Spring Mountain is amazing
11-19-2018, 09:38 AM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Spring Mountain is amazing
I just got back from the Corvette Owner's School at Spring Mountain and I have to say that there are not enough superlatives to describe how amazing an experience it is. The instructors are really nice and super knowledgable. To be honest, it is hard to not feed off their enthusiasm. What is really impressive is that they handle people of all skill levels to make sure that everyone is having a good time (you can go as fast or as slow as you are comfortable). They teach you lots about the car but without being overwhelming and the track time is a blast. It is pretty cool how much better everyone in the class got after only two days. Definitely makes you want to do more to see where you can go with it later. The whole class is very well organized (from instruction to transportation to food) and you get to meet great people both taking the class and instructing so I urge anyone that is on the fence to seriously consider going. I almost missed out myself and would have kicked myself if I had missed it knowing now how much fun it was.
I also just wanted to say thank you to everyone at the Ron Fellows Performance Driving School at Spring Mountain for making my year
I also just wanted to say thank you to everyone at the Ron Fellows Performance Driving School at Spring Mountain for making my year
The following 2 users liked this post by Demnos:
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11-19-2018, 09:49 AM
#2
Le Mans Master
Here are some of the biggest takeaways. And it's like having kids, if you don't, it cannot be explained. People think they know but they don't:
- What the car is actually engineered to do rather than driving around own
- What the car's limits and abilities actually are, orders of magnitude beyond what you can experience on the street
- How little that I as a driver really knew (and I'm not a total novice by any stretch)
- How much "abuse" one of these cars can take and not blink. It's not really abuse, just hard use.
- What the car is actually engineered to do rather than driving around own
- What the car's limits and abilities actually are, orders of magnitude beyond what you can experience on the street
- How little that I as a driver really knew (and I'm not a total novice by any stretch)
- How much "abuse" one of these cars can take and not blink. It's not really abuse, just hard use.
Last edited by davepl; 11-19-2018 at 09:49 AM.
11-19-2018, 10:10 AM
#3
Le Mans Master
I really regret not taking advantage of the offer when I bought my car.
11-19-2018, 10:23 AM
#4
Safety Car
I instruct and its a blast when people see what driving hard is really like.
The following users liked this post:
Corgidog1 (11-20-2018)
11-19-2018, 01:23 PM
#5
I'm scheduled for March 27 & 28, really looking forward to the experience.
11-19-2018, 01:28 PM
#6
Safety Car
Mine was 2 years ago today. Did the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Coming from the Bay Area at the time, I must admit I took a little detour through Death Valley... ;-) Then I stayed in Vegas for my traditional buffet turkey...
Oh, forgot to mention, Spring Mountain was great. Glad I went.
Oh, forgot to mention, Spring Mountain was great. Glad I went.
Last edited by defaria; 11-19-2018 at 01:28 PM.
11-19-2018, 01:45 PM
#7
Moderator
Keep these stories coming. I’m going in March for my birthday. So on my birthday I’ll be on a race track in a Grand Sport. Exciting times.
11-19-2018, 05:40 PM
#8
Here are some of the biggest takeaways. And it's like having kids, if you don't, it cannot be explained. People think they know but they don't:
- What the car is actually engineered to do rather than driving around own
- What the car's limits and abilities actually are, orders of magnitude beyond what you can experience on the street
- How little that I as a driver really knew (and I'm not a total novice by any stretch)
- How much "abuse" one of these cars can take and not blink. It's not really abuse, just hard use.
- What the car is actually engineered to do rather than driving around own
- What the car's limits and abilities actually are, orders of magnitude beyond what you can experience on the street
- How little that I as a driver really knew (and I'm not a total novice by any stretch)
- How much "abuse" one of these cars can take and not blink. It's not really abuse, just hard use.
100%. Fantastic time out there, and my new Z06 has a TPW of Dec 3rd, so am already thinking about the best time to get back out to Pahrump. I lucked out when I went earlier this year: they were having a special running and gave an extra night in the condo, which simplified logistics. Also provided an SD card for the PDR, in case we forgot. . .
11-19-2018, 10:42 PM
#9
Intermediate
I was there last Thursday and Friday also, and I agree, it's an unforgettable couple of days. I am so glad I did it, and I'm pretty sure I'll do it again, either as a next level, or repeat when I buy my next vette.
Nolan
Nolan
11-19-2018, 10:52 PM
#10
Former Vendor
Yes Spring Mountain is great. I have done the sales academy course, the ZR1 driving school, the owners driving school, the level two driving school (twice), and I'll be going back there next year for another driving school that I can't talk about. It really is a must to do for any new corvette owner. It's better to push the cars on the track and see what they are capable of instead of going oops on the streets. I recommend the Spring Mountain driving school to all my customers. Well worth it. Also I'm glad you liked it. So much fun.
11-19-2018, 11:05 PM
#12
Burning Brakes
I'll be going back there next year for another driving school that I can't talk about. It really is a must to do for any new corvette owner. It's better to push the cars on the track and see what they are capable of instead of going oops on the streets. I recommend the Spring Mountain driving school to all my customers. Well worth it.
Yes Spring Mountain is worth it. How many other drivers on the street know what will happen if they stand on their brakes at 50 MPH? How many know what a spin out on wet road is like, and how to avoid it? I wish there was a “Spring Mountain” opportunity for drivers of all makes of automobiles. Our roads would be a safer place.
11-20-2018, 12:44 AM
#13
Melting Slicks
A 'vette owner who doesn't take advantage of the $1000 GM/SM deal is REALLY missing the boat.
I have been involved in developing, managing and providing instruction/training departments at levels from community college through state college and the airlines and can say without equivocation that the SM instruction is on the short list of the very best I have seen or received. The curriculum is chock full of useful information, is tight and well designed, is run with military precision. The instructors stick to the curriculum like glue and all use the same terminology to minimize confusion. The ability to run such a quality program with dozens of instructors is a major accomplishment. Add to that the fact that the instructors are GOOD at it and ENJOY it and it's a true winning combination.
If any owner EVER doubted whether to attend SM, they must acknowledge that they will be missing a truly world class training event at a bargain price.
I have been involved in developing, managing and providing instruction/training departments at levels from community college through state college and the airlines and can say without equivocation that the SM instruction is on the short list of the very best I have seen or received. The curriculum is chock full of useful information, is tight and well designed, is run with military precision. The instructors stick to the curriculum like glue and all use the same terminology to minimize confusion. The ability to run such a quality program with dozens of instructors is a major accomplishment. Add to that the fact that the instructors are GOOD at it and ENJOY it and it's a true winning combination.
If any owner EVER doubted whether to attend SM, they must acknowledge that they will be missing a truly world class training event at a bargain price.
Last edited by jimmbbo; 11-20-2018 at 12:47 AM.
11-20-2018, 12:59 AM
#14
Le Mans Master
You're doing it the right way, I did it backwards, Level 1 first, then Owner's School. All good though, there's always more to learn, so Level 2 is coming up for next year.
11-20-2018, 01:04 AM
#15
Le Mans Master
A 'vette owner who doesn't take advantage of the $1000 GM/SM deal is REALLY missing the boat.
I have been involved in developing, managing and providing instruction/training departments at levels from community college through state college and the airlines and can say without equivocation that the SM instruction is on the short list of the very best I have seen or received. The curriculum is chock full of useful information, is tight and well designed, is run with military precision. The instructors stick to the curriculum like glue and all use the same terminology to minimize confusion. The ability to run such a quality program with dozens of instructors is a major accomplishment. Add to that the fact that the instructors are GOOD at it and ENJOY it and it's a true winning combination.
If any owner EVER doubted whether to attend SM, they must acknowledge that they will be missing a truly world class training event at a bargain price.
I have been involved in developing, managing and providing instruction/training departments at levels from community college through state college and the airlines and can say without equivocation that the SM instruction is on the short list of the very best I have seen or received. The curriculum is chock full of useful information, is tight and well designed, is run with military precision. The instructors stick to the curriculum like glue and all use the same terminology to minimize confusion. The ability to run such a quality program with dozens of instructors is a major accomplishment. Add to that the fact that the instructors are GOOD at it and ENJOY it and it's a true winning combination.
If any owner EVER doubted whether to attend SM, they must acknowledge that they will be missing a truly world class training event at a bargain price.
Any owner who doesn't go is really doing themselves a dis-service, but last time there I asked Rick what the % of owners who actually took advantage of the offer, he said it was right around 30%, and that's sad. My local Corvette Club has around 400 members, and besides myself I only know of about 5 or 6 guys that have been to Spring Mountain, and there are some that buy a new Corvette every year.
11-20-2018, 01:59 AM
#16
Melting Slicks
Any owner who doesn't go is really doing themselves a dis-service, but last time there I asked Rick what the % of owners who actually took advantage of the offer, he said it was right around 30%, and that's sad. My local Corvette Club has around 400 members, and besides myself I only know of about 5 or 6 guys that have been to Spring Mountain, and there are some that buy a new Corvette every year.
11-20-2018, 08:19 AM
#17
Instructor
I’m going in March and this thread is another positive review! Can not wait!
the only people who I have seen complain are the types that order a steak well done and then bitch it’s over cooked and tough.
the only people who I have seen complain are the types that order a steak well done and then bitch it’s over cooked and tough.
11-20-2018, 08:32 AM
#18
Racer
Thread Starter
They mentioned that they are in the beginnings of a fairly significant expansion so I don't think space will be an issue. They will be adding something like 10 miles of new track in addition to what they already have along with new accomodations. It will be very exciting to see what kind of a destination spot they can make there. I couldn't be happier for them. People like that who are passionate about what they do and treat people with kindness and patience deserve all of the success in the world. I look forward to making more visits there in the future.
