This might be a bit off topic, and I apologize if this is to long, but I’ve been thinking about whether I should write about this or not for a few weeks. But, I finally decided to go ahead and post my feelings of the “SRT Track Experience” I attended at the Las Vegas speedway. Not sure if many of you know this, but if you buy a SRT vehicle from Chrysler you will be able to attend this event, or you can pay $300.00 to attend, which is what I did.

The premise of the event is to do one day of class room and driving activates. The event was taught by Skip Barber driving instructors. There were 4 tracks setup. There was a mini AutoX, Slalom, 60ft straight line, and the real AutoX race track. There was about 2 hrs. of class where we were taught how to brake, accelerate and turn through the corners properly. After class we were able to drive the cars. I was able to drive the following, Neon, Crossfire, Magnum, 300C and the Viper. All cars were the SRT version.

The first was the mini AutoX where the instructor sat in the car with you teaching you when to brake, turn and accelerate. Then we were left alone on the rest of the courses. By far my best experience is driving the Viper around the track, what a rush.

I will try to explain the differences and feel of the cars I drove, and compare it to the G.

Dodge Neon SRT – This is a little FWD car that you might think was not worth the time of day. Next time you see this on the road BE CAREFUL, you will get smoked. I would compare this to the EVO or WRX, it’s got a stage 2 turbo, and with premium gas it’s got 310 HP, but it still handles like a FWD torque steer and all.

Dodge Magnum – It’s big, it’s fast 0-60, it will smoke the G in a straight line, but the corning on this monster is not all that great.

Chrysler 300C – Same as the Magnum, but a touch slower. I kept bouncing off the rev limiter on the 60 ft. track, was never able to get a good time with this car.

Chrysler Crossfire – This is a two seat roadster that packs 320 HP and RWD. To me this car felt closest to the G. I mean the handling, the road feel; almost everything was exactly the same, well almost. It does have the extra horses which mean it will be faster, but it costs > $50K. Overall I still like the G compared to this.

Dodge Viper – Enough said. It has a 500 HP V10, and sticks to the road like glue. Don’t even try you’ll get bit, bad. This is the closest you can get to a true race car built in NA. I had this up 100 in 3rd going down the back straightaway. I still can’t get the grin off my face from driving this car.

 

Besides the G35 sedan, I own a SRT4. But haven't been able to attend one of these events. Thanx, for the review of the event. The SRT division in my opinion has got everything going for them. When these guys upgrade a car they do it from the inside out. They don't just do the engine like other similar divisions. They do suspension, aerodynamics, etc. My friend who owns a g35 coupe 6MT and had no respect for neons. Now, lets just say he has new found respect for them. BTW, I just saw a black SRT8 on the road. For you guys that don't know its a 300C with 425hp, top speed 180 mph!, and 1/4 mile in 13.1 Basically, its a Rolls Royce for only $46K Don't get me wrong I still love my G35. I just believe both Chrysler/Dodge and Infiniti offer two different experiences that I love. Hmmm, now which one should I drive to the grocery story with? <flips coin> G35 calls "Heads"...