Is that all it was was some driving instructions and a skid pad? I'm just curious. I'm just trying to get a better idea of these events and if its actually even worth attending? I have my event registration completed and I have made hotel reservations. Is it worth the travel time and expenses? Especially since it's being done at racetracks now.
@Polizi : Simple answer from me is yes!!
We flew from Sacramento to Salt Lake City then drive on via rental car to the Olympic Training Center in Utah on our dime, the lodging was covered by FORD. YOU cannot drive your ST on the School Course. As for the actual ST SUV Driving Experience, the training was done in two parts for EACH event. You personally saw the classroom instruction in the pictures and you also saw the Instructors spread out in the other pics (Instructor was inside Skid Pan vehicle the entire time). Where safety permitted, they stood directly beside your vehicle as you performed the maneuver or just before you started the next exercise.
The Instructors brought all 20 plus current model year ST's to our hotel for us to drive to the Olympic Center. Once there, instruction began with a demo by an Instructor then classroom discussion for EVERY event. Then we got back in our cars for each of the following (not in exact order of occurrence):
__Skid Pan aka "Washing Machine"
__360 degree "Square Box" : You drive into the coned off enclosure, back up, then go forth until the vehicle has completely done a 360 circle BEFORE you can exit (great back up training and close proximity awareness experience. FYI: Both the Skid Pan and 360 Box were required elements of my Police Academy Training back in the day. Fast forward, I was the only ST "Student/Owner" in the 360 Box this class who did NOT hit at least one cone during the maneuvers.
__Auto Braking System Stopping Exercise: You drive @ 20mph directly at a simulated stationary vehicle to see how the ST's braking system will stop your vehicle on it's own. Your tendency is for you to want to cram on the brakes before the ST stops.
__ Autocross with chicanes: Timed event with turns, stops and lane changes galore and penalties for each cone you hit.
__Off road driving: We meandered through the hills and valleys back to the other side of the Olympic Training Center.
ALL the events could just as easily have been at a racetrack vs the parking lot of the Olympic Center. However, I imagine the "Off Road" part could be done somewhere on the property at Pocono.
I would definitely go but if for some reason you decide not to go, please let the School know so someone else can attend. With the transition from FORD sponsorship to a private entity running this school, there were several ST owners who were denied. I hope I have answered some/most of your questions. I am NOT a racecar driver but have attended several LEO required schools in my 35 year career and this was a great refresher for me but an even better experience for my Wife. And to add to it, my Wife and I met some really outstanding ST owners in the process.
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