As they say, don't try this at home...
Ten new “AMG Performance Series Videos,” hosted by professional racecar driver and AMG Driving Academy instructor Tommy Kendall, are available on the Mercedes-Benz USA Facebook page (http://on.fb.me/dWQthT) and YouTube. Through 15 September 2011 on the Facebook page, people can enter for a chance to win a trip for four to Laguna Seca.
Four-time Trans-Am Series champion Kendall narrates the videos, and with the help of other expert drivers, demonstrates a wide range of performance driving techniques, MBNA said in a release.
Starting with basic seating position, drivers at home will have the opportunity to experience a series of “classroom sessions” aimed at honing driver skills. At the conclusion of the video series, viewers will have a basic understanding of the “race craft” techniques used by professional drivers.
The AMG Driving Academy, offered at Road Atlanta, Laguna Seca and Lime Rock Park, comes in three varieties:
- ‘Basic Training,’ a one-day intensive program that costs $1,595. Remaining programs in 2011 are available at Laguna Seca in September (27), October (6, 7, 9, 20, 21, 22), November (8, 9) and December (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7).
- ‘Advanced Training,’ a two day program that costs $2,995.
- ‘Pro Training,’ a comprehensive three day program that costs $3,695. One program remains in 2011; Laguna Seca on October 10-12.
Each participant is given the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a large selection of AMG vehicles, including the E63 AMG, SL63 AMG, C63 AMG, SLK55 AMG and, the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz product lineup, the 563 hp SLS AMG. A description of the Academy program including levels and preliminary schedules can be found at The AMG Driving Academy web site www.amgacademy.com.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, publisher (kzhw@aol.com), is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
Zino is at home on test tracks, knows his way around U.S. Congressional hearing rooms, auto company headquarters, plant floors, as well as industry research and development labs where the real mobility work is done. He can quote from court decisions, refer to instrumented road tests, analyze financial results, and profile executive personalities and corporate cultures.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
