For new Shelby GT350 Mustang owners, the prospect of just getting behind the wheel and driving the roaring beast can be intimidating.
Yeah ... its 5.2-liter V-8 engine, pumping out 526 horsepower, will have that effect on you.
Sensing this, Ford announced Wednesday that it's offering owners of the 2015 and 2016 Shelby GT350 and GT350R Mustang a complimentary hands-on "Track Attack" lesson with the automaker's Performance Racing School instructors at its Utah Motorsports Campus in Tooele, Utah.
The aim of the program is simple — it is for drivers, regardless of their skill level, to understand the ins and outs of their revved-up car's performance. Ford says the experience will have drivers focusing on pinpointed dynamics of the GT350 and GT350R, while teaching them high-performance skills, including braking, cornering techniques and shifting.
"GT350 is a car that needs to be experienced on a closed road course," Ford Performance's marketing manager Jim Owens said in a company press release statement. "The program is designed for owners to learn how to get the most out of their car so they can appreciate the unique performance Shelby GT350 delivers, while also gaining driving skills and experience. It's going to be a ton of fun."
The "Track Attack" program, which begins next month, will start with an evening reception for new GT350 and GT350R owners before the one-day performance driving school lesson. In addition to the on-track driving tutorials with Ford Performance Racing School instructors, drivers will also be in a classroom to further boost their knowledge about the vehicles.
Sure beats reading an owner's manual, right? Ford says that, for those owners who crave more, the option for a second "Track Attack" day will be available as well.
The only catch is owners having to cough up their own money to fly or drive out to Utah, and not to mention, cover lodging costs.
Still, it seems this would be an event to remember.
"Regardless of a person's driving ability, this will be an unbelievable experience," Dan McKeever, president of the Ford Performance Racing School, said as part of the company's press release statement. "From the weekend track warrior to the car collector, this program provides the skills needed to really enjoy Shelby GT350 Mustang in the environment for which it is designed."
A complete list of the "Track Attack" available dates are listed here.
