Attended an driving event held at Waterford Hills track north of Detroit on Monday where we were able to drive several cars a couple of laps each. The company (Executive Drive) is based out of Indy and provided the cars and staff. I attended as the guest of a supplier company.
Just a few short comments on the cars since I don't have the time nor the expertise to go into much more detail. The cars on hand were Viper, M3, Ford GT, Z06 Vette, Lotus Elise, and Porsche 996 TT. All were manual except for the M3 and all were new or a year, or so, old and in great condition. The Viper was a disapointment as it feels heavy (it is after all) and rattled but it was sure fast in a straight line. The M3 was very impressive for a daily driver. While I don't like the idea of SMG it was still a fun car and would be happy to drive it back and forth to work. The Ford was ok but it was not a good car for the tight track that we were on. I was able to take a lap with the instructor driving and he was able to make it work through the corners. I guess the Ford just needed a better driver! The Vette was the most surprising as it did not feel like a big heavy car on this tight track. It seemed very well balanced to me and had tons-o-torque! The Lotus was amazing in the level of stick and the speed that could be carried out of the corners. The thing drives like a go cart on a solid suspension! The 911 TT was my favorite as it did everything well. Lots of power and very comfortable. I think I would sell off both of my cars for the TT!
The transporter had marque emblems on the side and showed NSX as well. I spoke with one of the instructors and was told that they had an NSX until last year when they replaced it with the GT. I asked what they thought of the car and they loved the handling (rated it up near the top) but felt it was under powered (we all know that).
Of all the cars we drove I would only trade the NSX for the 911 TT. I won't count the GT as a contender for my money since I don't have enough to own one! I will admitt to being biased to Porsche but it was the favorite of many of those in attendence who were not biased one way or the other. In fact the instructors I spoke with picked the 911 as well. That said I have not had my NSX on the track at Waterford Hills but plan to do so in the future. Perhaps my feelings for the 911 will change with a more apples to apples of the two.
If you get a chance to attend one of their events make sure to take part as it was a great event and well run. The lead instructor was Pancho Carter of sprint car and Indy car fame. Some of the in car instructors were not very talkative and some were very involved and were really helpful.
Just a few short comments on the cars since I don't have the time nor the expertise to go into much more detail. The cars on hand were Viper, M3, Ford GT, Z06 Vette, Lotus Elise, and Porsche 996 TT. All were manual except for the M3 and all were new or a year, or so, old and in great condition. The Viper was a disapointment as it feels heavy (it is after all) and rattled but it was sure fast in a straight line. The M3 was very impressive for a daily driver. While I don't like the idea of SMG it was still a fun car and would be happy to drive it back and forth to work. The Ford was ok but it was not a good car for the tight track that we were on. I was able to take a lap with the instructor driving and he was able to make it work through the corners. I guess the Ford just needed a better driver! The Vette was the most surprising as it did not feel like a big heavy car on this tight track. It seemed very well balanced to me and had tons-o-torque! The Lotus was amazing in the level of stick and the speed that could be carried out of the corners. The thing drives like a go cart on a solid suspension! The 911 TT was my favorite as it did everything well. Lots of power and very comfortable. I think I would sell off both of my cars for the TT!
The transporter had marque emblems on the side and showed NSX as well. I spoke with one of the instructors and was told that they had an NSX until last year when they replaced it with the GT. I asked what they thought of the car and they loved the handling (rated it up near the top) but felt it was under powered (we all know that).
Of all the cars we drove I would only trade the NSX for the 911 TT. I won't count the GT as a contender for my money since I don't have enough to own one! I will admitt to being biased to Porsche but it was the favorite of many of those in attendence who were not biased one way or the other. In fact the instructors I spoke with picked the 911 as well. That said I have not had my NSX on the track at Waterford Hills but plan to do so in the future. Perhaps my feelings for the 911 will change with a more apples to apples of the two.
If you get a chance to attend one of their events make sure to take part as it was a great event and well run. The lead instructor was Pancho Carter of sprint car and Indy car fame. Some of the in car instructors were not very talkative and some were very involved and were really helpful.
