GT500 Owners Get Free Track Training, Courtesy of Ford
‘GT500 Track Attack’ program allows buyers to learn how to control their new beasts with some real-world race track experience.
We already know that the GT500 is a monster of a car. It also goes without saying that there are plenty of people with more money than driving skill. Additionally, there are more than enough videos to prove that point. However, Ford is looking to keep GT500s out of ditches by offering drivers a chance to learn how to drive their GT500s to the max properly.
In this recent Ford Motor Company youtube video, GT500 test driver Billy Johnson breaks down the program and explains its purpose.
“At Ford Performance, we go racing to develop better road vehicles. We take our experience at the 24 Hours of Le Mans racing the Ford GT, and incorporating that knowledge learned in everything we make,” says Johnson
There’s no question as to whether or not extensive time and money were spent on making the GT500 a fierce track weapon. Ford Performance put everything they’ve got into these monsters, and it shows. Though, as we mentioned before, we don’t need to tell you this. We’re sure you know. However, maybe you don’t know that if you bought a GT500, you could learn to drive one on a racetrack for free.
“We’re here at Charlotte Motor Speedway to announce that all owners of the GT500 have an opportunity, for free, to be able to attend the Ford Performance Racing School,” says Johson.
While Ford will not be covering your travel or lodging costs, it is quite an inclusive deal. According to the GT500 Track Attack website, the experience includes a day in the classroom and a day on track. They will teach you everything from proper seating position and driving posture to using the launch control and cornering and braking techniques. You even are permitted to bring a guest who can join you at the reception dinner and go for ride alongs with the instructors in GT500s.
Now, some of you are probably thinking that it’s a bit crazy to spend that much on a car and immediately go beat on it on a race track. Many people do buy these cars for track day use. However, the vast majority don’t want to risk breaking them right off the bat. We’ve got great news for you, though. Luckily, you don’t even have to use your car!
“The owners don’t have to bring their own cars. The cars are supplied by the racing school. It allows them to actually get to feel what the car is capable of. It’s an amazing car that delivers supercar level lap times and performance that really can’t be even close to experienced on the street,” says Johnson.
Above all, we couldn’t have said it any better ourselves. Ford is offering an opportunity many GT500 owners will likely never get a chance to do otherwise. As a result, we would highly advise you to take advantage of this program if you have a GT500! You could even build a whole vacation around it, as it just seems like an opportunity you could easily regret skipping.
Photos: Ford