Spring Mountain Impressions

[Super Saloon]

If you've completed the course at Spring Mountain, would you say it's worth doing twice? I am thinking about paying my way the first time, and then if I end up ordering a new car, doing it again. Just curious if you think there's enough value/drive-time to make it worth experiencing two times. Thanks!

I went recently and while it was a great experience, I think you would be better off saving the ~$4k for local track days and just going once when you buy a new Blackwing. If you decide you aren’t buying a new Blackwing you could always decide to go later. If I were upgrading from the 4 to the 5 I would go a second time, but I wouldn’t pay that much out of pocket to go a 2nd time. That would be a lot of local track days.

 

[The Hoon]

Signed up for April 17-18 in a manual CT4V and can't wait! They had a bunch of dates not on the website from the email blast that I got last week. Dates below:

April: 17-18, 28-29 (No CT5s for 28-29)
June: 16-17, 30-July 1
July: 5-6, 11-12, 30-August 1
August: 4-5, 29-30

 

[Brad_TX2V]

A thought - pony up now and do the Blackwing course then if / when you decide to go back ask about upgrading to one of their advanced driving courses - I had that convo with them a few years ago as an option, basically they would give me a credit of $X for the other course and I'd pay the difference.

 

[Deneed4spd]

A thought - pony up now and do the Blackwing course then if / when you decide to go back ask about upgrading to one of their advanced driving courses - I had that convo with them a few years ago as an option, basically they would give me a credit of $X for the other course and I'd pay the difference.

There is no advance class for Blackwing. Only for corvette.

 

[Brad_TX2V]

There is no advance class for Blackwing. Only for corvette.

And they do have other cars / programs. Radicals being one. Almost bought one way back. Yeah, I couldn’t / wouldn’t see them offering another level of BW class.

 

[TexasHawkeye]

I just got done with Spring Mountain (was there Monday and Tuesday, 4/28 and 4/29). Great facility, great instructors. I had zero track experience prior to the two-day course, and now feel somewhat competent, which is a testament to the quality of the instructors. My classmates were also great and there were some drivers in there! One couple has an H1000, which was fun to hear them talk about.

The instructors are all very positive and reassuring, and if you listen to them, you will get faster. I took about 9 seconds off my north track lap time from day one to day two. Our lead instructor was Richie Hearn, who raced for years in the IRL. The track time is by far the most valuable and most fun part of the experience (at least it was for me). Everyone would probably vote for more track time and less classroom, but for someone new with the car, I can see how some of the classroom stuff would be useful. I have been driving my 4BW for about 19,000 miles now, so I didn’t get a lot out of going over PDR, settings, etc.

The autocross and the wet figure 8’s were also a blast. It’s a great facility, the buffet-style food they give you is more than adequate, and the balance of in-classroom and behind the wheel is pretty good. I got to stay on property in one of the condos, which was a plus. They are a little dated, but you’re not there for five star accommodations. Just a place to crash after an intense day. It was comfortable and I would stay there again without hesitation.

For those of you that want a point of reference for slow little ol’ me:
North track best lap: 1:24.6 (my instructor did a 1:20 easily while carrying on a conversation - I was driving to the edge of my abilities to try and break 1:25!)
Autocross best: 29.28

4BW can definitely keep up with the 5’s on the north track. They killed me in the straight sections, but the 4’s can reel them back in during the rest of it.

Definitely go, let ‘er rip in someone else’s Cadillac, and do things you would never do in yours. Top notch experience and would do it again! And there were a lot of guys with guests there - so don’t be shy about bringing your significant other. They have a couple opportunities for ride-alongs with instructors, and there are amenities there that would be enjoyable if you’re not doing the driving class.

Highly recommend.

 

[BW56M]

I just got done with Spring Mountain (was there Monday and Tuesday, 4/28 and 4/29).

Just got back from there last week (23rd and 24th), but it was my son that took my place as the student (lucky dog). My self and grandson attended as guests. What a great experience. Learned a lot even as a guest. I echo all of your thoughts, except: 4BW can definitely keep up with the 5’s on the north track. They killed me in the straight sections, but the 4’s can reel them back in during the rest of it. Seriously though, I could be wrong, but Danny (instructor) took me for a ride along in both the 4BW and a 5BW for comparisons sake. Both cars were pants on fire , hang on to your hat, OMG laps, limited to 6/10 because of liability. Can't even imagine a 10/10 lap. He was still faster in the 5BW. I do agree that the students were just as fast, if not faster in the 4BW, as it's easier to tame. Damn that car can be tossed around like a rag doll. Anyways, I knew that both of these cars were fast, but, I had no clue that they were this fast.

Even though I have a 5BW 6 speed manual, there weren't any available for that week, so my son chose a 4BW automatic, which more aligns with his lowered and modified G70. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express 5 miles down the road from the race track. Friday, we went to Speed Vegas and my grandson drove both a GT3RS and a Lamborghini Huracan. I did a ride along in the GT3RS with a professional driver. OMG!

Anyways, I too would highly recommend that if the opportunity presents itself to go to Spring Mountain, just "do it".

 

[TexasHawkeye]

Just got back from there last week (23rd and 24th), but it was my son that took my place as the student (lucky dog). My self and grandson attended as guests. What a great experience. Learned a lot even as a guest. I echo all of your thoughts, except: 4BW can definitely keep up with the 5’s on the north track. They killed me in the straight sections, but the 4’s can reel them back in during the rest of it. Seriously though, I could be wrong, but Danny (instructor) took me for a ride along in both the 4BW and a 5BW for comparisons sake. Both cars were pants on fire , hang on to your hat, OMG laps, limited to 6/10 because of liability. Can't even imagine a 10/10 lap. He was still faster in the 5BW. I do agree that the students were just as fast, if not faster in the 4BW, as it's easier to tame. Damn that car can be tossed around like a rag doll. Anyways, I knew that both of these cars were fast, but, I had no clue that they were this fast.

Even though I have a 5BW 6 speed manual, there weren't any available for that week, so my son chose a 4BW automatic, which more aligns with his lowered and modified G70. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express 5 miles down the road from the race track. Friday, we went to Speed Vegas and my grandson drove both a GT3RS and a Lamborghini Huracan. I did a ride along in the GT3RS with a professional driver. OMG!

Anyways, I too would highly recommend that if the opportunity presents itself to go to Spring Mountain, just "do it".

Everytime I was behind one on the long straight (a 5bw), i was astonished on how hard it pulled away. Amazing cars, no doubt. Every time I saw it, I was like, “me want.” I was also amazed at how quickly I caught up once the straights were done. Just my observation, but I’m pretty positive it’s NOT because I’m such an awesome driver my first time on a track. Absolutely not the case.

To each his own. Enjoy your car. I know I will continue to enjoy mine!!!!