Another good school at Calabogie

The name of our school changes (to Calabogie Academy by Perry Performance) but the formula stayed the same, which is a good thing in my book. I was again in charge of the "400" group, which is to say the most advanced students. All of these students either wanted a race license or already had one. This year's group was made up of people. There was a wide variety of cars, but more caged race cars than usual, including Nissan Micras, a Fit, some Toyota GT86's, and even a Porsche 997 Cup. I rode in the Fit, Micra and 997. The 997 has straight cut gears, so it's really loud in there. There were also some nice street cars, like an AMG GTR. 

I decided to drive there in the M3, because it was supposed to rain both days. When it ended up being dry on Saturday, I decided to take the M3 for a few laps. It went well. I had the DSC off and the car was stable, but the brakes, with new street pads, did not inspire the kind of confidence you need on track. I was braking more tentatively than the last time I drove the car there two years earlier, but still managed to go a few tenths faster. The track is so abrasive that, even after a single 20-minute session, I could see some graining on the edge of the outside tire. I know I've said it before, but the M3 wouldn't need much to be a fun and quick track car: some coilovers, some tires, some proper brake pads and a better seat... about 4 000 $ worth of items. 

Everybody in my group who was still around at the end of the school got their diploma and I was really happy to work and hang out with the great bunch of instructors that Carl brings together every year. I hope there will be a chance to head back to Calabogie this year, even if only for a Friday evening lapping event.

M3 passed the sound test

Instructor GT3

Student GT3RS and 997 Cup

Very lound and cool

I drove this beast on the street on Satuday evening

... right after my test drive in Amélie's Mk.8 Golf R

Nice blue FK8

Rare BMW M4CS

Also rare: AMG GTR

Nice German mix

GT4 and GT4RS

Cool E30 for sale in the paddocks

Lovely Integra: the only part I didn't like was the rear bumper cut

Tasteful E36

Serious Camaro

Adam's KMIATA

Who can resist a B-series in a CRX?

991 and wide-body 987

CLA., RSX, STi

The 200-group

Same FL5 as last year, it did not take to the track

The M3, ready for a little action