Three of us signed up for a track driving school over this weekend. Mr. Gulp, Mrs. Ball and Mr. Ball.

Ken brought his '03 Cobra, my wife Lisa in the Z06, and I was in the Viper. The school was The Driver's Edge and it was an excellent experience. This school has four levels of driver groups, from beginner to expert. First timers get put into the green group, those with limited seat time go into blue. These two groups ride with an instructor, who give valuable input and lessons. The yellow and red groups are more advanced, and are solo classes with a lot of track experience. Classes and teachers were fun and very technical, we had a great time at the event and will attend again. The event was at Texas World Speedway, in College Station. It was a 2-day event, with each day getting four 25-minute sessions on the track, with an instructor. Classes are held in between each session.

If you've never done something like this, especially those of you with handling mods done to your cars, you should give it a try. If you think drag racing is an adrenaline rush, try holding that rush for 25 minutes straight! It physically wears you out at the end of each day. I did one session in the Z06, it got up to 150 mph on the NASCAR-banked straight. The Viper did 165 mph. It is a very fast and technical track, can't wait to go back again. These classes will teach you to push the limits of your car, it isn't a weekend of easy driving at a slow pace. You are taught how to read track flags, how to react to other vehicles, fast line skills, reading vehicle feedback, etc... With each session, you can really see yourself improve and get faster through the 2.9 mile long track.

Best $275 I've spent in a while. Investing in the "driver mod" is far more useful long-term than buying a few parts for your car.

Pics!

 

Looks like a great time man.

 

Nice man. Kat recognizes a couple of those pics!

Hope you continue to do it. Try the track school sometime and I'll join you in driving!

 

Finally!

MSR-Houston on Jan 31-Feb 1 ... Camaro-Mustang Challenge racing.

You should come out and spend some time. It's great wheel to wheel racing.

Here is the last lap of the last race last season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwPErSkyoXg

The guy following me and I changed the lead 3 times!

 

Sounds like a cool event Mitch. Unfortunately, I'll be packing boxes for the next few weekends as we prepare to move into the new house. Probably be March before I get a free weekend to go race again. We'll see.

 

how well did your two cars perform compared to what you expected?

 

I've tracked my previous 550 rwhp C6 before, and I've tracked my Viper before. I've done about 5 track days in the past in those cars. The Z06 is much easier to drive at the limit, it gives you more confidence. Sort of a point-and-shoot type car that handles and brakes extremely well. Traction electronic nannies don't step in much at all, unless you get stupid. Seats are horrible in the Corvette. No lateral support to speak of.

Viper is more fun to me, no electronics, 675 rwhp, much stiffer steering, better brakes, flatter suspension with hardly any body roll. It feels very solid. Driving it to the limit is much more demanding of a driver. I'm a better driver in the Z06, but got pretty good in the Viper by the end of the weekend. Now I just need tires to push it a little harder. 20" radials aren't known for their grip

 

Those wheels look awesome on the Viper - looks like you had fun; what tires are you going to use next time?

Congrats on what sounds like an awesome day...

 

I'll pick up some 18" wheels and probably some Toyo tires. Haven't looked into sizing availability for different brands just yet, so I'll get a brand that fits a Viper. 295-305 fronts, 335-345 rears.

 

I love Texas World....

 

Hooray, come to the dark(er) side.

I started with HPDE, then went drag racing once. Once was more than enough. I wish more guys would give HPDE a try.

-Chris

 

I'll bet $100 That You're Going To See Someone with The "Tape Mod" rolling around Houston

You got any Video Of The Passes? The commentary would be hilarious.

"Mr Ball takes turn #1 at an AMAZING 125mph!, followed closely by Mr Gulp playing it safe at 95, and--Oohh Nooo Mrs Ball spins out in the ZO6!!. Ohhh Man that is NOT gonna go over well with Mr Ball...."

 

Damn that looks like a great time. Plus the prices are excellent. I would have thought that it was going to be far more expensive than what it ended up being.

 

And it was ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NE-ILKGNH7k

 

Wow only $275. That's a great price. Looks like you had a good time.

 

That looks like a blast! once i saw the picture of the viper i realized i knew you from another forum. im thinking i may turn my formula into a street/road race car.