About this event
31st Annual Event — April 28th, 29th and 30th, 2023
Attention: Registration is now closed for this event. We have reached capacity for some of our run groups and have cut off online sign ups at this time. Please contact Geoff, Dave or Mike via email or text to inquire if we have slots available for Instructor or Advanced drivers. Others with recent Grattan experience will also be considered. We will keep a wait list if there are last minute cancellations.
Join us for the 31st running of the MFD Classic Motors Driving Experience at Grattan Raceway. Grattan Michigan Raceway Course located North East of Grand Rapids, MI, approximately 3.5 hours from Chicago and 2.5 hours from Detroit. The challenging 2-mile track is a great place for a Driver’s School, with each turn offering a different type of challenge, and a long straight during which you can regroup and catch your breath. Attendees use their own vehicle and all makes are invited to participate!
As at any MFD Driving Experience event, you will be surrounded by a great group of friendly, experienced organizers ready with a helping hand for those new to the track driving hobby.
Note: we are holding our line on pricing until we track out on March 15th!
This event is open to all licensed drivers age 18 or older. Prior experience is NOT required! Sorry- SUV's, pick up trucks and minivans are not allowed at this event.
Some convertible models with fixed factory roll hoops (Boxsters & Z4's) are permitted. Please contact the event organizers before registering.
All track eligible makes are welcome at this event. Club membership is not required.
ENTRY FEES:
Student or Instructor Sat/Sun DE Fee $350 ($400 after March 15th)
Instructor/Advanced Fee Friday/Sat/Sunday $450 ($500 after March 15th) Instructors assigned or bringing a student may be eligible for a partial refund
Friday only Advanced Driving Day $200 ($250 after March 15th) (eligibility approval required from event organizers)
Please contact the event organizers with any questions. Registration is closed. Please contact us with questions or to be added to a wait list in the event of cancellations.
Your entry fees also include a commemorative event gift and banquet ticket.
Event requirements
Who should attend?
The Grattan Driver’s School is open to all licensed drivers age 18 or older.
Do you want to become a better and safer driver?
Do you want to learn more about the limits of you and your car in a safe environment?
Have you always wanted to drive on a racetrack?
Have you driven on other tracks before and want to learn a new one?
Have you driven at Grattan before, but want to improve your line?
If you can answer yes to any of these questions you should attend this school.
What to expect?
Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced students will all benefit from the driving instruction offered at Grattan. Each student will drive his/her own car with an instructor providing guidance until both student and instructor are comfortable that the student is ready to drive solo on the track. No student will be pushed beyond his/her ability and comfort level. All on-track driving will take place in run groups based on previous experience, and each run group will have multiple sessions on the track.
On Saturday, students will receive classroom instruction on the basic concepts of car control and safe driving (well beyond anything taught in your old driver training!). Then in-car exercises will be conducted with the goal of giving each student a good sense for the braking and accident avoidance capabilities of their car – capabilities that often far exceed what the driver expects! After these familiarization exercises are completed, students will be introduced to the track by riding with their instructors, and then will have their turn at negotiating the track with their instructor riding along to provide coaching. At this time, there is not a banquet on the schedule for Saturday evening.
Sunday morning activities will resume at Grattan Raceway with more time on the track, again with instructors coaching the novices and anyone else who would like some additional instruction. By the end of the day each student will have had enough driving time to end the day tired but elated, and looking forward to the next event.
Grattan Advanced Driver Day – Friday, April 28th, 2023
Who should attend this day?
The Grattan Advanced Driver Day is open to all drivers who are either club instructors or advanced HPDE drivers who want an additional opportunity to learn the track. The Advanced Driver Day will provide a great opportunity to learn Grattan if you have not been there before, or to get some quality track time in if you are already experienced there. If you have any question about your eligibility or have not attended a past MFD event as an advanced driver, please contact Mike Fisher, Geoff Harris, David Denison, Jeff Mattis or Tim Parvin. All drivers participating in the Advanced Drivers Day will be required to assist the club organizers throughout the weekend. If you are unable to commit to the 3 day weekend, the Advanced Driver Day fee will be $200 ($250 after March 15th)
The AmericInn of Greenville has a limited block of rooms held for the MFD Driving Experience. Reserve your room right away! This will be the host hotel where registration and tech will be held. It is a short 10 minute drive to the track. Contact the hotel directly at 616 754-4500 to reserve your room ASAP under the MFD room rate. Note: as of now, our room block has reached capacity.
Additional information can be obtained by contacting our organizers: Geoff Harris (231) 620-3922 or Mike Fisher (231) 883-2727 or Email Dave Denison at djdenison2002@gmail.com
