Ron Fellows Performance Driving School
What can be said about attending the Ron Fellows Performance Driving School for Corvette Owners? SO MUCH! This two-day course features a jam-packed and yet perfectly balanced schedule of both learning about the car, course, and the features as well as getting to test them out in various ways – even on the very first day!
Having never been on a track before, I had been looking forward to this class since I first heard about it and even before I had the actual amazing gem-of-a-machine was in our garage! The idea of trying out someone else’s Corvette on a structured, supervised, and performance-oriented set-up was right up my alley. However, little did I know that when it came down to it - I was actually a little bit nervous! Rest assured, if any of you feel that way that feeling will fly right out the window! The instructors are top-notch and will make you feel more at ease as the hours progress through the program.
One of the things featured in the program is doing an autocross in a large area that is outlined with cones. I have seen some local autocross events through my area cars and coffee group and never was much interested in it...TILL I TRIED IT! The first day I finished with the best time in our class, and the second day I placed second (it was in the rain on day 2). So needless to say, it was something I actually enjoyed that I wasn’t sure about but obviously tried as it was part of the class. This can be said of getting up and out of your own way and stepping outside your comfort zone! Great experience with that, however, I'm not exactly sure of putting my own car through that type of course – but hey, someone else’s Corvette?! Sure, sign me up!
The facilities should be mentioned here as well as all the amazing supporting staff that all play into the big picture of an overall amazing resort dedicated to the love of cars, machines, and performance. Our meals at the club house were of the highest quality of any continental breakfast at the chain hotels we have been to, and featured several chef-prepared hot items as well as a myriad of grab-and-go items. Comfortable beds, spacious rooms overlooking miles and miles of track, and the beautiful vistas of mountains in the backdrop – this is a car-lovers dream come true!
I could write on and on about it but if you have a new Corvette, you really should take up the GM incentivized discount for doing this course at Spring Mountain! Stay the extra night ahead of the first day of class if you can, and check out the amazing restaurant at the winery if you have a spare moment! The view of the vineyards and hummingbirds is worth it alone! Very cool area all around!
