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did level 2 in a C6 a few years ago. Not as much 'exercise' time (skid pad, braking etc.), much more open lapping time (timed laps). Passing is limited to straights only. After getting my C7, I re-took the level 1 course on the GM discount and I'm planning a return trip this spring. I'm debating doing the Level 2 (two day) or Level 1 (three day). For street driving, the time spent on the skid pad and other 'exercises', is very beneficial, in my opinion. The level 2 'open lapping' is a blast, but I'm leaning toward level 1 again. Maybe I'll just flip a coin to move the decision process along quicker.
Al Engel "Save the Wave"
Last edited by Al Engel; Jan 11, 2016 at 01:54 PM.
I was able to arrange to "re-do" the 3rd day of a Level 1 course that was finishing the day before my Level 2 started... as a "refresher" warm up and that was a great way to prep for my Level 2. If you can arrange it I would highly recommend doing so. Basically it gives you an entire day of open lapping and several chances to have instructors get in your passenger seat and give assistance.
The following day I started my Level 2 course. I found it a bit repetitious having to sit through a familiarization on the C7. Since some people taking the Level 2 are not necessarily corvette owners or drivers, they needed to spend time showing them the controls, etc on the C7... But for 80% of students this was unnecessary.
There was a nice "J" turn skid pad exercise that gave us some feel for correcting a rear end skid... Actually would have liked this to be a little longer and more in depth... But it was a good prep for what was to come on the track. As our track sessions ramped up over the next two days (and morning track temps made for slick conditions), the ability to bring the back end "back" was a necessary skill at times.
The Level 2 uses the main North South track, but for Level 2 they add in an extra section... At the end of the long straight they add on the "Bus Stop" and series of turns called the carousel. Makes @ 2.4 miles and adds some interesting challenges.
End of day one you'll get a "hot lap" with instructor driving and you in passenger seat. I thought the hot lap in my Level 1 course was fast but the Level 2 hot lap was another notch up. Really gave me an idea on where the key points were... Where I was losing time... How I could improve things... How far away from pushing limits I really was. Gave me lots to think about as we ended day one and overnight before day 2.
Day 2 was driving... Lots of driving... Open laps... Lots of opportunity to have instructor get in passenger seat if you asked. Laps times steadily got faster as you get more comfortable with your turn in points, apex points, braking points, etc.. Also as the day temps rise and track temps rise the tire grip got better and we were able to get more grip to the road... Faster lap times.
Don't forget to bring a couple of 32gb SD cards and PVR every one of your track sessions, including your hot lap. Also download the Cosworth app... It's free and is a great way to analyses your PVR recordings, and compare your runs, side by side, corner by corner. All you need is the free app and a laptop/computer.
Got back yesterday and my comments echo exactly what Questar said. I would have also liked to do more of the "J" turn exercise as I was only just getting the hang of it when it was over.
Lots and lots of laps on day 2 - my quickest times were in the session before the last as it was warmest time of the day. It cooled off a lot during the last session and it definitely made a difference on the grip.
Also, I drove a Mag suspension car on day 1 and a non Mag car on day 2.. I don't know if its just me, but the non-Mag car felt not as stable as the magnetic suspension car through the corners, especially the high speed ones.
I recommend anyone who sees themselves doing track days, autocross or any performance driving in their car take the Level 2. Awesome time and as has been repeated all over the forums, the Spring Mountain staff and facilities are top notch!
I was going to sign up for Level 3 and spoke to Rick right after my Level 2 ended, but they are making changes. I'll let Spring Mountain announce what's coming, but suffice to say that Level 3 as it used to be offered is no longer available. I'm arranging for a private session customized to my interests... Can't wait to go back.
The "old" Level 3 sounded like fun though... They take away the "Apex" cones so you have to find your own way without that visual guide to work from.
I was going to sign up for Level 3 and spoke to Rick right after my Level 2 ended, but they are making changes. I'll let Spring Mountain announce what's coming, but suffice to say that Level 3 as it used to be offered is no longer available. I'm arranging for a private session customized to my interests... Can't wait to go back.
The "old" Level 3 sounded like fun though... They take away the "Apex" cones so you have to find your own way without that visual guide to work from.
Yes, they mentioned this also this weekend - that they have some class changes coming. For me, honestly, I would consider re-taking level 2 as an option. There was a lot more I could do to get better at that level without trying something more advanced.
