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Has anybody ever done this and do they allow you to pass other cars? I'm talking about the now $800 one in the C8's. I want to do this one or the $300 4 lap one. Any recommendations are appreciated.
As much as I enjoy being a member and most events held there, I've never done this one. I have did NCM Track with a NASA and yes we pass with a "point by" of course. What your describing sounds more like a fund raiser to drive the C8 or do 4 laps behind a pace car. I like the track but if you find a HPDE program headed there - do that. There are many organizations that go there. In fact the group I was with was from California and they booked the event at the conclusion of 2019 NCM Anniversary. Had a good time with them. Good Luck.
I would call the track directly and ask, but I agree that it is probably a lead/follow format where you drive behind a pace car at highway speeds (80-90mph) with no passing. They are very safety conscious at the track and not likely to give you the keys and ask you to come back after 4 laps.
Corvette Experience has 3 sessions on track which will be 20-25 minutes each, with 3 classroom sessions in between. NO PASSING only lead/follow, and honestly if you're actually fast enough to catch the instructor then you're too skilled for this anyway. The sessions get progressively faster. It is fun and you'll get up to 110-120 on back and front straights by the final session if top speed is a concern. I've done it in the C7 and the C8. I'm happy with the $1300 invested as that will likely be the only chance I'll ever have to drive either one of those cars and on a track no less. You can spend an extra few bucks on PDR footage and track pics if you'd like as well.
Corvette Experience has 3 sessions on track which will be 20-25 minutes each, with 3 classroom sessions in between. NO PASSING only lead/follow, and honestly if you're actually fast enough to catch the instructor then you're too skilled for this anyway. The sessions get progressively faster. It is fun and you'll get up to 110-120 on back and front straights by the final session if top speed is a concern. I've done it in the C7 and the C8. I'm happy with the $1300 invested as that will likely be the only chance I'll ever have to drive either one of those cars and on a track no less. You can spend an extra few bucks on PDR footage and track pics if you'd like as well.
Like @Boxcar said - have you looked into doing a local track day? like a HPDE (High Performance Driving Event). Plenty of organizations out there. You can find them running at NCM and pretty much any track in the country on various weekends. You will not get Corvette specific instructors but the groups I've driven with will normally try to pair you up with someone who has experience with similar cars (Camaro, Mustang, etc). As a novice track driver the setup will either be lead / follow (no passing) or point-by-passing for safety reasons. You will NOT be racing other cars.
I know it's different but I did a NASCAR ride. Signed up for 4 laps but bought an extra 4 right at the track. I am so glad I did. It takes 4 laps just to get slightly familiar and comfortable w/ the car. A friend did the 8 laps also but got stuck behind a slow driver and couldn't get a permission to pass until his next to last lap. So more laps isn't a guarantee but it ups your chances of having fun.
From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2021 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2020 C7 of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I have done this with both the C7 and the C8 last summer. You cannot pass. You follow the instructor paired with another driver that will either be behind you or in front of you (you switch positions for each track session). You have three classroom sessions and three track sessions. Not as intense as Ron Fellows but worth the price of admission IMHO.
300 bucks for 4 laps to me is NOT a great price...it will take you at most 30 min to do 4 laps. the 800 I is a better value because you get 12 laps. I am not sure why they do not compete with Ron fellows. They do have a private classes but I have not looked in pricies.
300 bucks for 4 laps to me is NOT a great price...it will take you at most 30 min to do 4 laps. the 800 I is a better value because you get 12 laps. I am not sure why they do not compete with Ron fellows. They do have a private classes but I have not looked in pricies.
Kind of what I thought also, but 4, 3.2 mile laps at 60 mph is only like 15 minutes, not 30.
For around $500 you could have 2 hours of driving at a local track day... but that requires using YOUR personal car and not a rented C8. I think every owner should do something like this at least once to really feel out the car. However using your car is a gamble so removing that risk is really what you are paying for here.
For around $500 you could have 2 hours of driving at a local track day... but that requires using YOUR personal car and not a rented C8. I think every owner should do something like this at least once to really feel out the car. However using your car is a gamble so removing that risk is really what you are paying for here.
I have not done this but I am sure there is a waiver you will have to sign which means this is NOT risk free. You do something stupid or make a mistake I am sure you will be held liable. To me it seems way overpriced. Now, this is the NCM so if you wish to in your head not by means of taxes this is a 50 percent charity....OK with me. Now if you mean wear and tear on your corvette...I cannot believe a few laps at under 100 will hurt the car.
Not saying not to do it..just expressing my thoughts on the value. Some people think I am insane to spend 700 on a lego set..but for me the time spend relaxing putting the set together is worth 700.
NCM Corvette Driving Experience
