Recently a group of us went to Bragg Smith Advanced Driving School. The experience was incredible but we were dismayed to learn that GM is discontinuing their sponsorship of this school. Several have written letters to Robert Lutz such as this one my wife wrote:

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February 6, 2003


Mr. Robert Lutz
General Motors Corporation
300 Renaissance Center
Detroit, MI 48265

Dear Mr. Lutz:

My husband and I are diehard GM customers. It is the only brand we've Purchased in some 30+ years of car buying (except for 1 Porsche). This year we became the proud owners of a 2003 Corvette Z06 and a 2003 Z71 Tahoe. To date we have owned 7 Corvettes and are planning to purchase a 2004 Z06 because we’re finding it difficult to share the one.

My husband has wanted to attend a driving school for quite some time. After researching the different schools, we decided Bragg Smith was our only choice because it is a “Corvette only” school. Being active on several Internet forums I inquired if anyone would like to join us. I was able to create a session for my husband and 9 of our forum friends.

Last weekend they attended Level 1 Driving School at Bragg Smith. Words cannot express how pleased we were with the school, the instructors and Rupert Bragg Smith. Their knowledge about Corvettes and professionalism in training someone to properly drive a Corvette is incredible. I could elaborate for pages but I think you get the idea. If you were interested in a more detailed assessment, I would certainly oblige you.

While at the school we learned that GM had wanted Bragg Smith to have other GM models at the school. Apparently when Rupert Bragg Smith refused, stating that his was a “Corvette only” school and would remain so, GM decided to not renew his contract.

Corvette enthusiasts want, and need, a Corvette only driving school. GM should be thrilled one exists, especially when run by a man who believes Corvettes are the BEST sports car in the world! I am appalled at GM’s “schoolyard bully” tactics. I think GM should provide Bragg Smith Level 1 to every Z06 purchaser. At the very least, you, Mr. Lutz, need to attend Bragg Smith. You need to experience this program first hand. Upon completion I’m confident you will reverse this horrible decision and continue GM’s support of this fine school.

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To date no response has been received although Goodyear sent a very positive reply to our letter thanking them for their continued support of Bragg Smith. In a further attempt to get GM's attention my wife started an online petition. Please know that it is not our intention to detract from any other driving school. We are simply trying to preserve the ONLY "Corvette only" school in the country. Whether you'll ever attend a driving school or not, please take a moment to "sign" the petition to support an asset to the whole Corvette community. It only takes about a minute and if you could E-mail when you have I would greatly appreciate it. If those that have contacts through local Vette clubs could spread the word it would also be greatly appreciated. Rupert is passionate about the Corvette and I think it would be in everyone’s best interests to support this incredible asset to our marquee.

Here is the link to the petition:


http://www.petitiononline.com/BSmith/petition.html

Very passionate letter, Of course I signed, with a plug for C3VR also.

Again good luck and may one day I be able to take the course in a Corvette at the Bragg Smith School

Dave
Mr69vett

|UPDATED|2/16/2003 11:27:12 PM|/UPDATED|

Thank you very much. By the way, beautiful ride you have there.

If you can ever go you will not regret it. The class is incredible. My wife is going to schedule a level 1 group again. She is not affiliated with Bragg-Smith but she organized a 10 person Level 1 class. She talked tghem into holding it on a weekend which is something Rupert has only done once in their 7 year history. They jam 3 days into 2 so it is very intense.

If you want, I can give her your EM address so when she begins working on another event she will contact you. She is going to take the class this time. Rupert took her for about 14 laps in his T1 Vette. This got her hooked Now she understands fully why I have such a passion about this subject.

Thanks again. I hope others will take the time (about 1 minute) to go sign the petition. Those that do may want to look at some of the comments (prior to signing) others have written. Some of them are very good. We can only hope that we can exert some external force coupled with the those inside GM that are fighting against this poor decision of noit supporting the school with cars. We understand Dave Hill is doing everything he can to fight the decision GM made but I imagine he has to be careful not to make the powers angry. This is why it is so important for an external pressure to be exerted.

Thanks again for signing the petition.

Gordy

Signed and glad to help.

Thanks for the help. We are up to 344 signatures. I encourage everyone to consider signing. This loss would not be good for the Corvette community whether or not you ever track your ride or take a Corvette track class.

Thanks to everyone that signed.

My signature made it 467 !!

Just did it
keep it going.

Normand
up to 468

I'm 470! LOL took my time getting there, but I did!

Scot

I made it 480! I'd be interested in taking the class. Anybody else?