Road Atlanta vs. VIR

[mdm0515]

For those who have experienced Advanced M School at each of Road Atlanta and VIR through BMW, does anyone have a perspective on which one they would prefer as a 1st timer? I'm ready to pull the trigger in 2014 but I'm interested in perspectives from those with experience where available.
Many thanks

[chong0]

very interested to hear your review about this and there is not much on the forums of an Advanced M-school review.

I have been contemplating doing the VIR school vs switching over to the Porsche driving schools vs doing another Watkins Glen event with racing pads.
The M-school does not reciprocate to the Porsche schools. The 'performance 2-day school' looks similar to the 2-day M school.

[richard in NC]

Regarding the 2 tracks, I'd pick VIR over Road Atlanta for a 1st timer. The main difference being VIR has lots of run-off area, whereas RA has concrete walls.
I've done several HPDEs at VIR and one "touring session" at Road Atlanta.
Both courses suit the M5/M6 with long straights, big S curves and plenty of elevation changes. The Advanced M School at VIR is what I want to do next. I can't speak to the schools at Road Atlanta.

Both courses are also great to spectate with big ALMS races, I've been to both.

[Gshughes]

I have attended both this year. VIR in late April and Road Atlanta around a month or so ago. VIR is definitely the friendlier. As mentioned above VIR has lost of run off room. Atlanta not so much. Not taking anything away from Atlanta at all. Turn 12 will make you pucker. We hit 155+ at VIR, we were in the 140's at Atlanta. Both fun!!!

[Gshughes]

As a matter of fact the drive back from Atlanta my business partner and I signed up For VIR 2014.

[Tigumz]

I did the advanced M school at VIR this past Spring and it was definitely a hoot.
In contrast to Dave's experience at the recent BMW DE event, they bring you up to speed fairly quickly with the M3-6's. The back straight at 150+ (and almost hitting a fox running across the track) gets the adrenaline flowing.

Am thinking of doing RA, since I haven't been there before....

[FLOMACKS]

I think I'm going sit out this year and wait until they have the M4's.

[mdm0515]

Originally Posted by Gshughes

As a matter of fact the drive back from Atlanta my business partner and I signed up For VIR 2014.

I'm in on VIR April 2014. Look forward to seeing you there. I didn't even know where it was. Turns out it's less than an hour from my house...

[mvigod]

I'm booked for the 2 day advanced M school for april 30/May 1 sessions. Glad to hear that you guys think VIR is the one to do. I loved the 2 day M school in SC. That was awesome. I think they will have the competition M5's at VIR for us.

[Gshughes]

Originally Posted by mdm0515

I'm in on VIR April 2014. Look forward to seeing you there. I didn't even know where it was. Turns out it's less than an hour from my house...

It's awesome!!! Stopped by the Performance Center the other day and spoke with Matt and Donnie. They got a bunch of competition package M5s in. Said they would have them at VIR Withe the ceramic brakes!!! I can't wait!!!

[Gshughes]

Originally Posted by mvigod

I'm booked for the 2 day advanced M school for april 30/May 1 sessions. Glad to hear that you guys think VIR is the one to do. I loved the 2 day M school in SC. That was awesome. I think they will have the competition M5's at VIR for us.

They are supposed too. And ceramic brakes!!!