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AMGmarket.com: Upcoming AMG Driving Academy Info

Greg Magnus — Wed, 05 May 2010 13:27:36 +0000

Mercedes-AMG and Skip Barber Racing School are both pumping out the PR for the upcoming AMG Driving Academy events.

Here’s the latest info we received at AMG Market:

The AMG Driving Academy is taking place on two of the most legendary U.S. tracks, Road Atlanta (GA) and Laguna Seca Raceway (CA). Participants will experience AMG’s true performance capabilities with the help of trained race instructors and some of the finest hand-crafted performance vehicles made by Mercedes-Benz.

GET READY for an experience that you will never forget… GET SET for some of the best training at two of the world’s best circuits… Accelerate your heartbeat!

ROAD ATLANTA BASIC TRAINING
May 14-15, 2010

ROAD ATLANTA BASIC TRAINING
May 15-16, 2010

BASIC TRAINING – $1,795
Intense, one-day track program focused on performance driving. Learn the fundamentals of vehicle dynamics and car control maneuvers. (*Formerly Stage 1)

ADVANCED TRAINING – $3,295
This two-day program picks up where Basic Training leaves off, providing advanced training and technical on-track instruction. **Formerly Stage II. Registrants must have completed either the AMG Basic program, an AMG Challenge or equivalent program.

PRO TRAINING – $3,995
The pinnacle of the AMG Driving Academy curriculum, Pro offers increased instruction while challenging and improving capabilities. ***Registrants must have completed the AMG Advanced program, AMG Challenge Advanced.

ROAD ATLANTA – GEORGIA
Road Atlanta is recognized as one the world’s best race tracks. Beautiful, challenging, historic and justifiably famous, this 2.54 mile track offers 12 complex turns including the famous Esses and travels through an expansive 750 acre park-like environment.

LAGUNA SECA – CALIFORNIA
The legendary Laguna Seca Raceway in scenic Monterey, CA is home to five world-class races and is renowned for its infamous Corkscrew turn. Covering 2.238 miles with 11 complex turns and 180′ of elevation change, Laguna Seca is one of the world’s “must-drive” courses.

For more info and registration, Visit AMGacademy.com

AMG Market: Drive the 2011 SLS AMG Before Launch Date – AMG Driving Academy

greg — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:09:17 +0000

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

one-day or advanced two-day program, offered at three legendary racetracks: Laguna Seca (CA), Lime Rock (CT) and Palm Beach
International Raceway (FL).

Regardless of the program and track you choose, you’ll enjoy world-class, high performance driver training. Graduates will gain eligibility for advanced AMG Driving Academy programs across the globe.

Pricing – AMG Driving Academy in the United States

Stage I Program $1,895
These intense, one-day track programs begin with performance driving dynamics. Experience AMG power and performance and enhance the skills that can make you a better driver for life.

In the morning, learn the fundamentals of vehicle dynamics and car control maneuvers using customized exercises in various AMG vehicles. Once you perfect car control and handling, youâ€™ll progress in the afternoon to a set of high-speed exercises that make use of the full length of these prestigious tracks.

Dig a little deeper in your wallet if you want to drive the 2011 AMG SLS:

Stage I SLS PROGRAM $2,295

Enjoy the exclusive opportunity of track time in our most anticipated vehicle ever, months before official market launch. The all-new 2011 SLS AMG will join the Stage I programs at Laguna Seca Raceway only. These programs will be enhanced and modified to highlight the unique attributes of the SLS AMG. Included in the cost is a one night accommodation at the luxurious InterContinental Hotel in Monterey. Space for these exclusive programs is extremely limited.

Stage II Program $3,495

This two-day program picks up where Stage I leaves off, providing advanced training and technical on-track instruction. As an advanced program, Stage II is offered to drivers who have completed either Stage I, an AMG Challenge or European Driving Academy program or an equivalent course. The morning of the first day provides vehicle dynamics and control exercises to optimize your skills.

The afternoon progresses quickly to track driving with section training. The second day is pure track, with a variety of sessions designed to extract your maximum potential. A feature unique to the Stage II program is the introduction of detailed computer analysis and evaluation of each driver through an onboard diagnostics and data acquisition system with in-car cameras. Instructors review captured data with drivers to help them push their skills to higher levels.

To flex your improved driving abilities, a performance-course competition will allow drivers to compete head-to -head for best course time and a grand prize at the end of all Stage I and II programs.

Prices for Stage I and II programs do not include travel and accommodations.

Dates & Venues

Lime Rock Par k (Lime Rock, CT)

Stage I Program: September 9, 10, 11, 12
Stage II Program: September 14 – 15

Few tracks are as well-known and loved. This prestigious facility is the setting for the American Le Mans Northeast Grand Prix and has been a favorite destination for prominent racing events since the first weekend race held there 52 years ago. The park-like setting is also the headquarters of the renowned Skip Barber Racing School, whose alumni read like a who’s who of IRL, NASCAR and Grand Am royalty.

Palm Beach International Raceway (Jupiter, FL)

Stage I Program: September 22, 23, 24, 25
Stage II Program: September 26 – 27

Boasting an 11-turn, 2.034-mile design, the newly improved Palm Beach International Raceway offers some of the fastest and most challenging corners, elevation changes and straightaways of any track in North America. The recently reconfigured, seamless track hosts some of the worldâ€™s fastest cars and racing events such as the IndyCar Series, Indy Lights and Grand Am.

Laguna Seca Raceway (Monterey Peninsula, CA)

Stage I SLS Program: November 17, 18, 19, 20
Stage II Program: November 7-8

Tremendous elevation changes. The famous Corkscrew complex. One of the only counter-clockwise circuits in North America. Laguna Seca is one of the world’s great circuits 2.24 sinewy miles in one of the country’s most picturesque destinations, the Monterey peninsula. This legendary track has showcased some of history’s most illustrious car and motorcycle racers, making it a logical choice as the exclusive Driving Academy venue offering the Stage I SLS programs.

AMG Driving Academy USA Dates and Venues

greg — Fri, 08 May 2009 19:31:43 +0000

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):

Lime Rock Park (Lime Rock, CT)

Stage I Program: September 9, 10, 11, 12
Stage II Program: September 14 – 15

With fifty years of legacy, Lime Rock Park is unlike any other track. There is a reason the word is in the name, as over three hundred acres of natural Northwest Connecticut beauty surround the 1.53-mile track.

Palm Beach International Raceway (Jupiter, FL)

Stage I Program: September 22, 23, 24, 25
Stage II Program: September 26 – 27

Get your heart racing and fulfill the need for speed by experiencing the exhilaration of road course racing. Boasting an 11-turn, 2.034-mile design, PBIR’s road course features some of the fastest and most challenging corners, elevation changes and straightaways offered by any track in North America. Currently IRL-Sanctioned and pending FIA-certification, PBIR’s track host some of the worlds fastest cars and racing series such as the IndyCar Series, Indy Lights and Grand Am. Technologically superior, the road course showcases a seamless table-top smooth finish, full lighting, S.A.V.E. soft barriers, run-off areas, as well as, host various acclaimed driving schools.

Laguna Seca Raceway (Monterrey Peninsula, CA)

Stage I SLS Program: November 17, 18, 19, 20
Stage II Program: November 7-8

At this track, you can experience the famous Turn 8 and 8A combination, popularly referred to as the Corkscrew, which is considered one of the motorsport world’s most challenging turns due to the drop in elevation as well as its blind crest and apex on the uphill approach.

Turn 2, with its difficult and technical double-apex, has been renamed the ‘Andretti Hairpin’, in honor of former Formula 1 World Champion Mario Andretti, while Turn 9 has been renamed ‘Rainey Curve’ in honor of 500cc Grand Prix motorcycle racing World Champion Wayne Rainey, a resident of nearby Salinas, California. Also the straight that runs between Turn 6 and Turn 7 has been renamed the ‘Rahal Straight’ after four-time consecutive Champ Car race winner Bobby Rahal.

Subscribe here for updates as they are published (pricing and registration info will be available shortly â€“ stay tuned!).

AMG Market: Auto Events

Greg Magnus — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:52:23 +0000

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.Â 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 302â€“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”.Â 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.Â Talk, tour and browsing are all part of the plan.Â The Stable has for a long time been a favorite visiting spot for car enthusiasts.Â 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.Â 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.

Mercedes-Benz AMG Challenge Thunderhill Raceway Park

greg — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 19:36:38 +0000

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.

The â€œAMG Driving Academyâ€ has replaced the AMG Challenge events; the â€œAMG Challengeâ€ has been discontinued FYI.

More info: AMG Driving Academy

Roebling Road Track Day – Mercedes-Benz AMG Enthusiasts

greg — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:56:03 +0000

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.

Test Your AMG Mercedes-Benz and Your Skills at the Track

greg — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 19:44:44 +0000

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.

New Events and News at the AMG Mercedes Private Lounge

greg — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:36:20 +0000

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 Birthday Party

greg — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 13:44:22 +0000

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.

Mercedes-Benz High Mileage Awards (mbcacva.org)
Sneak Peak of the Mercedes-Benz Super Bowl Ad (amgmarket.com)

Southeast AMG Mercedes-Benz Enthusiast Meet and Car Show

greg — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 21:39:18 +0000

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