A few weeks back I was invited to participate in the Cadillac V-Series Challenge.
I decided to sign up and check it out.
It was an invitation only event at the old El Toro Air Base in Orange County, California.
Cadillac set up a huge air conditioned tent with all of their cars and engines on display. Lots of Cadillac displays featuring available leathers, exterior colors, and cutaway engines.
Inside they also had free food and drinks. Nothing alcoholic, but really good, high quality, catered finger food. Crab cakes. Yummy.
After a short orientation, we got on buses that took us a couple miles away to the driving area. In the driving area they had several venues set up for the participants. We were broken down into groups of 10 - 12, and went to the different venues.
First our group went to an acceleration and braking site. We were told to take brand new Cadillac XLR-Vs, and do 0 to 60 to 0 as fast as we could. Nail the XLR-V from a standing start, take it to 60 mph, and stand on the brakes. Then do a short three cone slalom on the way back to the start. Two runs at a time, and we all got to go 4 or 5 times.
Then we went to slalom practice site. More XLR-Vs, with a higher speed and a lower speed three cone slalom areas. Drive the socks off the cars and don't hit the cones. Again we took 2 or 3 runs in a row, and got to go 3 or 4 times each.
Next was the 3 mile road course they set up with Cadillac CTS-Vs and STS-Vs. This was a lead-follow high speed grouping with a professional driver leading a group of five cars around the course. Every lap, the number 2 car would pull over to the right, and let us all pass so the next car in line could follow the pro around the course. We all got to follow the pro driver around the track at least once.
The next venue was an autocross course with STS-Vs and CTS-Vs. We all got 5 or 6 practice runs. Then we all got to race one lap for time. The best time got to go for a ride in the Cadillac CTS-V Race Car with Andy Pilgrim, one of Cadillac's professional drivers at the helm. Damn, I came in second.
Then we all piled into the cars on the road course for hot laps with professional drivers at the wheel. Man, what a difference with a pro driving. We hit 130 on the backstraight.
After a few short speeches, they bused us back to the reception area. Then, after filling out a short survey, we all got a photo plaque with our name on it, and a free pair of Piloti Driving Shoes.
Mind you, this entire event was absolutely free. That's right, FREE! The food, the drinks, and the great times driving some really fast cars.
What a Blast!
I never thought I would ever say this in a million years, but.......
THANKS CADILLAC!
Oh yeah, our Group Leader was some guy named Jeff Andretti. You might have heard of him.
so, if you get invited to the Cadillac V Series Challenge.......
GO!
Edited by Madkore, 16 July 2006 - 09:57 PM.