AMG Driving Academy Launched in the US

Good news for American sports car enthusiasts and fans of the three-pointed star brand: the AMG Driving Academy is now available in the United States as well, with the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as part of a dedicated driver training event on the Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, California.

Once they have experienced the new Gullwing, fans will have the opportunity to take a ride two experienced racing professionals: DTM driver Susie Stoddart and Bernd Maylander, the driver of the Official F1 Safety Car.

Racetrack training is also available in the new E 63 AMG, the C 63 AMG, SL 63 AMG, SLK 55 AMG and the CLK 63 AMG Black Series, with the new SLS AMG reserved exclusively for the event on the Laguna Seca Raceway.

The driving courses are divided into five different skill levels: Emotion, Basic, Advanced, Pro and Masters. The AMG Driving Academy will be launched with two program levels:

• MG Driving Academy Stage I: A one-day program designed to teach the fundamentals of performance driving dynamics and car control maneuvers. The program fee is $1,895.
• AMG Driving Academy Stage I SLS: Drivers will have the opportunity to be among the first to drive the new 2011 SLS AMG. The program fee is $2,295 and includes a one night stay at the InterContinental Hotel in Monterey.
• AMG Driving Academy Stage II: A two-day program that provides a deep level of technical driver training both on and off the track. The program fee is $3,495.

All fees include a dinner reception and introductory briefing the evening before the program, track hospitality, AMG Driving Academy certificate of program completion and an AMG gift bag.