Spring Mountain
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 931
Likes: 96
From: Canyon Country CA
Spring Mountain
I attended the Spring Mountain driving school for C7 owners last month. As others have stated, the facilities, track and instructors are first rate. With GM subsidizing all except for $1000, it is a bargain.
When I registered several months prior, I was told that the chances of driving a Z06 were slim, let alone an A8Z07 which I have. When I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised that they had several Z06 A8 cars. I was able to drive 4 different A8's with the Z07 just like mine. They remove the Cup 2 tires and replace them with SS tires from the base Z.
They do this because the Cup 2 tires last only a couple of days versus a week with the SS.
The classroom sessions were good as long as the instructors stuck to track driving tips. Far too much time was given to the car features, all from the manual. Since they had to cover C7 base, Z06, auto and manual, as well as suspensions, this took a lot of valuable time. Most owners liked this because they had not read the manual and did not know their cars. Lots of questions about tire wear, how to lower the car and how to check the oil. This time would be better served on the track or at least how to drive on the track.
There were 20 attendees in my group. A8's represented 60% and M7's 40%. I think this is close to GM sales percentages. There were 10 C7's and 10 Z06's. We drove in groups of 3-4 with the instructors driving Camaros. After each lap, we would rotate positions with the car following the instructor moving to the rear. Most of the driver's seemed inexperienced and the pace was slow. I preferred being behind the instructors because they would try to stay 3 car lengths ahead. This was great until the rest of the group fell too far behind the instructor and they were forced to slow down.
We did 2 hot laps with a fast instructor driving an A8 Z07 with me as a passenger. This really displayed the car's capabilities because the driver was very fast and had professional driving experience. With the car in Track Sport1, I could feel it the controls preventing a spin in the highest G corners. I just wish I could drive like that, but I doubt that it will happen.
I was the oldest of the attendees at 70, but turned the fastest laps. Although I have never raced on an HPDE track, I have done some Autocross and have always pushed my many fast cars to their or my limit.
The last day, the Director of instructors, Rick, asked to ride with me. He gave me personal instruction which accelerated my learning curve. Most importantly, as we would catch up to another driver, he would radio his instructors to have them pull to the right and let me pass in the biggest straight. This experience has me excited enough to consider taking my car to the track. Willow Springs is fairly close to me and I have an enclosed car trailer I can use for transport if necessary. My only concern is damaging my new car. I have seen many fast "beaters" that don't care much about their cars really crowding others in some of the corners and making shaky passes. I wish there were some days with only newer sports cars allowed on the track, at least for some sessions.
I am going to try to attach a youtube link to the video of the last session that the instructor rode with me.
When I registered several months prior, I was told that the chances of driving a Z06 were slim, let alone an A8Z07 which I have. When I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised that they had several Z06 A8 cars. I was able to drive 4 different A8's with the Z07 just like mine. They remove the Cup 2 tires and replace them with SS tires from the base Z.
They do this because the Cup 2 tires last only a couple of days versus a week with the SS.
The classroom sessions were good as long as the instructors stuck to track driving tips. Far too much time was given to the car features, all from the manual. Since they had to cover C7 base, Z06, auto and manual, as well as suspensions, this took a lot of valuable time. Most owners liked this because they had not read the manual and did not know their cars. Lots of questions about tire wear, how to lower the car and how to check the oil. This time would be better served on the track or at least how to drive on the track.
There were 20 attendees in my group. A8's represented 60% and M7's 40%. I think this is close to GM sales percentages. There were 10 C7's and 10 Z06's. We drove in groups of 3-4 with the instructors driving Camaros. After each lap, we would rotate positions with the car following the instructor moving to the rear. Most of the driver's seemed inexperienced and the pace was slow. I preferred being behind the instructors because they would try to stay 3 car lengths ahead. This was great until the rest of the group fell too far behind the instructor and they were forced to slow down.
We did 2 hot laps with a fast instructor driving an A8 Z07 with me as a passenger. This really displayed the car's capabilities because the driver was very fast and had professional driving experience. With the car in Track Sport1, I could feel it the controls preventing a spin in the highest G corners. I just wish I could drive like that, but I doubt that it will happen.
I was the oldest of the attendees at 70, but turned the fastest laps. Although I have never raced on an HPDE track, I have done some Autocross and have always pushed my many fast cars to their or my limit.
The last day, the Director of instructors, Rick, asked to ride with me. He gave me personal instruction which accelerated my learning curve. Most importantly, as we would catch up to another driver, he would radio his instructors to have them pull to the right and let me pass in the biggest straight. This experience has me excited enough to consider taking my car to the track. Willow Springs is fairly close to me and I have an enclosed car trailer I can use for transport if necessary. My only concern is damaging my new car. I have seen many fast "beaters" that don't care much about their cars really crowding others in some of the corners and making shaky passes. I wish there were some days with only newer sports cars allowed on the track, at least for some sessions.
I am going to try to attach a youtube link to the video of the last session that the instructor rode with me.
Last edited by CONMAX; Nov 24, 2015 at 10:53 PM. Reason: video
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,470
Likes: 1,548
From: Camp Verde AZ
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C1 of Year Finalist
LOL.
I auto crossed my '61 Corvette* several years ago,a nd at first I was one of the fastest cars against bunch of C5 and C6 cars until they had several rounds around the course to keep getting better times. I only ran three times, as i didn't want to beat my car too much; after everyone else was done after many, many runs, I was still about in the middle, time wise.
I guess my misspent youth throwing my '61 around street corners and doing other racing paid off.
*The '61 has a 427 small block, but the suspension is stock except for traction bars, significantly wider M/T street radial tires and heavy rear springs, I had to use throttle steer in the corners as the car had a slight oversteer tendency.
Doug
I auto crossed my '61 Corvette* several years ago,a nd at first I was one of the fastest cars against bunch of C5 and C6 cars until they had several rounds around the course to keep getting better times. I only ran three times, as i didn't want to beat my car too much; after everyone else was done after many, many runs, I was still about in the middle, time wise.
I guess my misspent youth throwing my '61 around street corners and doing other racing paid off.
*The '61 has a 427 small block, but the suspension is stock except for traction bars, significantly wider M/T street radial tires and heavy rear springs, I had to use throttle steer in the corners as the car had a slight oversteer tendency.
Doug
Last edited by AZDoug; Nov 23, 2015 at 11:14 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,643
Likes: 633
From: Lake Bluff IL
As I haven't gotten my ZO6 yet, I wondered if someone could enlighten me on the GM subsidy for Spring Mountain. How does it work exactly? Is it only available to original owners or is it available if no one has utilized it yet? For Chrysler on its (2007) SRT8 Jeep Grand Cherokee, you could go to the one day session with Richard Petty driving instructors if the VIN had not been used for a session previously. The SRT track session was listed on the Window Sticker as part of the standard equipment. --Bob
Last edited by ZR1Bob; Nov 24, 2015 at 11:46 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 21,590
Likes: 1,615
From: GREER SC
Spring Mountain
As I haven't gotten my ZO6 yet, I wondered if someone could enlighten me on the GM subsidy for Spring Mountain. How does it work exactly? Is it only available to original owners or is it available if no one has utilized it yet? For Chrysler on its (2007) SRT8 Jeep Grand Cherokee, you could go to the one day session with Richard Petty driving instructors if the VIN had not been used for a session previously. The SRT track session was listed on the Window Sticker as part of the standard equipment. --Bob
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 239
Likes: 113
Very interesting post. It struck home in many places. I too have a Z06/7 A8 and I was 70 when I went to Bonderant school after I bought my 2008 Z06. I experienced the very same thing. I haven't signed up for Spring Mountian yet, but yesterday I went over Spring Mountain; see below;
I'm at 22,000 feet over NV74 airport in my homebuilt airplane going 323 mph (TAS 281 knots)(upper left corner on screen) piston engine 550 ci twin turbo, twin intercooled, in pressurized comfort, no cops to watch for. Happy as a 76 yr old clam can be! Happy Thankgiving to all.
I'm at 22,000 feet over NV74 airport in my homebuilt airplane going 323 mph (TAS 281 knots)(upper left corner on screen) piston engine 550 ci twin turbo, twin intercooled, in pressurized comfort, no cops to watch for. Happy as a 76 yr old clam can be! Happy Thankgiving to all.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 444
Likes: 303
From: memphis tn
I attended the Spring Mountain driving school for C7 owners last month. As others have stated, the facilities, track and instructors are first rate. With GM subsidizing all except for $1000, it is a bargain.
When I registered several months prior, I was told that the chances of driving a Z06 were slim, let alone an A8Z07 which I have. When I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised that they had several Z06 A8 cars. I was able to drive 4 different A8's with the Z07 just like mine. They remove the Cup 2 tires and replace them with SS tires from the base Z.
They do this because the Cup 2 tires last only a couple of days versus a week with the SS.
The classroom sessions were good as long as the instructors stuck to track driving tips. Far too much time was given to the car features, all from the manual. Since they had to cover C7 base, Z06, auto and manual, as well as suspensions, this took a lot of valuable time. Most owners liked this because they had not read the manual and did not know their cars. Lots of questions about tire wear, how to lower the car and how to check the oil. This time would be better served on the track or at least how to drive on the track.
There were 20 attendees in my group. A8's represented 60% and M7's 40%. I think this is close to GM sales percentages. There were 10 C7's and 10 Z06's. We drove in groups of 3-4 with the instructors driving Camaros. After each lap, we would rotate positions with the car following the instructor moving to the rear. Most of the driver's seemed inexperienced and the pace was slow. I preferred being behind the instructors because they would try to stay 3 car lengths ahead. This was great until the rest of the group fell too far behind the instructor and they were forced to slow down.
We did 2 hot laps with a fast instructor driving an A8 Z07 with me as a passenger. This really displayed the car's capabilities because the driver was very fast and had professional driving experience. With the car in Track Sport1, I could feel it the controls preventing a spin in the highest G corners. I just wish I could drive like that, but I doubt that it will happen.
I was the oldest of the attendees at 70, but turned the fastest laps. Although I have never raced on an HPDE track, I have done some Autocross and have always pushed my many fast cars to their or my limit.
The last day, the Director of instructors, Rick, asked to ride with me. He gave me personal instruction which accelerated my learning curve. Most importantly, as we would catch up to another driver, he would radio his instructors to have them pull to the right and let me pass in the biggest straight. This experience has me excited enough to consider taking my car to the track. Willow Springs is fairly close to me and I have an enclosed car trailer I can use for transport if necessary. My only concern is damaging my new car. I have seen many fast "beaters" that don't care much about their cars really crowding others in some of the corners and making shaky passes. I wish there were some days with only newer sports cars allowed on the track, at least for some sessions.
I am going to try to attach a youtube link to the video of the last session that the instructor rode with me.
https://youtu.be/l1JAWK49Gw0
When I registered several months prior, I was told that the chances of driving a Z06 were slim, let alone an A8Z07 which I have. When I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised that they had several Z06 A8 cars. I was able to drive 4 different A8's with the Z07 just like mine. They remove the Cup 2 tires and replace them with SS tires from the base Z.
They do this because the Cup 2 tires last only a couple of days versus a week with the SS.
The classroom sessions were good as long as the instructors stuck to track driving tips. Far too much time was given to the car features, all from the manual. Since they had to cover C7 base, Z06, auto and manual, as well as suspensions, this took a lot of valuable time. Most owners liked this because they had not read the manual and did not know their cars. Lots of questions about tire wear, how to lower the car and how to check the oil. This time would be better served on the track or at least how to drive on the track.
There were 20 attendees in my group. A8's represented 60% and M7's 40%. I think this is close to GM sales percentages. There were 10 C7's and 10 Z06's. We drove in groups of 3-4 with the instructors driving Camaros. After each lap, we would rotate positions with the car following the instructor moving to the rear. Most of the driver's seemed inexperienced and the pace was slow. I preferred being behind the instructors because they would try to stay 3 car lengths ahead. This was great until the rest of the group fell too far behind the instructor and they were forced to slow down.
We did 2 hot laps with a fast instructor driving an A8 Z07 with me as a passenger. This really displayed the car's capabilities because the driver was very fast and had professional driving experience. With the car in Track Sport1, I could feel it the controls preventing a spin in the highest G corners. I just wish I could drive like that, but I doubt that it will happen.
I was the oldest of the attendees at 70, but turned the fastest laps. Although I have never raced on an HPDE track, I have done some Autocross and have always pushed my many fast cars to their or my limit.
The last day, the Director of instructors, Rick, asked to ride with me. He gave me personal instruction which accelerated my learning curve. Most importantly, as we would catch up to another driver, he would radio his instructors to have them pull to the right and let me pass in the biggest straight. This experience has me excited enough to consider taking my car to the track. Willow Springs is fairly close to me and I have an enclosed car trailer I can use for transport if necessary. My only concern is damaging my new car. I have seen many fast "beaters" that don't care much about their cars really crowding others in some of the corners and making shaky passes. I wish there were some days with only newer sports cars allowed on the track, at least for some sessions.
I am going to try to attach a youtube link to the video of the last session that the instructor rode with me.
https://youtu.be/l1JAWK49Gw0
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 14,697
Likes: 584
From: Sioux Falls SD
dang i have been up and completed level 3 in the z51's sounds like this school might be a snooze fest on the 1st day possibly? for experienced track drivers? how much track time did you get on the 2nd day and what time did you usually wrap up? gotta decide to stay in the condos the 1 night or just drive back to vegas.
Last edited by dvandentop; Nov 24, 2015 at 10:20 PM.
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Pro
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 604
Likes: 129
dang i have been up and completed level 3 in the z51's sounds like this school might be a snooze fest on the 1st day possibly? for experienced track drivers? how much track time did you get on the 2nd day and what time did you usually wrap up? gotta decide to stay in the condos the 1 night or just drive back to vegas.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 14,697
Likes: 584
From: Sioux Falls SD
yeah i have done level 1,2,3. good excuse to get on track i guess hopefully not a whole class of 1st timers is my main concern
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 14,697
Likes: 584
From: Sioux Falls SD
Racer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 256
Likes: 45
From: Liberty Lake WA
I attended the Spring Mountain driving school for C7 owners last month. As others have stated, the facilities, track and instructors are first rate. With GM subsidizing all except for $1000, it is a bargain.
When I registered several months prior, I was told that the chances of driving a Z06 were slim, let alone an A8Z07 which I have. When I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised that they had several Z06 A8 cars. I was able to drive 4 different A8's with the Z07 just like mine. They remove the Cup 2 tires and replace them with SS tires from the base Z.
They do this because the Cup 2 tires last only a couple of days versus a week with the SS.
The classroom sessions were good as long as the instructors stuck to track driving tips. Far too much time was given to the car features, all from the manual. Since they had to cover C7 base, Z06, auto and manual, as well as suspensions, this took a lot of valuable time. Most owners liked this because they had not read the manual and did not know their cars. Lots of questions about tire wear, how to lower the car and how to check the oil. This time would be better served on the track or at least how to drive on the track.
There were 20 attendees in my group. A8's represented 60% and M7's 40%. I think this is close to GM sales percentages. There were 10 C7's and 10 Z06's. We drove in groups of 3-4 with the instructors driving Camaros. After each lap, we would rotate positions with the car following the instructor moving to the rear. Most of the driver's seemed inexperienced and the pace was slow. I preferred being behind the instructors because they would try to stay 3 car lengths ahead. This was great until the rest of the group fell too far behind the instructor and they were forced to slow down.
We did 2 hot laps with a fast instructor driving an A8 Z07 with me as a passenger. This really displayed the car's capabilities because the driver was very fast and had professional driving experience. With the car in Track Sport1, I could feel it the controls preventing a spin in the highest G corners. I just wish I could drive like that, but I doubt that it will happen.
I was the oldest of the attendees at 70, but turned the fastest laps. Although I have never raced on an HPDE track, I have done some Autocross and have always pushed my many fast cars to their or my limit.
The last day, the Director of instructors, Rick, asked to ride with me. He gave me personal instruction which accelerated my learning curve. Most importantly, as we would catch up to another driver, he would radio his instructors to have them pull to the right and let me pass in the biggest straight. This experience has me excited enough to consider taking my car to the track. Willow Springs is fairly close to me and I have an enclosed car trailer I can use for transport if necessary. My only concern is damaging my new car. I have seen many fast "beaters" that don't care much about their cars really crowding others in some of the corners and making shaky passes. I wish there were some days with only newer sports cars allowed on the track, at least for some sessions.
I am going to try to attach a youtube link to the video of the last session that the instructor rode with me.
https://youtu.be/9ntvu-DEFZo
When I registered several months prior, I was told that the chances of driving a Z06 were slim, let alone an A8Z07 which I have. When I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised that they had several Z06 A8 cars. I was able to drive 4 different A8's with the Z07 just like mine. They remove the Cup 2 tires and replace them with SS tires from the base Z.
They do this because the Cup 2 tires last only a couple of days versus a week with the SS.
The classroom sessions were good as long as the instructors stuck to track driving tips. Far too much time was given to the car features, all from the manual. Since they had to cover C7 base, Z06, auto and manual, as well as suspensions, this took a lot of valuable time. Most owners liked this because they had not read the manual and did not know their cars. Lots of questions about tire wear, how to lower the car and how to check the oil. This time would be better served on the track or at least how to drive on the track.
There were 20 attendees in my group. A8's represented 60% and M7's 40%. I think this is close to GM sales percentages. There were 10 C7's and 10 Z06's. We drove in groups of 3-4 with the instructors driving Camaros. After each lap, we would rotate positions with the car following the instructor moving to the rear. Most of the driver's seemed inexperienced and the pace was slow. I preferred being behind the instructors because they would try to stay 3 car lengths ahead. This was great until the rest of the group fell too far behind the instructor and they were forced to slow down.
We did 2 hot laps with a fast instructor driving an A8 Z07 with me as a passenger. This really displayed the car's capabilities because the driver was very fast and had professional driving experience. With the car in Track Sport1, I could feel it the controls preventing a spin in the highest G corners. I just wish I could drive like that, but I doubt that it will happen.
I was the oldest of the attendees at 70, but turned the fastest laps. Although I have never raced on an HPDE track, I have done some Autocross and have always pushed my many fast cars to their or my limit.
The last day, the Director of instructors, Rick, asked to ride with me. He gave me personal instruction which accelerated my learning curve. Most importantly, as we would catch up to another driver, he would radio his instructors to have them pull to the right and let me pass in the biggest straight. This experience has me excited enough to consider taking my car to the track. Willow Springs is fairly close to me and I have an enclosed car trailer I can use for transport if necessary. My only concern is damaging my new car. I have seen many fast "beaters" that don't care much about their cars really crowding others in some of the corners and making shaky passes. I wish there were some days with only newer sports cars allowed on the track, at least for some sessions.
I am going to try to attach a youtube link to the video of the last session that the instructor rode with me.
https://youtu.be/9ntvu-DEFZo
I did my 2 day Springmountain Nov. 5/6, 2015. Was a blast, as said by others, best g-note I ever spent! It's totally worth it. Those guys are pros. First time on a track for me, now I'm addicted! Randog