I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a race car driver. This video proves that I have much to learn when it comes to driving on a track fast. Given the chance thought, I would LOVE to learn. It’s a real rush to drive as fast as you can and not have to worry about getting busted or other traffic.
I got schooled by Adam who is a professional driver. Riding with him was a real rush. You can hear the adrenaline in my voice when we finish our lap. I think I learned more in that one ride than I have in my entire life of driving.
Here’s more info on Adam Dean: http://bridgetogantry.com/2/index.php/home/nurburgring-laptimes/572-adam-dean-on-driving-that-lap-of-the-ring-in-the-camaro-z-28
Special thanks to Mobil1 for inviting me down. One of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
Enjoy the video.
“ExxonMobil and Mobil 1 have been valuable partners of Corvette and all of Chevrolet for many years,” stated Wendell Strode, executive director of the NCM. “With such a rich partnership history between these two iconic brands, we’re thrilled that they’ll be lending their unmatched product to our brand new Motorsports Park.”
ExxonMobil will be installing a Mobil-branded gas station on the Motorsports Park grounds to provide professional and amateur racers with fuel.
With a factory-fill relationship that began in 1993, ExxonMobil has a legacy of helping Corvette engines perform at their maximum with Mobil 1 lubricant technology. The fully synthetic motor oil also serves as factory-fill for the Corvette Stingray with the Z51 Performance Package and the highly anticipated 2015 Corvette Z06.
Additionally, Mobil 1 has been a major associate sponsor for Corvette Racing and the “Official Lubricant of Corvette Racing” since 1997. In that time, ExxonMobil engineers have worked closely with Corvette Racing to develop and test new technologies to optimize power-train performance, improve fuel economy benefits and increase horsepower output without sacrificing engine durability.
For more information about Mobil 1 motor oil, go to www.mobil1.com.
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Discussion about this Video: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/18-The-EricTheCarGuy-Video-Forum/54022-etcg-gets-schooled-at-the-race-track#114619
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Stay Dirty
ETCG
If I had to place a bet on you, Adam, or Captain Slow, I'd be betting on Captain Slow. Adam's lines were good, but he was braking too soon and not carrying enough speed and engine braking into the corners (maybe because he had a passenger?). Some stupid people here talking about e-braking and drifting in corners, driving like you stole it, that's not how to drive on a race track either. Wheel spin is lost time and drifting is losing control, neither of which helps track times. Did they give you any training before handing you the Corvette? I did a training class with BMW once, unfortunately got stuck with the X5 group. Still scared the bejesus out of the trainer when it came time to the race lap, came second in my group and fourth overall. Your confidence goes up when you know what you're doing and can compare against others.
Pity they didn't let you drive the Z28 track car with carbon-ceramics!
Hey, I thought all blokes into cars were great drivers, no?
corvettes are not exactly a car that anyone can drive, if they are anything like the games the ass loves to kick out and the car is a bit too powerful for its own good in alot of cases.
That's great that you got a chance to do that! I've only had my '85 Corvette to a road course once but it is such an exciting and fun experience, I'm planning a vacation around a racing school so that I can learn how to do it right.
i did a track day 2 weeks ago, most fun you can have with your pants on or off.
Try Autocross. I used to race in the 80's it's great and you can use your own car. I started with an Rx-3 and graduated to an Rx-7 GSL-SE 13B.
You need to play more Gran Turismo…..They actually had a show, GT Academy based on taking gamers on the track and seeing how well they caught on to real world driving. The winner won a spot on a championship team or something like that.
Cool video- definitely enjoyed it. Adam seems like a cool, humble guy.
Dear Erik, no skilled driver can master the horse from first ride even if you are a car racer assigned to drive a whole new car or make. It takes a while to know its strengths and shortages. Anyone can master the game way better if he owns that Corvette, but yet, for a mechanical mindset and knowledge like me or anyone who cares and love their cars, my heart and senses harmonizes with the vehicle and do not tolerate me to stress on the engine, suspension, tires of a street sport car (this is money burn.). A Short (VERY SHORT) exhilarating acceleration on an open empty straight line freeway is okay and fulfilling when you are in a good mood or just have a recent windfall Looool
should have brought the fairmont!lol
This is way cool Eric! Cheers! TCB, Marty 🙂
Actually sim racing video games can apply to real life, just look at GT Academy.
I was given a few laps in a Ferrari for my birthday. It was a similar experience for me. You are in an exotic, powerful car, but can't take full advantage of it as it drives nothing like your daily driver. You think you are setting up appropriately for a corner, but then you find you could have gone faster and braked later and been just fine. It is a whole other world, but so fun!
I'm sure Adam could school us all. Many have egos larger than the talent they carry. Always fun to see the pros work.
It's cool you were willing to identify your trepidation in that wet-dream-on-wheels and didn't push yourself too hard. The question is, how long did it take for the smile to leave your face? Or better yet, has it even left yet? 🙂 Great video. If you do this again, will you get a camera pointed at your face so we can see the joy on your face while you contemplate the difference between that experience and heaven?
From humble beginnings to being invited by Mobil to promo days. Fuckyeah Eric, you've made it alright! And i've loved your channel every step of the way. Cheers from Australia
I completely agree with the "if I flog it and it breaks I then have to fix it" mentality. I've done many things to my car to tighten up the handling, improve braking, make the car grip the road much better, I've even done all the supporting modifications to make my stock 200 horsepower car 290 horsepower (the tune is the only missing step), but I just can't make myself do it. I baby the car too much to risk breaking it. Plus, I know if I ever get on the throttle it can handle it no problems since it's been modified so greatly.
If you can't 'hear' that you are driving a Corvette, you might be going to slow. You just need to edit some engine sound effects into your lap..
Even professional racers get to know their car thoroughly before trusting it to handle at its best, that's just common sense. It's normal not to trust a new car (and thus drive slowly), especially when you don't race regularly.
Nice… Looking forward to seeing some more sporty drives from etcg
(Almost) Everyone that starts out is slow at performance driving because you don't know how to do it and what you should be looking for. When you get a performance suspension, good brakes, and performance tires on your Fairmont, you can go participate at track days. An even more affordable way to race is to go to autocross events.
Hey Eric you're the man. Most down to earth, loyal, honest and understanding guy I have ever come a cross. Good on you and "stay dirty".
very cool
looks like fun! next time i'd love to tag along for a few laps behind the wheel! 😉
Lucky you! That looks so fun! 🙂
Don't get me wrong, Adam is good, but he wasnt even really pushing there. 10 bucks says he could have went faster. alot faster
Age has a lot to do with it to. When I was younger, I would always push my cars to the limit. As I have gotten older, I have gained more respect for things and as you said, If I break it, I have to fix it. 🙂
because of the bad resolution, the footage looks like a sim-racing game 🙂
Lol, you're lines are way off but you'll figure it out as you go along,Eric. And I disagree with the video gaming part. It helps. Trust me. I've learned from them what I can't find on the actual track. Keep on doing track days. It's fun!
Eric what you need to remember is your given opportunities that some will never get to do because of who you are. I get to drive Lamborghinis for Ferraris Maseratis. And some people go through their whole life without even getting to see any of those cars. We need to remember what to be grateful for is the most important. You drove a C7 Corvette for mobile one wow!!!