Advanced Driver Training

[Peter van Es]

On the 10th of September (a week before the European Event -- yes, I like to live dangerously) I'm taking an advanced driver's course for classic car drivers hosted by the Dutch Historic Rally Club. No ABS, ASR, PSM, or other three letter abbreviation to do with driving allowed... only cars before 1972 are allowed. We get theory and then 3 driving sessions:

• defensive driving and high speed lane changing
• car behaviour on a slippery road, beginning of drifting and powersliding
• high speed driving on a 3km banked circuit

For each of these sessions we get 90 minutes of practice on parts of the circuit.

I'm really looking forward to this. I just hope I can keep my car in one piece for the European Event the next week. otherwise I'll have to drive my day car. Has anyone else done this sort of thing with their Pagoda? What was it like?

Peter

[Garry]

Hi Peter,

I have done the advanced driving course but in a modern car and it was great fun,  all done on an airfield using the fire truck to set out a skid pan and the runways and taxiways for the driving. No banked track.. They taught us high speed driving, accident avoidance, high speed hand brake turns and when all else fails how to go into an accident backwards!!!, apparently the safest way if it is going to happen and there is time.

It was over several days and was worth every cent.  Not had an accident since!!! Was 25 years ago.

Garry

[Naj ✝︎]

And for those of you on the right (= left) side of the pond, here's the deal if you're feeling left out!!

A special offer for Mercedes-Benz Club of America Members from AMG Driving Academy!

Mercedes-AMG is very pleased to offer Mercedes-Benz Club of America members special pricing to attend AMG Driving Academy, AMG’s high performance driving school!

AMG Driving Academy offers the opportunity to develop performance driving skills under the guidance of professional racers and instructors and takes place at two of the most legendary US circuits, Road Atlanta and Laguna Seca Raceway. AMG Driving Academy offers three distinct programs, each of which will push drivers to the limit in select AMG vehicles, including the most-advanced AMG vehicle ever built, the 2011 SLS AMG.

Basic (one-day course): MBCA Preferential Price: $1,495 (Normally: $1,795)

Intense, one-day track program focuses on performance driving dynamics.
Advanced (two-day course): MBCA Preferential Price: $2,695 (Normally: $3,295)

Two-day program picks up where Basic leaves off, providing advanced training and technical on-track instruction.
Pro (three-day course): MBCA Preferential Price: $1,900 (Normally: $3,995)

The pinnacle of AMG Driving Academy, PRO offers three-days of focused instruction and applied analytics to refine and perfect driving capabilities.
For scheduling, registration and additional information please visit www.AMGacademy.com or call 1-800-217-6916.  Please mention the code ADAMBCA to receive the pricing above.

Ah! The benefits of membership!!

naj

[Peter van Es]

• I'm paying a lot less...
• My course is for classics only. The last time I looked, the SLS was not yet a classic!
• nothing like doing this in your dear and beloved car for some really advanced training!

Peter

[peterm]

I've done amg school several times in the past and have done basic and advanced-  professional instructors great experience awesome cars.  Best part is they are their cars - no worries about tires- maintenance- cost- hitting the wall! etc- much better to let them assume the risk