Anybody do their level 1 driving school? Got a complimentary code, debating if it's worth it taking time off from work for it and flying to NY or MIA for it. If you've been, would love hear more about it (type of cars used, seat time, etc.)

 

I also just got the code.

I did Level 1 and 2 at Monticello earlier in July.

You do the F-Type R Coupe, the F-Type V8S convertible (not on the track, but in autocross - that may vary by track), the XKR, the XFR, and the XJ(L!)R.

The seat time felt like "never enough" - Level 2 is more than 1, and 3 more than either.

Note that if you have had any track experience at all, you may get frustrated - particularly in Level 1, when you do the "lead follow" in that people not used to a track will brake "when" they see someone else brake, not "where" - so you get early braking and that can lead to some scary/annoying scenarios as you should otherwise follow pretty closely.

I had a great time and will be going back in October to do Level 3.
Will call them and see if I can transfer Level 1 to my friend, and then do 2/3 myself, and see if my friend can do 1/2/3 (or "just" 1/2).

 

I was wondering the same thing. I noticed that Level 1 used to be a full day and they dropped it to a 1/2 day.

I've taken basic, advanced and pro courses at the AMG driving academy and was going to see if they would let me skip level 1 and apply the credit to level 2 or 3.

 

sounds like it might not be worth a mini vacation to NY or MIA for the level 1. Will wait until Feb 2015 for the Level 1 at Sonoma then.

 

If you do NY (Monticello), then:
1) they will recommend a hotel/resort

2) you call hotel/resort, and they will have no idea what you are talking about

3) the resort has three properties, and the Jag stuff is only at one of them

4) Jag provides a van to/from the track, which is an hour from the resort (and seemed to get lost and be late a lot - better to drive yourself)

5) the part of the resort I stayed in was not where the Jag stuff was, so I didn't bother going to it (hors d'oeuvres and drinks and you talk to the person running it and some of the instructors the night before), and the one I stayed in had a kitchen in the room (yay) but no stores for 30 mins in any direction, no mini bar, no room service, and no food at the part of the resort I was at - they pointed me to something nearby, and I went there and couldn't find it - but it was also swamped with young kids as it is a waterpark (shouldn't be an issue in October)

6) there is *nothing* around the track, it is out in the middle of nowhere, and the motels there are... questionable (heard from those at the event, and friends who knew as well)


If I go again, I will avoid the resort entirely, but find some middle ground - ideally one near food. They give you food at the event, but I was hungry and annoyed in the evenings.

 

I was planning for Sonoma also. I hear they used to have it at Las Vegas but I don't see it on the schedule right now.

 

They def do it in Vegas - most of the press kit that they use for this was shot there. They cycle through different tracks, so it may not be until next year that they are back there though - or winter, as some tracks (like NY) will be out.

 

Have you tried a track day Club like hooked on driving? The a group has instruction, and you get a coach in the car. Typically 5 25m sessions (plenty of seat time). It's a blast, and a ton cheaper. If course, you drive your own car....

I'm driving Laguna Seca tomorrow, and really looking forward to it. You get to know your vehicle incredibly well!

 

I've done a couple of track events at Thunderhill a long time ago. But frankly these days I'm too risk averse to drive my brand new car on track because insurance companies (from what I've heard) have gotten much stricter. Back then, circa early 2000s, insurance companies generally covered these high performance driving schools. But now they are clamping down. Might give it another go if I can work out the insurance issue.

I am doing an autocross this weekend w/ the santa clara corvettes at crows landing. sounds like they have plenty of spots left if anyone is interested. figured this would be a good way to learn about the car while keeping crash risk to absolute minimum.

 

I was asking my dealer about this and was told as I bought the S model not the R model I wouldn't be considered??

Sonoma would be perfect since I live in Marin.

 

You can still attend - it's just not free. R owners get a credit to attend the level 1 class for free as part of their vehicle purchase. Credit expires 12 months after initial purchase date.

 

I checked with my ins co, and their distinction is "competitive, timed events". Since the track days I go to are explicitly called out as non-competitive, and are not timed (except by me) im supposedly covered. Hopefully, I wont have to ever test that!

In addition, there are supplimental track ins cos, but they usually cost more than the event for our car.

 

spinningbull, you convinced me. I'm making my glorious 10 year return to Thunderhill to run the 5-mile course Sept 5th :-) Did you have any issues with tire pressure? Think I'm going to run the recommended "over 155mph" 41psi instead of the normal 36psi. Did you make any adjustments to your pressure?

 

I ran 36 front, 38 rear at Laguna seca. The Tpms went crazy the whole time but the stuck like crazy. I was working with the onsight tire guys, and thats where they set it after the first session.

The 5 mi course is a blast!, the new track is twisty with some fun elevation changes. You'll have a great time.

 

Has anyone been in contact with the performance academy? I've been trying to talk to someone by calling the # on the website but it goes straight to voicemail. Ive left messages but no one returns my call.

 

I haven't called them. One day I just got an email with an RSVP code...did everything online.

 

I finally talked to someone at the performance academy and unfortunately, they don't allow you to skip level 1 even if you have past driving experience. The guy I spoke to says it's a common question and to date, the higher-ups have been unwilling to budge.

So I signed up for Sonoma raceway in Feb, but if another track opens up later on, I may switch it later. They are trying to get dates for Las Vegas in March/April but nothing firm yet.

 

Thanks for the info. I'm signed up for 2/19 at Sonoma. Would love to do a Vegas one to enjoy the after track entertainment Hope to see you guys out there. Look for me in my Jag helmet https://www.dropbox.com/s/uj3mgej5t8....42-1.jpg?dl=0

 

I'm also booked in for 2/19, Sonoma at 8am.

Would be great to get some pix of the F-Types together

 

Unfortunately, 2/19 was full so I'm booked for 2/17. Would have been great to meet some other members here.