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The Mercedes-Benz AMG Driving Academy saw a successful inaugural year here in the US last summer, and for the 2010 season things are getting just a bit more interesting. That's because with the debut of the new SLS AMG supercar, there's room for the academy to raise the bar higher for those drivers experienced enough to handle it. A new "Pro Level" course has been added, and it includes seat time in the SLS with a professional instructor in the passenger seat giving tips. For everyone else, there are fortunately a bunch of other great AMG cars in which to get some on-track practice. Dates and prices are as follows.

The program features custom-designed exercises to experience and teach dynamic driving capabilities across two of the top tracks in the U.S:

Road Atlanta (Braselton, GA) – May 15-16, June 11-14 & 28-30, 2010
For more than 40 years, Road Atlanta has lured top tier sports car and motorcycle racers from around the world. This 2.54-mile, 12-turn road course is one of the most technically challenging in the U.S.

Laguna Seca Raceway (Monterey, CA) –
August 27-29, September 25-27, October 29-30 and November 12-14, 2010
Located in one of North America's best destination locations -- the Monterey Peninsula -- Laguna Seca features tremendous elevation changes, the famous Corkscrew complex and 2.24 sinewy miles of twisty asphalt.

The AMG Driving Academy Basic, Advanced and new Pro Level for 2010:

Basic ($1,795 per participant): Intense one-day track program focuses on performance driving dynamics. Participants learn the fundamentals of vehicle dynamics and car control maneuvers using customized exercises. Once participants perfect car control and handling, they progress to a set of high-speed exercises that make use of the entire track.
-Road Atlanta: May 15-16 & June 11 – 12
-Laguna Seca Raceway: August 27-29, Sept. 25, Oct. 29-30 and Nov. 12

Advanced ($3,295 per participant): Two-day program picks up where Basic leaves off, providing advanced training and technical on-track instruction. Onboard diagnostics and data capture enable detailed computer analysis and evaluation. The Advanced program is offered to drivers who complete either the Basic Level, AMG Challenge, European Driving Academy program or an equivalent course.
-Road Atlanta: June 13-14, 2010
-Laguna Seca Raceway: September 26-27 & November 13-14

Pro ($3,995 per participant): The pinnacle of the AMG Driving Academy curriculum, Pro program offers increased instruction while challenging and improving capabilities and skills to a much greater degree. During the three day program, participants train on the legendary Road Atlanta circuit. As speeds increase and skills improve, open lapping provides the maximum challenge and thrill. With an intense curriculum, AMG experienced instructors prepare participants to confidently negotiate the signature corners of Road Atlanta.
Road Atlanta: June 28-30, 2010

All fees include a dinner reception and introductory briefing the evening before the program, track hospitality, AMG Driving Academy certificate of program completion and an AMG gift bag. Participants are responsible for travel and accommodations. Additional information and registration for the AMG Driving Academy is available at www.AMGacademy.com or by phone at 1-800-217-6916.

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