to go, do so.

 

so what you're saying is that you enjoyed SM ?

 

They may say 70%, but the PDR video of the instructor's 4 laps (2 leading and two following another instructor) I recorded, shows them consistently above 1g in the turns and wot accelerating down the straights - meaning they were running at 90%+ of the C7's capability; my lapping was a little short of theirs, but well above the 80% capability range.
Where the instructors lapping really shone, was in their ability to hit the line pretty much perfectly at every corner, on every lap at very consistent entry speeds.
All that being said - the instructors are fantastic drivers, and the C7 has amazing capabilities - far above what anyone could reasonably ever use on the street.

 

I have a Z06 ordered, I was wondering can both me and my wife both do the training at a discount or is it just one of us?

 

Only one......second person has to pay the full fare.

 

Going at end of June. Can't wait.

 

Jakeman,,,we must have been there at the same time. I just got back from this past Tues. - Wed.
And yes it was fantastic. Only downside was not many PDR cars. I guess it"s just the luck of the draw and what they happen to pull out of the fleet. Still, A Blast

 

LOL, If your brought your Vette, then I recognize it. Finished Tuesday!

 

I asked about GoPro and then said bring it.

 

When they teach you heel toe do they suggest rolling the right part of the ball of your foot on the accelerator or using your heel to hit it? I've never been very good at either technique but want to practice up the way they teach before the school.