Not many people are aware of this, but with every Ford Focus RS, you also get one free day of the RS Adrenaline Academy. So what does that mean, and how does it help you become a better track race driver?
The academy
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The RS already comes with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that will help you become a better racer instantly! But the $36,000 hatchback, probably the baddest and the fastest hatchback ever conceived, also comes with a special one day performance driving school. The Drift Mode is arguably more famous than the RS Adrenaline Academy, but it is offered nonetheless with every Focus RS that is sold by Ford at about $36,000.
The Ford Performance Racing School organizes the Racing Academy at Utah Motorsports Campus which was earlier known as Miller Motorsports Park. It is located just outside Salk Lake City, home to the NBA team called the Jazz that almost won a championship against the Bulls in the late 90s – though this is another topic. At least Salt Lake is not in the news for violence like Chicago has been for years, but let’s stop digressing!
What you learn
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The day is divided into three different sections: Drift Circle, Road Course, and Urban Autocross. If you are an amateur driver, you should begin with the Utah Motorsport Campus 15-turn medium speed located on the east course. It will prove to be challenging enough for a beginner with some downhill esses, tight hairpin turns, and a couple of fast sweepers.
You will notice that you can slow down your Focus RS even in your third gear. This is because Focus is able to provide enough torque on the lower end to make everything work in third gear even at lower speeds. It will, however, not be your quickest turn.
You will get used to the entire driving experience of the Focus RS easily and quickly. The Focus Team at Ford has worked really hard on its linear power delivery. It comes with AWD (All Wheel Drive) which will allow you to put the power down if and when you are sloppy.
You will be allowed to engage in some solo laps to get a feel of the car before the instructor will join you for further one-on-one training. This system seems to work. It is no different than training in any other capacity. You will also have some classroom training as well.
After this, you will begin with the drift mode, something most buyers are eagerly waiting for. Entering drift mode will send most of the engine power to the outside rear wheel allowing you to drift when you are looking for an adrenaline rush.
The urban autocross course will set you free, easing you into a competitive mode. This is where you get to time your laps.
Why you should go
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As you might have guessed by now, the purpose of this Adrenaline Academy, Ford Performance Racing School is to help to understand the different modes and features that the Focus RS comes with. The Focus RS offers features in a wide variety of areas which makes it an instant all-rounder.
It is surprisingly easy to learn and control, something you would not expect from a car that has capabilities and features like the Focus RS offers. After all, it is not an ordinary car. It's a beast in its own right.
You will quickly discover your shortcomings and things that are holding you back when driving the RS, but you will not be punished for this. In fact, it will help you improve your shortcomings quickly and effectively.
The most amazing thing about this academy is that it will allow you to test the limits of your car while receiving feedback from people who know racing, driving, and cars! And you get to do this while driving a car that is not your own!