You guys don't know what you're missing

[Ludachris]

I'm originally from California. Open track days out there are not cheap, mainly because half the tracks out there are world-class tracks. The least expensive track out there is Buttonwillow and it's still a damn nice facility. You can't really get on the track there for less than $150 in most cases, and there is usually a bunch of other cars out there with you. And it's only cheap because it's way the hell out there - it's 2.5-3 hours away from Norcal and Socal - about halfway in between. If it was closer, I'm sure they'd charge more.

With that said, I just came back from Pueblo Motorsports Park this past friday. It was my second time running on that course, but my first time doing an open track day that wasn't organized by a particular group. I was blown away at how it works out here. My friend and I were the only guys on the track all morning. And there were only 2 other cars out there besides us the whole day. Unreal! It costs $60 for a half day or $100 for a full day. And there is absolutely no traffic out there. It's a 1.5 hour drive from the south Denver area, which is not bad. And the track, though not as nice as most of the CA facilities, is pretty fun and fast.

I really don't understand why more people don't go out and do track days out here. I'm hoping to get more DSMers out there. Hopefully when we plan a DSM meet down at the track, we'll get some people to actually go out and drive their cars. It beats standing around in parking lots talking about cars...

 

[eclipsh]

Wow, sounds like a great time, wish I could have made it. Thanks for posting track day info. I was checking your thread about it out while cursing my oil leaks. Once that's fixed, hopefully this weekend, I'll be sure to make it out for an event.

 

[sbiggi]

Easy answer why people dont go. Its still way expensive.

Day at Bandimere - $35 + fuel if you need it

I have taken my Eclipse out to 2nd Creek once, its was expensive.
$60 for a half day
$70 - 14 gallons of 105 octane
$100 for decent brake pads that I nuked
Killed the tread on the tires


If I ever get a good job where I have vacation time and alot more money, I would love to get out to the track.
Untill then its a day at Bandimere every now and then.

 

[Flash]

I work. I'd love to take my car to a road course, but I don't know what to expect. I've never tried anything like it.

 

[GSTBlack95]

money is the biggest issue. Alot of us dont have 100k or more jobs....which really sucks cause i could sure use it.

 

[Ludachris]

Easy answer why people dont go. Its still way expensive.

Day at Bandimere - $35 + fuel if you need it

I have taken my Eclipse out to 2nd Creek once, its was expensive.
$60 for a half day
$70 - 14 gallons of 105 octane
$100 for decent brake pads that I nuked
Killed the tread on the tires


If I ever get a good job where I have vacation time and alot more money, I would love to get out to the track.
Untill then its a day at Bandimere every now and then.

I hear ya on the cash. But there are a lot of things that are pretty expensive that people find a way to put money aside for and take days off for. Come on now - you don't need a $100k yearly income to do open track days - to race competitively maybe, but not for an occasionaly $60 track day. When you're passionate about it, you save for it. Maybe open track days just aren't as big out here as they are in California and people just aren't as passionate about road racing. Though a $35 day at Bandimere definitely is less expensive, it also isn't as rewarding for me. The rush is over far too quickly at the strip. Don't get me wrong - I'm always up for a drag strip day every now and then, but I save most of my money for the road courses.

I had a small group of friends out in CA who used to get together and do a few open track days every year. I'm hoping to find a few people out here who share this same passion for road racing. Maybe the DSM crowd out here just isn't the road racing type. Hopefully that's not the case, as I was looking forward to having more DSMs out there with me representing the DSM community. Maybe it just takes a little more encouragement for the people who haven't done it before. Try it a few times and you'll be hooked, I promise.

 

[Flash]

Your right what you said about the money.

Chris, I promise I'll go out to a track event with you when I know I'm getting new tires. Right now I'm just affriad of killing my tires, because I hate buying tires. Deal? or

 

[Ludachris]

Sounds good to me. Let me know when you're ready.

Did I mention my mom just had a house built in Pueblo West, about 10 minutes from the track, and she's having a pool put in this month? Do some racing, do some swimming... yeah, this should be a fun summer. Hopefully we'll have a few more DSMers coming out with us.

 

[eclipsh]

Like I said before, as soon as I fix my oil leak(s) and have some time I'm there... so long as it isn't a $100+ track day. This poor college life damn well better pay off when I'm out.

 

[FORMONTOYA]

But there are a lot of things that are pretty expensive that people find a way to put money aside for and take days off for.

Ain't that the truth. We don't really have a road course close to Houston that doesn't cost a lot. Sure I can go to the strip, but I've sort of grown out of the straight line. I also am a fan of the road course. And with the exception of an auto-cross event, there isn't really anything that feeds the need for corners in a car that isn't rather expensive. So my next best option is the local kart track. It's not the same, but at least it feeds the urge and helps keep me safer on the streets, not to mention fewer tickets.

 

[Flash]

Did someone say go karts? My good friend works at a new go kart place, you all think you want to have a meet out there and do some laps with go karts? I'm sure he can give us all a good price. I'll ask.

 

[meriwether]

Alright Ludachris, I want to try out road racing much more than the strip. I have 2 DSM cars, one is a 95 GSX auto in great shape and up to date on maintenance. The other is a 94 TSi AWD that is a beater and needs lots of work. Now, if I were to take the 95 GSX auto down to the track, what would I need to consider for prepping it to be ready to run? I realize I would want fresh fluids and I may need to purchase race gas and a new set of tires. What other things may be needed? Mostly where I am in the dark is safety. I would love to do this, but I just want to budget it so I can make sure I don't screw myself. The only other obsticle will be my wife!

 

[meriwether]

What the? My post shows I have done 0. That's not right. And the New Member rating, how long does that last? I think I joined over 6 months ago. Oh well, better get crackin'!

 

[Ludachris]

Alright Ludachris, I want to try out road racing much more than the strip. I have 2 DSM cars, one is a 95 GSX auto in great shape and up to date on maintenance. The other is a 94 TSi AWD that is a beater and needs lots of work. Now, if I were to take the 95 GSX auto down to the track, what would I need to consider for prepping it to be ready to run? I realize I would want fresh fluids and I may need to purchase race gas and a new set of tires. What other things may be needed? Mostly where I am in the dark is safety. I would love to do this, but I just want to budget it so I can make sure I don't screw myself. The only other obsticle will be my wife!

A helmet, good working seat belts, fairly new brake pads, bleed your brakes, good tires, and a good cooling system - now that it's getting hot outside. I need to add my second radiator fan soon, as I really beat up on my car.

I don't use race gas when I go to the track. No need if the car is tuned decently and you don't turn the boost up too high.