Did you do or are doing V academy

[ngoni]

Okay, I'm a moron.
I didn't realize this bit.

You have a year from purchase (assuming you're the original owner) to schedule your class. Get on the phone, get on standby for a class.

 

[BimmerFan]

I posted in the other thread, but I'll try to summarize here. It's a beautiful facility with great instruction and excellent food (breakfast & lunch is included) and perfect for someone who has never been on track before. If you have track experience, the benefits aren't quite as great.

I did the advanced Corvette school because the introductory thing (much like what we get for the BW) would have little benefit for me. I had a great time. The lead/follow thing is annoying if you are the fastest person in the group, and you are not the first student in the train. Still fun though. One of the really great things that they do, is to give you the same car that you bought, manual or auto, BW4 or 5, or in the case of Corvette, coupe versus Z06. No convertibles.

Downsides for most of us is that you have to fly in, rent a car to get to Pahrump (and back) and almost certainly another night or two of a hotel, depending on flight times. I stayed an extra day in Vegas, but not everyone is a fan of Sin City (I'm not, but figured WTH).

 

[Yalferd]

I drove 8 hours each way from central california. I've done car control before, HPDEs, experienced in car coaching from people that know what they're doing. Was still fun, but I tend to read manuals, test the car myself, so the best bit that I experienced was running in the wet and getting to know what the car was going to do by doing it.

 

[ArgentWing]

The dealer where I bought my car, Cappellino, totally sucked. They didn't advise me about Sping Mountain. Like many others I only learned of it through this forum.

 

[Yalferd]

I learned about it on Cadillac's web page, then the dealer mentioned it, but didn't give any real help, so I called SM and started talking to them and got someone to help with the scheduling for me to attend. I always watch for things like this when going for a "high end" product like this

 

[Melon]

You have a year from purchase (assuming you're the original owner) to schedule your class. Get on the phone, get on standby for a class.

Bought it new in late May 2024.

 

[bloominguez]

Downsides for most of us is that you have to fly in, rent a car to get to Pahrump (and back) and almost certainly another night or two of a hotel, depending on flight times. I stayed an extra day in Vegas, but not everyone is a fan of Sin City (I'm not, but figured WTH).

Just make a short trip out of it. Catch a Golden Knights game. See the Grand Canyon. See Hoover Dam.

 

[BimmerFan]

Just make a short trip out of it. Catch a Golden Knights game. See the Grand Canyon. See Hoover Dam.

Curious: Years before, the wife and I went to Vegas, and the car rental place would not let me take it out of state - so no Grand Canyon. I thought that was both odd and annoying. Natch Turo wouldn't be a problem, but I was curious if anyone else ever ran into such a thing. A local car rental place (not a national chain) would let me go out of state but no further than Missouri (I was headed to CO).

We did see the dam though, that was pretty cool. Also Red Rock (?) State Park.

 

[565565]

Curious: Years before, the wife and I went to Vegas, and the car rental place would not let me take it out of state - so no Grand Canyon. I thought that was both odd and annoying. Natch Turo wouldn't be a problem, but I was curious if anyone else ever ran into such a thing. A local car rental place (not a national chain) would let me go out of state but no further than Missouri (I was headed to CO).

We did see the dam though, that was pretty cool. Also Red Rock (?) State Park.

Did you rent a Lambo or something?

I justified it by telling my wife it was a west coast vacation to bring the baby to see her extended family in Anaheim CA with a small detour into Nevada for this short little 2 day event.

 

[Brad_TX2V]

Signed up for the May 29-30th class. Wife and I are going to hit St. George / Zion National Park afterwards for a few days. Seems like a fun place! Signed up for an auto but waitlisted for a manual, either way, no biggie. Should be a blast!

BTW - I'm reminded of this as I'm wearing "Driving Shoes" today...Piloti "Driving Shoes" - which to me are total CRAP...I've got racing shoes, both off the shelf and custom Stand 21 - they are *nothing* alike! LOL! I only bought the Piloti "Driving Shoes" years ago when I had a C7Z06 and these were marketed in one of the National Corvette Museum emails or similar, nice looking shoes from that perspective but, to me, NOT from a driving perspective. Very HEAVY / clunky shoes, not light, not flexible (they are narrow though, that's good). If they were SFI / FIA rated (they are not) I would definitely *not* use them on track. So, if you really want to have a set of driving shoes - go pick up a pair of real racing shoes....these are what I started with, definitely UGLY but they are safe (thinking dripping fluids in a fire) / flexible / grippy - focused on feeling the pedals! Not a comfortable shoe to walk around in, for sure, but that's not the point of a racing shoe. They used to be $99. They have a VERY soft sole - I put the pedal* THROUGH the shoe when tracing COTA in Trans Am during qualifying one year...it was STUCK in my shoe....that was exciting! Shoes are definitely a consumable LOL!! *roller throttle pedal, not a traditional pedal. BTW - my Stand 21 shoes have a carbon fiber plate in the right sole to prevent this.

https://www.simpsonraceproducts.com/products/shoes/stealth_sprint/parts/SP100BK

 

[Throat Yogurt]

BTW - I'm reminded of this as I'm wearing "Driving Shoes" today...Piloti "Driving Shoes" - which to me are total CRAP...I've got racing shoes, both off the shelf and custom Stand 21 - they are *nothing* alike! LOL! I only bought the Piloti "Driving Shoes" years ago when I had a C7Z06 and these were marketed in one of the National Corvette Museum emails or similar, nice looking shoes from that perspective but, to me, NOT from a driving perspective. Very HEAVY / clunky shoes, not light, not flexible (they are narrow though, that's good). If they were SFI / FIA rated (they are not) I would definitely *not* use them on track. So, if you really want to have a set of driving shoes - go pick up a pair of real racing shoes....these are what I started with, definitely UGLY but they are safe (thinking dripping fluids in a fire) / flexible / grippy - focused on feeling the pedals! Not a comfortable shoe to walk around in, for sure, but that's not the point of a racing shoe. They used to be $99. They have a VERY soft sole - I put the pedal* THROUGH the shoe when tracing COTA in Trans Am during qualifying one year...it was STUCK in my shoe....that was exciting! Shoes are definitely a consumable LOL!! *roller throttle pedal, not a traditional pedal. BTW - my Stand 21 shoes have a carbon fiber plate in the right sole to prevent this.

https://www.simpsonraceproducts.com/products/shoes/stealth_sprint/parts/SP100BK

I have two pairs of Pilotis and I really like them. I wore them at Spring Mountain and they were great.

 

[Brad_TX2V]

I have two pairs of Pilotis and I really like them. I wore them at Spring Mountain and they were great.

Try a pair of racing shoes and expect to be blown away then! Seriously! Only reason I've kept these is that they look pretty nice and they are my "Cigars n Racecars" hanging out and smoking cigar shoes...you know, the ones that don't make it in the house because of the lovely cigar smell!

 

[Yalferd]

I'm always self conscious about my Pilotis when i'm around car people. I like them because they actually fit my feet well. Oddly enough they are the most comfortable shoes I've found for my weird feet.

 

[Brad_TX2V]

They’re actually pretty comfortable to wear. Just oddly heavy, to me. I remember buying my first pair of walking shoes years back and they felt the same way. I was on the same flight as a guy I’d raced with and I noticed he was wearing a pair of Pilotis. Figured they were worth a shot. Mine look brand new (8 years old). My race shoes are all pretty burned / melted on the right side (transmission tunnel, tube frame car).

 

[Brad_TX2V]

FWIW - I *love* Alpinestar gloves, especially the older ones - that they discontinued, I still like and have quite a few pair of the new ones (well, the V2, not the V4 LOL), for reference (and yes, gloves are a consumable too LOL!):

Tech-1 Zx V2 Gloves | Alpinestars

This premium racing glove features inside seams on the thumb and outside seams on the other four fingers for optimum levels of comfort and feel; the inside seams on the thumb offers excellent levels if feel on the multiple pushbuttons of the steering wheel, while the external seams provide...

www.alpinestars.com

So - I should like the shoes too, right? I tried on a pair of their racing shoes at PRI a few years back...like a VISE...could barely get one on...the Alpinestar guy: "well, they're a racing shoe, they're supposed to be tight, it's about performance..." LOL Um, not!

 

[BW56M]

Just got news from Alea at Spring Mountain, that GM has approved my VIN and has reserved a spot in the April 23rd/24th class. They also granted approval for my son to attend in my place. However, my grandson and I will also be attending as guests. As guests, they provide lodging, breakfast and lunch both days, a ride along with one of the instructors and we are allowed to attend the in room sessions, if we choose. Guest fee is only $40 each. WOW! Looking forward to the experience.

BTW: I purchased my 5BW in December of 2023. Alea went above and beyond to get approval based on the lapsed time frame.

Before you ask, "why I gave up my spot to my son", it is because of my health issues.

 

[RDATLTE]

Just got news from Alea at Spring Mountain, that GM has approved my VIN and has reserved a spot in the April 23rd/24th class. They also granted approval for my son to attend in my place. However, my grandson and I will also be attending as guests. As guests, they provide lodging, breakfast and lunch both days, a ride along with one of the instructors and we are allowed to attend the in room sessions, if we choose. Guest fee is only $40 each. WOW! Looking forward to the experience. View attachment 29406

BTW: I purchased my 5BW in December of 2023. Alea went above and beyond to get approval based on the time frame.

Before you ask, "why I gave up my spot to my son", it is because of my health issues.

I didn't know that more than one guest was allowed.

 

[BW56M]

I didn't know that more than one guest was allowed.

Don't know what the limit is, but they granted our request. Paid the guest fees and insurance buy down today.

 

[5VBW Nick]

I was told 1 guest, $50 extra.

 

[BW56M]

Don't know what the limit is, but they granted our request. Paid the guest fees and insurance buy down today.

I was told 1 guest, $50 extra.

Huh! They only charged me $40. Maybe it's based on season.