Lotus Driving Academy Level 1, 2 or 3

[LogicSnap]

Assembled wisdom - here is my question. I have been passionate about cars my whole life, devoured magazine after magazine since I could read owned an Elise and now an Evora but being that they have been my pride and joy never felt that comfortable drving "fully commited" all the time. Had done many hundreds of miles of spirited driving but nothing that was pushing the envelope.

As such want to take it to next level and looking at Lotus Driving Academy. Level 1, 2 or 3? Can you jump to level 3? Would I miss out? Levels 1 looks a bit pedestrian - had a factory tour before etc etc and done one track day experience at Silverstone about 4 years ago. Level 2 ups the ante a bit but level 3 looks the bees knees. Its a combined b'day gift from me my gf and my folks so cost wise isnt so important...

Anyone done 1-3 or all/one thoughts!?

[Thorburn]

Did Level 1 last year having been on track twice in the past in my Elise and have done a fair bit of karting as well, I'd still say I learnt stuff and corrected a few thing I was doing wrong.

I asked the LDA guys if people can go straight to Level 2 and they said: "Participants are able to go straight to Level 2 as long as they have had some previous track experience, and are fairly confident behind the wheel."

Best bet would probably be to contact them, I can send over an email address if you can't find it on the site.

[John145]

A track day experience and actual 1 to 1 driver training are very different things. You'll learn a lot from level 1. Jumping to 2 might be possible but you're only short cutting your own development.

My experience of training is that if you're teaching above someone's head, they'll learn very slowly and actually getting away from the car and sleeping on it does a great deal for individual's learning and development.

My advice would be to do all 3 stages if you can afford it. Yes the most costly route but the best way to become a good driver.

[LogicSnap]

Thanks all, will have to look into stage 1 in more detail then - basically didnt want to spend money on the factory tour as I have already done one, not that it wouldnt be fun and all!

Second option was a half day one-on-one with an ex f1 driver, 1 grand though, so wanted to assess options and best vfm...

[Sumshi]

What I found most useful many years ago was to discover how good the car is, achieved by being driven by a Lotus instructor . I was then able to pick up my pace ( still well behind what the car can achieve ) so my suggestion would be to bite the bullet and go with the Evora course. This assumes you are partially competent - no offence !