Who here has been to an open track day?

[splattj]

I've run twice at Grattan Raceway in Michigan during an SCCA open event where you don't need to be an SCCA membery to play. I ran three or four laps each time on street tires, blown shocks and stock 1G big brakes. I drove there, drove home, and had 0 problems. It's a 10 turn, 2 mile road course and it's a blast.

I'd get more involved with SCCA but I just don't have the time to travel all over and the costs to be truly competetive are too much for me right now.

I would be on the lookout for events like that. Who needs to have 20 DSMers to go have fun. Invite a couple DSM buddies to go with you to the nearest event. Check with the track itself to see if they have any "open" events that you could go to. That way you don't have to organize 20+ people and the money involved. Just go and pay to play.

This is a good resource for finding a track near you:
http://www.racecar2000.com/directory/resource-subdirectory-36.html

 

[terefic181]

I ran with NASA in '03, all at California Speedway. I didn't run last year but, I helped Greg some at Cal Speedway, Buttonwillow, and Willow Springs, on his quest for the NASA So. Cal. S/U championship win. I do plan to run more this year and if all goes well, hopefully get licensed.

In regards to Track days/time I can only personally speak for NASA, and they have a great ride along instruction program to get you started, but there are many other sanctioning bodies with similar programs to choose from as well.

There will be lots of track days/time at, Buttonwillow Raceway, Willow Springs, Thunderhill, Infineon (Sears Point), and Mazda (Laguna Seca), this year, with numerous different sanctioning bodies. Members in the California area should check for track times with the sanctioning bodies and clubs below. If you are in another part of the country you should look for clubs and tracks near you, for they have similar availabilites in association with NASA, SCCA, and many others sanctioning bodies.

http://NASAProracing.com

http://www.speedtrialusa.com/

http://www.calclub.com/

You should be able to check for all essential items and rules on the individual club and sanctioning bodies sites above.

As Greg said earlier, just get out there and experience the feel of it all, even if your not going to run that weekend.

Tom

 

[telly699]

Here in Chicagoland we have a pretty large following of dsmers.

We also have a few tracks around, although the only one I really go to is Rt. 66 Speedway in Joliet, IL. Its only about an hour away from downtown, and the best part is its only lie $30 for a whole day of runs. You could get in 10 passes if you work at a moderate pace. I am planning to try and get a big group of us out there in the spring, and I have spoken a little to the track management about setting up a small DSM area in the lot for everyone to convene at. I try to really only open my car up at the track... I am sure once I put in the external dump that will become more policy than habit.

Luda- If California was just a bit closer, I would meet you at the track! God, I wish the weather here was even quasi-acceptable for racing.

-Jerad

 

[1LE]

I'd come with you, but I'm a 3 day drive away trying to whip up local DSM enthisiasm in Ohio. We can't wait for spring!

You ever run out at Nelson Ledges? They've repaved it now. Pretty nice (except for the pit lane which is still crazy rough). I made it out there 3 times last summer...

 

[suicidal2af]

I would give my left testicle for a few days of running Sears Point or Laguna Seca. Does anyone have any dates that they are doing open track days? I've checked Laguna Seca's site and didn't see anything...I'd be up for driving cross-country for that.

Hokie, VIR does more than 1 open track day per year. I know they did at least 3 last year in a 2 month span -- 2 in September, 1 in October. I almost went to 2 of them, but women suck >

 

[terefic181]

I'd be up for driving cross-country for that.

Carefull what you wish for........

Just go to the link below and check the dates. There are 2 or 3 dates for Infineon (Sears). Then go to registration and check the cost for a Sat, Sun or both. Use the HPDE1 classification if you have little or no experience on a road course. HPDE 1 will provide an instuctor also in most cases. The only other expense other than that fee would be a yearly membership in NASA at I believe $35.00.


http://www.nasaproracing.com/schedules/norcal.html

Have Fun....

Tom

 

[Ludachris]

I think most people here fail to realize that MOST of the DSM community here is street cars, owned by people who either have no time or no inclination to go to a track.

Having a "street car" only means you haven't ventured far enough in the right direction. Most people who want to go fast (which should be every person who owns a turbo DSM) should go to the track and see what going fast is all about. It usually doesn't cost anything to go watch. Go with a friend and see what you're missing. Only at the track will you learn how to drive your car right. $100-$150 sounds like a lot of money for track time, but I see people dropping $700 for 16g turbos all the time. Saving up and spending a few hundred per year to learn how to drive your car and have a ####ing BLAST at the same time is nothing.

I'm far from rich. I just save up money when I can and get out there and drive. I go to all of the World Challenge races and ALMS races (usually on the same weekend) when they come to town. I guess that adds to my passion for racing and going to open track days.

Once you do it a few times you'll be hooked. And you'll find the time and the money to do it. Trust me. That's why the SCCA and other grass roots racing organizations have been around as long as they have. Track time is addicting.

 

[LeJeune123]

Going to the Road Course is one of the funnest things I have ever done. I have done the Drag many times before and yea it was fun, but when you get to fly down the straights then set up for your turn, brake, shift, set up for another, and doing this as fast as your car will let you, HELL YEA!! I never thought driving around a little track could be so much fun. I loved every second of it and will be going back as soon as they open it up again. I went during the Impot Show Off at No Problem Raceway in Donaldsonville, Louisiana and it only cost $10 for 5 laps. I even went slow for the 1-2 laps and no one had a problem becuase it is a new thing for me and almost everyone that was on it that day.

 

[Rogue9]

Unfortunatly, my car is in no condition to see a road course now or anytime in the near future. The only other car I have access to for racing is stuck 100's of miles awile in Battleground WA. .

What really sucks is its my parents race car and it only gets used once in awile for Auto-x events at PIR.

I can have full access to the car anytime I want. I just dont want to move to WA. :thumbdown

 

[suicidal2af]

Carefull what you wish for........

Just go to the link below and check the dates. There are 2 or 3 dates for Infineon (Sears). Then go to registration and check the cost for a Sat, Sun or both. Use the HPDE1 classification if you have little or no experience on a road course. HPDE 1 will provide an instuctor also in most cases. The only other expense other than that fee would be a yearly membership in NASA at I believe $35.00.


http://www.nasaproracing.com/schedules/norcal.html

Have Fun....

Tom

Guess that means I'm scheduling vacation time off in October. Thanks.

 

[Ludachris]

The funny thing is, I have yet to hear anyone who has taken their car to the track say that it's not that great. I hear plenty of people complain about paying $100 for a day, but I'd bet that nobody who actually does it will say it's not worth it.

You hear some people say they have no interest in going to the track... I can't understand how a person can be soooooo passionate about modifying their car to go faster but has no interest in taking it to a track to see what it can do. That's like buying a deep-sea fishing boat and only taking it to the lake. It seems to me they just don't understand how fun it really is, making it difficult for them to get interested. You can tell yourself that the street can be just as fun, but if you've never been on a track, then you don't know how wrong you are. Sure, twisty roads are fun, but they're no comparison.

Just go out and watch first. Or go with a friend who is running their car on the track. Take a ride with them. You'll be saving your money for the next one.

 

[suicidal2af]

The funny thing is, I have yet to hear anyone who has taken their car to the track say that it's not that great. I hear plenty of people complain about paying $100 for a day, but I'd bet that nobody who actually does it will say it's not worth it.

You hear some people say they have no interest in going to the track... I can't understand how a person can be soooooo passionate about modifying their car to go faster but has no interest in taking it to a track to see what it can do. That's like buying a deep-sea fishing boat and only taking it to the lake. It seems to me they just don't understand how fun it really is, making it difficult for them to get interested. You can tell yourself that the street can be just as fun, but if you've never been on a track, then you don't know how wrong you are. Sure, twisty roads are fun, but they're no comparison.

Just go out and watch first. Or go with a friend who is running their car on the track. Take a ride with them. You'll be saving your money for the next one.

I hear that. Twisty roads are fun, and we've got one around here that tops them all, even if it is short, but you can never really give 100%. You've got other traffic to worry about, and let's face it -- roads are narrow. I'm modding my car with the intention of driving it on the track...it confuses me when people don't express interest in going to an open track day.

So Chris, you going to that NASA track day in October at Infineon? Cuz I more than likely am

 

[Toshiro]

Luda, I'm sure you've heard this a ton before, and quite a bit on this thread, but I would be totally down for an open track day DSM meet. I'll try to get my buddy to bring his 3KGT VR4 out, too. The only thing for me is the money, like everyone else. I have crappy winter tires on now, and I don't have any summer ones (they're bald, need new ones). Maybe once the weather gets nicer and my bank account gets fatter we can organize something? It'd be a bit of a drive, but I've been to infineon before, not too too bad.

Do you have to be a member of SCCA or anything like that to run?

 

[leet]

Having a "street car" only means you haven't ventured far enough in the right direction. Most people who want to go fast (which should be every person who owns a turbo DSM) should go to the track and see what going fast is all about. It usually doesn't cost anything to go watch. Go with a friend and see what you're missing. Only at the track will you learn how to drive your car right. $100-$150 sounds like a lot of money for track time, but I see people dropping $700 for 16g turbos all the time. Saving up and spending a few hundred per year to learn how to drive your car and have a ####ing BLAST at the same time is nothing.

I'm far from rich. I just save up money when I can and get out there and drive. I go to all of the World Challenge races and ALMS races (usually on the same weekend) when they come to town. I guess that adds to my passion for racing and going to open track days.

Once you do it a few times you'll be hooked. And you'll find the time and the money to do it. Trust me. That's why the SCCA and other grass roots racing organizations have been around as long as they have. Track time is addicting.

Don't get me wrong, Ludachris, I would love to go. I merely need a little extra cash and a day off

I love to drive, and if I had the opportunity to run a track, I would take it in a heartbeat.

I was merely stating that most people mod their DSM's for 'street cred', not to go rip up a track. I've been working on aero improvements for that day I finally can get out on the pavement and cheese it like

I really should get a schedule for Laguna Seca, I bet the GF would love to go with me and watch some racing!

 

[Hammer_Gaidin]

The funny thing is, I have yet to hear anyone who has taken their car to the track say that it's not that great. I hear plenty of people complain about paying $100 for a day, but I'd bet that nobody who actually does it will say it's not worth it.

You hear some people say they have no interest in going to the track... I can't understand how a person can be soooooo passionate about modifying their car to go faster but has no interest in taking it to a track to see what it can do. That's like buying a deep-sea fishing boat and only taking it to the lake. It seems to me they just don't understand how fun it really is, making it difficult for them to get interested. You can tell yourself that the street can be just as fun, but if you've never been on a track, then you don't know how wrong you are. Sure, twisty roads are fun, but they're no comparison.

Just go out and watch first. Or go with a friend who is running their car on the track. Take a ride with them. You'll be saving your money for the next one.

The road is my track baby. I'd love to go to a track. I'd save the cost. So I stop eating at Jimmy Johns for a few weeks and pack some sandwiches. That shit would be great. Too bad there are only two tuners(that includes myself) in my town. Hey at least I aways win the 4cyl class at the drag strip.

 

[big green]

I live 15 mintues away from a track, I plan to spend allot of time there this summer

 

[Hammer_Gaidin]

I live 15 mintues away from a track, I plan to spend allot of time there this summer

YOU'RE IN LAKE ORION!!! Where is this said track. We will have to go...i'll take you town

 

[terefic181]

Do you have to be a member of SCCA or anything like that to run?

You wouldn't have to become a member of a Club or Sanctioning Body if you find a TRACK providing track day(s). (see below)


I'm certainly not the expert on this, and I'm sure there are a number of ways these things are worked out, but here goes. Someone or organization has to provide certain things to the track, such as, corner workers, emergency services, and insurances, in order for the public to be able to use a track.

The Sanctioning Bodies, SCCA, NASA, Car Clubs, etc., are the ones that handle all these intricacies and hopfully provide you with a great track experience. Some organizations may not even require memberships. If the TRACK is providing all the services on some day(s) of the year and no sanctioning bodies are involved, then I expect you wouldn't need to join any organization. However, if you join an organization, then they, usually have a schedule with many opportunities to run at your favorite track and others. This is also throughout the year, rather than normally just an opportunity here or there provided by a track. These organizations may also provide track driving instruction and instructors, to help you get started.

So I guess the bottom line is that if you can find a TRACK sponsored day, go for it. If you can't, or, want more, or different, times than are normally provided by the tracks themselves, then become affiliated with some type of Sanctioning Body.

Tom

 

[FireyIce01]

I'm telling you man, we have at least 5 road courses in Cali and I'm within 2.5 hours of 4 or them (only about an hour away from Laguna Seca). Yet I can't get any local DSMers to get out there and drive them with me and my friends.

Too many broke-asses out here due to the high cost of living I guess. A lot of excuses too.

Dude, as soon as I get my car running I'm down to do this... I was actually looking into the NASA or SCCA, but I really don't know where to start (well, I guess a good running car would be a good stat huh? That's a work in progress though)

As far as an open track day - again, as soon as the car's running But the cost of living... yes, I think that's a main reason... but I manage to smuggle at least a couple hundred bucks a month out of my paycheck for the car... *shrugs* hopefully in a month or so the GSX will be running - there's a couple other people up here in sacramento (I know some of them are on tuners, prolly all of them, but they're also on sacramento-dsmcom if you want to arrange something local) that would be down for this... some of them even do road racing already at Thunderhill... so there are *some* locals that would be into this...

edit - just joined NASA so hopefully I'll get out to the track sooner than later... just really bummed, it looks like their only trip to laguna seca this year was march1st, and that's one of my fav GT3 tracks, always wanted to really drive on it... so if there happens to be an open track day... hey! I know you just finished redesigning the forums... but maybe you should have a racing forum where people can post open track days, pictures, timeslips, etc (still no street racing though)

 

[Greg Collier]

Dude, as soon as I get my car running I'm down to do this... I was actually looking into the NASA or SCCA, but I really don't know where to start (well, I guess a good running car would be a good stat huh? That's a work in progress though)

As far as an open track day - again, as soon as the car's running But the cost of living... yes, I think that's a main reason... but I manage to smuggle at least a couple hundred bucks a month out of my paycheck for the car... *shrugs* hopefully in a month or so the GSX will be running - there's a couple other people up here in sacramento (I know some of them are on tuners, prolly all of them, but they're also on sacramento-dsmcom if you want to arrange something local) that would be down for this... some of them even do road racing already at Thunderhill... so there are *some* locals that would be into this...

edit - just joined NASA so hopefully I'll get out to the track sooner than later... just really bummed, it looks like their only trip to laguna seca this year was march1st, and that's one of my fav GT3 tracks, always wanted to really drive on it... so if there happens to be an open track day... hey! I know you just finished redesigning the forums... but maybe you should have a racing forum where people can post open track days, pictures, timeslips, etc (still no street racing though)

Don't be bummed, SoCal NASA is doing a Aug 6-7 at Infinenon. Since you belong to NASA you're in. Check the NASA schedule www.nasaproracing.com and see SoCal events.
Good job and have fun!
Greg

 

[terefic181]

FireyIce01: > but maybe you should have a racing forum where people can post open track days, pictures, timeslips, etc (still no street racing though)

Maybe like this:
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=20

By the way, welcome to NASA.



Tom

 

[FireyIce01]

Don't be bummed, SoCal NASA is doing a Aug 6-7 at Infinenon. Since you belong to NASA you're in. Check the NASA schedule www.nasaproracing.com and see SoCal events.
Good job and have fun!
Greg

Isn't infinenon formerly sears point? I was going over the schedule, there's all kinds of events, thunderhill, infinenon, a button willow run, but the only laguna seca was march 1st, from what I see on their site at least... no biggie, don't know if the car will be all together and ready for seca any time soon anyway, and I'll be sure to catch some of these summer events... now here's a question... how do you get started, I signed up - and my car's not ready yet, but when you register for an event, do they give you the supplemental instruction, etc... or ? I've noticed that there's not a lot of information on how to get into road racing, and this is really what I've always been more interested in... sure it's great if you can go 130+mph in 10 seconds in a straight line, or drive really fast in a circle... but I've always thought that if you ain't turning both ways, you ain't really racing... and I grew up in the mountians, so I already have some aptitude in the windy's (not a lot mind you)

So I guess my real question is, provided I get my car all together, it's a street car mind you, so I'm not planning on driving balls to the wall for hours... just yet... just wanna go drive fast... so, I'd just register for an event, show up, and they'll walk me through the rest or what?

Maybe like this:
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=20

By the way, welcome to NASA.



Tom

Yea.... exactly like that... humm... go figure...

 

[Greg Collier]

Isn't infinenon formerly sears point? I was going over the schedule, there's all kinds of events, thunderhill, infinenon, a button willow run, but the only laguna seca was march 1st, from what I see on their site at least... no biggie, don't know if the car will be all together and ready for seca any time soon anyway, and I'll be sure to catch some of these summer events... now here's a question... how do you get started, I signed up - and my car's not ready yet, but when you register for an event, do they give you the supplemental instruction, etc... or ? I've noticed that there's not a lot of information on how to get into road racing, and this is really what I've always been more interested in... sure it's great if you can go 130+mph in 10 seconds in a straight line, or drive really fast in a circle... but I've always thought that if you ain't turning both ways, you ain't really racing... and I grew up in the mountians, so I already have some aptitude in the windy's (not a lot mind you)

So I guess my real question is, provided I get my car all together, it's a street car mind you, so I'm not planning on driving balls to the wall for hours... just yet... just wanna go drive fast... so, I'd just register for an event, show up, and they'll walk me through the rest or what?

The people with NASA are so cool! They act like you're part of the family and it is a family of racers. They'll guide you through everything with patience. You'll start with HPDE 1 and learn how to really drive your car. You don't have to go 130 MPH because in your first on track run, you want to get use to what you're doing. You'll have a series of driving instructors that will actually drive in your car with you, showing you all the right places to put you car on the track. You'll learn where to approach an apex of a turn, where you should actually start braking at a turn, when to accelerate, when to feather, how to heel toe,.............and the list goes on and on. One day in HPDE and you'll become addicted, and you'll actually learn how to drive your car. I can't tell you how many car accidents I've been able to avoid with my racing experience. My Insurance company should give me a discount. I've never had a bad experience with NASA, and I've never heard anything but good things about the organization.

Have a good time. I know you will!!!!!!!!!!!!
Greg

 

[terefic181]

So I guess my real question is, provided I get my car all together, it's a street car mind you, so I'm not planning on driving balls to the wall for hours... just yet... just wanna go drive fast... so, I'd just register for an event, show up, and they'll walk me through the rest or what?
:

I, as I'm sure Greg also, would be happy to help you on your way through NASA. You might start with an E-mail to the NorCal NASA people and ask them if they have a mentor program available to help you through getting started. Check the HPDE program on the National NASA site from above. It will tell you a lot of the things that are required and things that you should do. They most likely will provide ride instructors to go with you on your first runs.

Let us know if you or anyone else for that matter, needs further assistance.

Tom

(edit) Dang greg you got in there ahead of me!!!