7-12-08 Lexus IS-F Test Drive Event
What an awesome event this was!
From their website:
"Following on the Lexus IS F Performance Experience at Laguna Seca in California on 15 August 2007 and its later visit to Florida's Moroso Motorsports Park on 19 January 2008, Lexus has kicked it up to the next level and launched the Lexus Performance Driving Academy, highlighting the IS F performance sedan.
Lexus invites you to take the exceptional dynamic handling, power and performance of a Lexus -- and push it to the limit at a track near you. Enjoy a mix of acceleration and adrenaline as you master the art of high-performance competitive driving and sample a range of extraordinary Lexus performance sedans -- from the IS 350 to the blazing fast IS F. No traffic lights. No speed limits. No compromises."
Lexus really went all out on this event! I know BlackTi attended this the day before I did and got the full one on one pro attention. I decided to attend the free session. It worked out really well since we had a fairly small group. Got to do everything at least twice as many times as usual.
You first drive through Atlanta Motor Speedway under the track and into the infield.
You are directed where to park next to the air conditioned arrival lobby/registration building. Once you do the paper work you are instructed to go into the room across the hall where there is a buffet of food, beverages, and games for you to take in.
This was a car on display inside.
After a brief overview of what would happen we were sent out to the autocrossing field.
I got to autocross everything from a GS hybrid, IS250 with F package, IS350 with F package, GS 450, and a stock IS.
Then it was time to do some Lead/Follow laps around the inner circle.
Helmets were a must! Some guy asked if he could wear his motorcycle helmet. The instructor proceeded to say, "no, sorry you'll have to wear ours, insurance is a bit**!" lol too funny!
The instructors said that there are only roughly 2500 IS-F's out there and at these events alone there are more than 1% of them here for us to abuse!
Lead/Follow is exactly what you would think. A professional driver drives an IS-F in front of a 5 car convoy. Each participant is handed the keys to an IS-F behind the lead car. We are instructed to "Stay as close as possible!"
Some of the interior pics I was able to take before we started.
lol I had my game face on!!
The car I was in
Some shots around the mini track, speeds gotup to about 105 or so.
Then we all got to pile into a car with a pro drive and do hot laps around the track! I got to ride with Jeff Andretti, Mario's son. It was kinda funny because when we got back to the corral he said, "Crap! I forgot to disengage the traction control, Let's go again!" lol
We all came back to fill out a survey where we got some free swag. I got a really nice IS-F hat and some crazy Lexus energy drink. Kaboom, I think that's what it is called.
All in all it was a great time and it was really fun! I will definitely be at the next local Lexus Performance hosted event!
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Originally Posted by Echonova
