MBUSA has officially announced the AMG Driving Academy details for three upcoming venues this fall.

And, you can be one of the lucky few to drive the all-new 2011 SLS AMG, which is being offered at the Stage I Programs at Laguna Seca Raceway only. The 2011 SLS AMG is one of the most technologically advanced AMG Mercedes ever.

Here is an excerpt of the email notice received this morning from MBUSA:

AMG Driving Academy in the U.S.

This world-renowned driver training program arrives in the United States this Fall, continuing the global expansion of the AMG Driving Academy founded by AMG in Affalterbach.

We are privileged to offer you the exciting opportunity to be one of the first participants here in the United States. This highly exclusive program will be offered at three legendary racetracks: Laguna Seca Raceway (CA), Lime Rock Park (CT), and Palm Beach International Raceway (FL).

Experience the true performance capabilities of a selection of the latest AMG vehicles by getting behind the wheel, on a racetrack, and receiving coaching from professional racers and instructors.

A limited number of seats are available at an early registration DISCOUNT of 20% if you enroll by Friday June 19, 2009.

Please call the AMG Driving Academy registration center at 1-800-217-6916 to learn more and register today. For additional program information, including dates and track details, please click here.

The fast-paced combination of in-car and classroom training on the country’s premier racetracks will create an experience that you’ll cherish for life.

Fine print: MBUSA, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to terminate the AMG Driving Academy Program entirely and/or to modify, change, alter and/or delete any and all terms, conditions and rules regarding: 1) the AMG Driving Academy Program in general; 2) customer participation in the AMG Driving Academy Program; and 3) the nature, level, value, frequency and amount of any individual prizes and awards to be given to any program participants, at any time before and/or during the course of the AMG Driving Academy Program without notice.

Again, note that the all-new 2011 SLS AMG will join the Stage I Programs at Laguna Seca Raceway only.

Program Highlights

• Choose from three internationally respected racetracks in the U.S.
• Receive intense, high-quality training from the world’s best professional racers and instructors
• Engage in custom-designed exercises that showcase AMG vehicles’ extraordinary dynamic driving capabilities in an authentic environment
• Get behind the wheel of several AMG models, to appreciate the dynamic nuances of each
• Experience greater in-depth instruction, driver development and seat time than  offered in the former AMG Challenge
• Enjoy an exclusive dinner reception and introductory briefing the evening  before your program

Choose from a

Continue reading » »

UPDATE (June 9, 2009): MBUSA has officially announced the AMG Driving Academy details for the United States; three upcoming venues this fall – PRICING AND COMPLETE UPDATE HERE.

This week alone, several people inquired about the AMG Challenge event dates for 2009. The answer, there are none – AMG Challenge has been discontinued! But hold on now. The world-renowned driver-training program from Mercedes-AMG arrives in the USA this September (2009); the AMG Driving Academy.

The “AMG Driving Academy” has replaced the AMG Challenge events for 2009. The new driving program is a major departure from the AMG Challenge in that there will be additional emphasis on driver training versus the experience of a test drive at speed. You can read a press release for the overall AMG Driving Academy here.

The following dates and venues have been released by Mercedes-AMG (stay tuned for pricing and registration info): Continue reading » »

Spring is here and so are hundreds of opportunities to attend auto events being held throughout the country. Last week I was in Indianapolis with the Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA) enjoying the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts but I missed a great 190SL event right here in my home town! With so many events taking place how do you decide? Location is likely the determining factor but many of us are willing to go great distances to share our automobile passion.

Here are a few automobile events off the beaten path:

AMG Driving Academy
Various dates and venues
Press Release with details here

At the AMG Driving Academy licensed and race-tested instructors teach you specifically how to better assess and master critical situations in order to act competently and confidently in extreme conditions. As the driver of an AMG Mercedes you can look forward to a high degree of safety and driving fun. A variety of events are offered, from lifestyle and basic training to PRO level.  AMG enthusiasts can participate in one of several AMG Driving Academy events throughout 2009 and 2010.

For more info, call the AMG Driving Academy at + 49 (0) 7144 302–575 or visit the AMG Driving Academy website here (you can download the brochure). We’ll have an article on the driving events published soon so subscribe here to receive the updates.

The Style & Innovation of the American Automobile (MA)
Larz Anderson Auto Museum
Thursday, May 7, 2009 from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
This event features a very special collection of cars, scrumptious cuisine and the sounds of an official Disc Jockey, Johnny Z. You can also bring your own classic car to park on the lawn for display – weather permitting. The Museum will be closed to the public until Friday, May 8th when we re-open with our new exhibit, “The Style and Innovation of the American Automobile”.  For more info, visit the Larz Anderson Auto Museum website.

Tire Kicking Session – The Stable in Gladstone (NJ)
Mercedes-Benz Club of Am., Northern NJ Section
Saturday, May 9, 10AM

The main objective of The Stable, Ltd. is to provide discerning customers with prime examples of great automobile design, performance, comfort and appeal. Also located on the premises is an auto upholstery shop, specializing in auto interior restoration, such as convertible tops, leather upholstery re dying, or interior leather replacement.  Talk, tour and browsing are all part of the plan.  The Stable has for a long time been a favorite visiting spot for car enthusiasts.  Contact Lucille at: LuluChab@aol.com. Websites: MBCA Northern NJ Section and visit The Stable website for directions.

Summit Point Spring Festival (WV)
Greater Washington Section – MBCA
Saturday, May 9th, 2009

The MBCA Greater Washington Section will be participating in the first annual Summit Point Spring Festival. This family event sponsored by Summit Point Raceway will feature activities for everyone, including pony rides for the littlest cruisers, as well as many automotive activities and demonstrations for visitors of all ages.  GWS will be participating with a corral area for MBCA members as well as take part in the on-track parade laps on both the Shenandoah Circuit and Main Circuit. Entry fee of $5 per cruise-in car, which will include the scheduled laps; additional charge ($15 per car) for the lunchtime parade laps. For more info, contact Richie Crim on 304.856.3682 or visit the website.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The AMG Challenge events have been discontinued for 2009! Hold on – the AMG Driving Academy has replaced the program – details here.

2008 AMG CHALLENGE EVENTS
(Discontinued for 2009)

Thunderhill Raceway Park

November 12 & 13, 2008 – AMG Challenge;The standard AMG Challenge program includes on-track driving clinics, line theory and vehicle dynamics training, hot laps and a follow-up awards ceremony.

November 14, 2008 – AMG Challenge Graduate; The Graduate Program builds on the skills acquired in the original AMG Challenge program. You’ll learn advanced techniques that are taught in a faster-paced, more aggressive track experience.

If you have any questions about the AMG Challenge event, call MBUSA at 800-526-3822 (9:00AM-6:00PM EST, M-F).

2007 Mercedes-Benz AMG Challenge at Pocono- Autocross 1 from G.J. Dixon on Vimeo.

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The “AMG Driving Academy” has replaced the AMG Challenge events; the “AMG Challenge” has been discontinued FYI.

More info: AMG Driving Academy

Here's another opportunity to hit the track with your AMG Mercedes-Benz. A group of AMG enthusiasts are heading to Roebling Road Raceway (Bloomingdale, GA) on Monday September 15, 2008. Audi enthusiasts are also invited.

The event includes a full day of open track but registration is limited to only 25 attendees. The 2.02-mile Roebling Road asphalt road course consisting of nine turns is located just 20 miles from downtown Savannah, Georgia.

Honing your high performance driving skills in the relative safety of a closed track is always enjoyable plus the experience makes you a better street driver. High performance driving in your AMG Mercedes is all about learning car control – concentration, vision, familiarity with your car, its responses to your inputs, and your reactions to its responses. Note this is NOT a racing event! It is a safety, control and opportunity to enjoy driving your car.

Additional registration information on this website.
Fee for the event is $225 (limited to 25 entries).

Hotel Info:
Book your hotel room soon; rooms are extremely limited.
The event rate is $79/night:

Best Western Bradybury Suites
155 Bourne Ave
Pooler, GA
(912) 330-0330
Group code: AMG

Questions? Contact the event registrar, Chris Woodward.

The Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA) South Jersey Section is hosting a national driving event in Millville, New Jersey on October 24-28, 2008. Drive your Mercedes-Benz like it was built to be driven – Coaching by Trained Instructors! Track events are excellent venues for any AMG Mercedes-Benz. Registration is now open for this event.

Download the Registration Packet

Special events include: Concours d' Elegance, Defensive Driving, Autocross, Time Trials, Acceleration Runs, Rally and Awards Banquet.

Track activities will be held at the brand new New Jersey Motorsport Park in Millville, NJ, using the 1.9 mile Lightning Circuit.  This ten-turn circuit is challenging, featuring some of the most interesting corners and dramatic elevation changes in the park. Track website: NJ Motor Sports Park

Area attractions:

• 60 minute drive of Philadelphia, Wilmington, Atlantic City, and the Jersey Shore;
• Wheaton Arts – World Class Glass art created in the Glass Studio;
• The Millville Army Air Field Museum – the history of "America's First Defense Airport" dedicated in 1941 to train P-47 (Thunderbolt) pilots;
• Millville Arts District – Glasstown Center Arts District, an area with studios and galleries, restaurants, antique shops and an arts and pottery school.

For more info contact: Rob Fini by phone: (215) 680-7556.

AMG Mercedes has a private forum for AMG owners where they release event info and news – the AMG Private Lounge. For example, on March 26 a team of AMG specialists will answer questions during a live forum event. You can register for the site using your VIN. Once registered, you can participate in the discussions and/or read the posts if you missed the event.

Here is the info for those interested: 

AMG ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS
With a team of MBUSA AMG Specialist on hand, bring on your questions! On Wednesday, March 26th from 9:00 PM EST to 10:00 PM EST AMG Product Management will join us for this unique opportunity to have your questions answered in our third chat session of 2008. The session will be located in the "Chat Section of the Private Lounge.

AMG AT THE NY AUTO SHOW
With an opportunity to host more than 100 Private Lounge members and guests at the AMG NY Auto Show Preview Night, the event was a full success. We are also happy to report that a Private Lounge member’s guest was also the winner of the IWC watch given away at the event. Details and images of the event can be found on the Private Lounge.

In other news, a date has been added to the AMG Challenge Graduate Program: 

FOR THE AMG PRIVATE LOUNGE
DATE ADDED – 2008 AMG CHALLENGE PRIVATE LOUNGE GRADUATE PROGRAM, APRIL 25, 2008 AND OCTOBER 5, 2008
We still have a small number of spots open for the Las Vegas date in April and we are now registering for the Miami date in October. The AMG Private Lounge is pleased to offer a 2008 AMG Graduate Challenge program to our members on Friday, April 25th in Las Vegas and Sunday, October 5th in Miami. These Private Lounge Graduate Challenge events will follow the same format as our standard Graduate Program with the addition of a few AMG surprises. Registration is first-come first-serve and is limited to 45 participants. Registration will fill up quickly so sign up now if you are interested. Visit the Private Lounge and look for the discussion boards.

Mercedes-Benz World is a one-year old facility at the historic Brooklands circuit in Surrey, UK. The facility is celebrating it's birthday on November 3-4, it opened in October 2006.

Mercedes-Benz World offers driving experiences on five purpose-built courses, from learning advanced skills with qualified instructors to feeling the thrill of an AMG. Visitors will be able to stay at the 5-star hotel and spa when it is completed in 2008, tour the historic museum, relax in the 60-acre landscaped park, shop at the boutique and dine in the cafe or restaurant. A kids zone is included.

Entry to the full complex, excluding the hotel and spa (when completed) is free. Uniquely, Mercedes-Benz World offers driving lessons to anyone over 1.5m tall. This means children as young as 8 or 9 can drive on part of the original Brooklands Circuit.

The building is spread over three floors with over 100 cars on display, including a 300SL Gullwing as well as the McLaren Mercedes SLR supercar.

Everyone attending the event has the chance of winning an exhilarating ride in the legendary Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. And, MB will be unveiling the brand new Silver Arrows AMG Display Team, who will be giving their first public performance of breathtaking handling skills.

The AMG and Off-Road passenger experiences will be available for the special price of just £15. If you're in the area, stop by for some birthday cake and raffle prizes. Admission is free. 

Join a group of AMG enthusiasts at the Andretti Speed Lab – Roswell, GA. All AMG Mercedes-Benz vehicles are welcome to attend.

Saturday, November 10th
Third Annual AMG Enthusiast Meet and Car Show at Andretti Speed Lab in Roswell, GA. This event is produced by AMG Enthusiasts and supported by the MBUSA AMG Private Lounge. It is time to polish up those AMG’s and bring them out to meet up with your fellow enthusiasts as we add the first ever AMG Car show to the agenda this year.

• 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Registration
• 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM Car Show 
• 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM Dinner, Q&A Session and Awards

Attending are representatives from Mercedes-Benz USA’s AMG Team as well as the AMG Private Lounge – both product management and technical support plus several AMG vehicles on display from Mercedes-Benz USA.

Be sure to bring your driving shoes as Andretti’s indoor karting track will be open all day – award for the best lap time cut by an AMG driver.

Awards presented for the following categories:

• Best In Show
• Longest Distance Traveled
• Most Miles on your AMG
• Oldest “Running” AMG
• Baldest Tires
• Best Karting Time
• Most Modified AMG

Registration is free and will open in the next week. A small fee will be charged for those wanting to attend the dinner.

Post a reply if you are interested and/or send an email to Atlanta AMG Meet. 

- Info Provided by the Atlanta AMG Enthusiasts

An "unofficial" AMG Enthusiast group is hosting an event for AMG owners at the No Problem Raceway, which is located outside of Baton Rouge, LA. The group has secured the entire track for Thursday, September 27, and Friday, September 28. Thursday is AMG Road Course Day and Friday is AMG Drag Racing Day.

The AMG enthusiast group has been meeting "unofficially" for several years now and their events are known to be exclusive, fun and filled with AMG tales. But slots fill up fast so check it out now if you're interested. 

The registration cost for BOTH days is just $250….the best deal in Motorsports!

The location of the track is Southwest of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and very suitable accommodations for Wednesday and Thursday evenings have been arranged at the historic Nottoway Plantation. Spouses are encouraged to attend as there will be much more to share and experience than just track days. Send in your free registration request to Chappy at CajunAMGmeet@hotmail.com.

Info packets are available now and track participation is limited to only 20 cars for each day for maximum safety and enjoyment. Again, spots will fill up quickly!

Arrival – September 26
Track Day 1 – September 27
Track Day 2 – September 28
AMG Excursions – September 29
Departure – September 30

More Info
Discussion of the September AMG Event on MBWorld Forum 
Previous AMG Owners Meet in Atlanta at MBCA Forum
More AMG Owners Meet plus pics of previous event in Atlanta