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Hi all,
Just got back from Aero Academy and thought I'd share some thoughts & observations.
First of all, anyone who skips this is really shorting themselves. It is a useful, informative 2 days that gives you perspective on your Aero's performance that you likely wouldn't figure out by yourself - Saab's have far more performance than many cars. The exercises prove that emphatically. Plus you get to beat the bejesus out of "your" car without beating your car! I saw a couple of women and men who entered the class rather apprehensive, but by the end of day 2 had big smiles and were flying around the track. I was amazed to find that there were several attendees from the west coast.
Day 2 was lots more fun, since you got to apply what you learned on Day 1 on the wet skidpad and autocross. We were yanking the E-brakes on each other, causing slides and burning up the tires :-)
The instructors were very knowledgeable, all race drivers of some sort. All but one was very professional and shared their insights well (the one in question must have been newer, as he had close to zero people skills. Very condescending). Kept us laughing pretty much the whole time. They sure didn't miss an opportunity to pick at us, and vice versa!
There was practice for the upcoming Petit LeMans at Road Atlanta while we were there, and it was great fun to see them flying around the track. A couple of mishaps occurred, one requiring a red flag while they picked up the nose of one car. A couple flew off the track as well, but without other incident.
Chateau Elan: Very elegant, big "wow factors" in landscaping, golf courses, etc. Staff is very courteous, rooms are large, they even change your towels at evening turndown service! Having said that, my wife & I agreed we probably would not stay there again. We gladly pay for great accomodations, but it seemed like EVERYTHING was ridiculously priced ($2.50 for a bottle of water). You learn very quickly to go to the local Publix store to purchase things like this. Irish restaurant was really good (but again, $20 for a lunch of a sandwich and cup of soup seems excessive). Wife enjoyed the spa but...
It was a blast to attend the dinner held the 1st evening. The group was generally hilarious, so we laughed the night away. The wine was unilaterally regarded as distilled from gasoline. Food was reasonable, but I'd hate to find out what they charged Saab for it. The Saab rep was there, and we got to ask questions and nitpick the things we'd like changed. I wanted to know if there are any plans for a smaller "real" Saab (9-1?), but she didn't divulge anything to report. They are looking at this, though.
All in all, a marvelous time. Really, all Aero owners should make the effort to go. You will not be disappointed.
posted by 68.162.133...
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