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Track Days (HPDE)

roundhouse said:
Thanks !
I think it’s from the 2004 season .
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Talked to him yesterday. He said call this place Circle Track Warehouse
Tell them what you have, what you want to do and they will gladly take your money and sell you what you need. He said it's basically new a arms, radius arms and shit. It's all adjustable so once you get the parts, set a baseline alignment on it and start tuning.
 
Priest said:
Talked to him yesterday. He said call this place Circle Track Warehouse
Tell them what you have, what you want to do and they will gladly take your money and sell you what you need. He said it's basically new a arms, radius arms and shit. It's all adjustable so once you get the parts, set a baseline alignment on it and start tuning.
Click to expand...
Thanks !
 
My guy said there r an infinate amount of nascar junk out there. There r cars with specific right turn only front ends that u will never get right. Hopefully u have choosen wisely?
 
So I just bought this, with a goal to track it at times. ('22 High Performance Ecoboost, Handling Package, 6MT)
Problem is everyone who already does this doesn't detail HOW to get started. I don't believe it's as simple as just show up to a track day and go. Everything points to being an SCCA member, I think. But are there ways to just do a "test and tune" type track day without all the hoopla? I don't think AutoX is what I want to do, and it's not required to "start there" right?

Is it:
  1. Join SCCA
  2. Find local club (required?)
  3. Show up to track day (with proper safety equipment)
  4. Track it
  5. Get hooked
  6. Go broke trying to afford it?

FWIW, I live about 45 mins from Mid Ohio Raceway so I'd love to figure out how to track her there.

1662551257549.png
 
Otto M@n said:
I'll drive the vic, you ride my bike. I'll bet you can't break 2:10 on my bike and bet I'll match your time within 3 laps :smokin:
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I've tried it, it don't bounce well on pavement.
 
TennPass said:
So I just bought this, with a goal to track it at times. ('22 High Performance Ecoboost, Handling Package, 6MT)
Problem is everyone who already does this doesn't detail HOW to get started. I don't believe it's as simple as just show up to a track day and go. Everything points to being an SCCA member, I think. But are there ways to just do a "test and tune" type track day without all the hoopla? I don't think AutoX is what I want to do, and it's not required to "start there" right?

Is it:
  1. Join SCCA
  2. Find local club (required?)
  3. Show up to track day (with proper safety equipment)
  4. Track it
  5. Get hooked
  6. Go broke trying to afford it?

FWIW, I live about 45 mins from Mid Ohio Raceway so I'd love to figure out how to track her there.

1662551257549.png
Click to expand...


With the group I run with, you can literally show up at a track day with a helment (SA2015 or highter) and go. They have rental helmets if you don't want to spring for one. As a first timer, you register as such and there is a full program we take you through in the first day. That program involves classroom, cone courses and track time with an instructor in the car.

Sept 26th is our last event of the season and it's at Mid-Ohio. https://autointerests.com/events/2022-01/2022-season-finale-hpde
It looks like if you sign up as a first timer for the full day it's around $400 at the moment (it' gets more expensive the closer the event gets). I don't know if it's sold out or not. Acclimation Program | AutoInterests


IMO, SCCA is playing catchup in the track day thing. They were very against any form of track time with without some sort of licensing program many years ago. When other groups started doing and no body died, they started playing catchup. IMO their trackday/HPDE program is very lacking. Since you're in the same area as I am, I would either run with the group I do, or I would look at NASA...they run a really good program. NASA Great Lakes
 
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Like priest said, You can do track days with the correct helmet and basically any car that’ll pass the most minimal of safety inspection, you just have to find the right one. A friend found one that was more of a thing to get people to the track. It was catered to completely noobs, but had experienced drivers there too.

To join scca, is actually pretty simple, you just sign up by paying a yearly member fee. There’s really no requirements involved. You get magazines and discounts for places like summit racing that more than covers the member costs, if you use them. Sign up for their emails that tell you of events in your area and go attend, even if it’s just to watch. You’ll meet people that can point you in the right direction.
 
the autointerest site says that First Timer registration for the last event will not be offered. I take that to mean, no noobs.
And that's a Monday... FML.
 
TennPass said:
the autointerest site says that First Timer registration for the last event will not be offered. I take that to mean, no noobs.
And that's a Monday... FML.
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That means they aren't offering the half day Acclimation program. You could still attend as a novice first timer...however, it looks like the event is currently sold out. They determine the number of novice first timers based on how many instructors they will have at the event. You can always drop them an email and be waitlisted incase something changes. Andrea is awesome and does a great job managing all that.

Most of our Mid-Ohio dates are on Mondays and they sell out. The new schedule for next season usually comes out around the end of the year.
 
It's probably best I hold off till next season anyway. I'll probably want to do the acclimation program and a ride along before I get the balls to track her myself.
 
There are probably 5-8 groups that u can just sign up for and show up with a helmet and go on the track. U can also go to most PCA events with out a memebership. U will want an instuctor until u r not overwelmed by the massive amount of inputs.

If u r close to mid-o u might not be far from PittRace? Also, if u get good at mid-o u will drive well everywhere. Its a very technical track.

Look on www.motorsportreg.com for track days.
 
TennPass said:
It's probably best I hold off till next season anyway. I'll probably want to do the acclimation program and a ride along before I get the balls to track her myself.
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No way, get at least 1 event in this year. U have plenty of time. It will help u prepare for events next season.
 
Dejeeper said:
There are probably 5-8 groups that u can just sign up for and show up with a helmet and go on the track. U can also go to most PCA events with out a memebership. U will want an instuctor until u r not overwelmed by the massive amount of inputs.

If u r close to mid-o u might not be far from PittRace? Also, if u get good at mid-o u will drive well everywhere. Its a very technical track.

Look on www.motorsportreg.com for track days.
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I'll google what PCA is :homer:
PittRace is 3 hours from me. That could be do-able.


Dejeeper said:
No way, get at least 1 event in this year. U have plenty of time. It will help u prepare for events next season.
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My real problem is having two kids in school sports right now.


Priest said:
:flipoff2::flipoff2::flipoff2:

30741304_10215808678160478_1905762305200274009_n.jpg
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Yahbut, that's probably not his first time. :laughing:
 
TennPass said:
I'll google what PCA is :homer:
PittRace is 3 hours from me. That could be do-able.



My real problem is having two kids in school sports right now.



Yahbut, that's probably not his first time. :laughing:
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Also check out Nelson Ledges. The track is nice, the facility isn't great, but the important things are good :)
 
TennPass said:
I'll google what PCA is :homer:
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Porsche Club of America. They have arguably the best instructor corps for HDPE and run very tight track events. You absolutely will be instructed until you advance in the run groups (ie many track events) and demonstrate competency/proficiency/learning. They WILL train you and make you a better driver.

I know they run several events at Mid-Ohio every year depending on which region is hosting:
hpdejunkie.com

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course - HPDE Junkie | High Performance Driving Events

Links to every HPDE and Track Day held at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The racetrack is located in Lexington, OH. The renowned Mid-O!
hpdejunkie.com hpdejunkie.com

And despite what you might think or have heard, the pcar track enthusiasts are not the wine & cheese country club types. All marquees/drivers are welcome as long as they follow the rules and pass tech - they are strict but fair and everyone's safety and going home in an un-bent car is paramount.

BMW and Audi clubs are also worth checking out but I don't have any experience with them other than I know if you are a PCA instructor, you're "automatically" qualified to instruct with them. PCA still requires check-out rides for their own corp. I've had spec-miata guys instruct me but they still had to have some ride-alongs with a PCA instructor in order to be sticker'ed as instructor.

It is a slippery slope to fall down and next thing you know you'll be looking at tire compounds, brake compounds, racing seat, harnesses, etc...:laughing:
 
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Priest said:
Also check out Nelson Ledges. The track is nice, the facility isn't great, but the important things are good :)
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Wasn't Nelson Ledges on the brink of shutting down? Maybe it was "this thread" form the old site showing vids of the track not in great shape?


dwygrsshpr said:
Porsche Club of America. ...

And despite what you might think or have heard, the pcar track enthusiasts are not the wine & cheese country club types. ...

It is a slippery slope to fall down and next thing you know you'll be looking at tire compounds, brake compounds, racing seat, harnesses, etc...:laughing:
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Ah, thanks.
And no preconceived notions here. I know shit about fuck when it comes to this stuff right now. All the guys I've ever met in the paddocks at IMSA races have always been cool AF.
And, I really hope I don't go down that path... but I have two project vehicles that state otherwise :laughing:
 
TennPass said:
Wasn't Nelson Ledges on the brink of shutting down? Maybe it was "this thread" form the old site showing vids of the track not in great shape?



Ah, thanks.
And no preconceived notions here. I know shit about fuck when it comes to this stuff right now. All the guys I've ever met in the paddocks at IMSA races have always been cool AF.
And, I really hope I don't go down that path... but I have two project vehicles that state otherwise :laughing:
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First time I raced Nelson's was 2014 and there was almost more grass growing up through the track than on the grass on the side of the track..

Went under new ownership a few years ago and the repave is nice. Kinda sketch on a bike with lack of runoff, but the running joke is you're more scared of getting malaria from the mosquito gang bangs waiting for you with all the standing water in the tire than hitting the tires themselves :lmao:

Facilities are still trash, but they're making improvements and the food truck that's there is nice. I have a toy hauler so don't mind the lack of facilities, but if you're used to PittRace, well, you're in for some disappointment
 
TennPass said:
So I just bought this, with a goal to track it at times. ('22 High Performance Ecoboost, Handling Package, 6MT)
Problem is everyone who already does this doesn't detail HOW to get started. I don't believe it's as simple as just show up to a track day and go. Everything points to being an SCCA member, I think. But are there ways to just do a "test and tune" type track day without all the hoopla? I don't think AutoX is what I want to do, and it's not required to "start there" right?

Is it:
  1. Join SCCA
  2. Find local club (required?)
  3. Show up to track day (with proper safety equipment)
  4. Track it
  5. Get hooked
  6. Go broke trying to afford it?

FWIW, I live about 45 mins from Mid Ohio Raceway so I'd love to figure out how to track her there.

1662551257549.png
Click to expand...
Congratulations, I wish you many happy miles.

Lots of great advice in this thread. You will love Mid Ohio, a great track, but you must drive within your limits, there are places where an off will have serious consequences.

My advice - don't discount Auto-X. It is the cheapest way to thrash your car legally, and you will learn a lot in 1st and 2nd gear that will benefit you greatly when you eventually do take it to the track.

I have a significant background in racing, and have been fortunate to make a living in the industry. Just don't have the money or skills to make it as a driver, but I get paid stupid amounts of money to do a job I would probably do for free.

When the new Mini came out, I wanted to get my wife involved in motorsports to a small degree. Spending a year of her doing auto-x before she started with track days was a great way to learn the basics with very little risk. While mostly safe, there is some risk chasing cones - I have seen 3 cars totaled including a full roll over (could likely argue the safety guys were somewhat to blame)

My wife then did a few years of Solo 1 / Track Days / Time Trials. The current national SCCA time trials program was started in Colorado in the early 2000's as a development of Solo 1, and I took over as chief in about 2005. Finally the National office saw the value of the program, took it over and have continually fucked it up ever since. Wife eventually went the whole process getting a wheel to wheel license with SCCA, and raced locally for about 5 years. Loved every minute of it.

I have been a track instructor more than 20 years now, the BMW club locally is pretty healthy, but a lot of the local drivers rotate between BMW, PCA, SCCA and NASA. In Colorado currently, NASA has the best options for track days, but BMW and PCA offer the best quality 1 on 1 instruction, and the best value for track time. Our local PCA guys epitomize the Cheese and Whine crowd, and especially did not like a mostly stock Mini giving the fancy exotics a run for their money, but that definitely varies from region to region.

As an instructor, I can tell within the first half of the first lap with a D student - total novice IF they have done auto-x before or not. It is that obvious whether they have a clue on car control or not. And the student has a much better time at the track IF they are not having to worry about the very basics of performance driving. Sure the speed is higher, but the car control remains the same. Situation is exaggerated when shit goes wrong, and the driver has to recover from a mistake. Total yard sale for most newbies, but those who have auto-x recover sooner, with less muss and fuss. And you get to solve any potential car issues too before you show up at the track for the first time.

IF you were local to CO, I would recommend BMW club, then PCA, then NASA, then SCCA . Take advice of the locals to heart, especially Priest who started out as inexperienced as you are, and look at him now. Race Director of his own series, which looks like a blast.

Also interesting to see guys like Rttoys, a serious bike guy, who now is having a blast chasing cones.

I will warn you there are folks who take auto-x as serious as death, totally overblown for what it is, and some of them are a PITA. Yes, we are all super impressed that you have won National Championships in your class since nationals were held in Topeka (or Salina) but honestly man, get a life, and go run a few tracks days, then wheel to wheel, then pro, then pro championships, then I might give a damn. These types can be spotted easily as they will constantly talk about Lincoln Nebraska, Indexes, Classing, Treadwear Ratings and other silly auto-x stuff.

Whereas the track day guys will constantly talk about Hoosier Slicks, Hawk Track pads, high temp brake fluid, harness's, roll bars, light weight wheels, and what track day they did last.

Still plenty of time to hit the track this season. Even in Colorado the auto-x guys manage to run 9 or 10 months of the year. I have tracked cars locally in every month of the year. Heck I have even spent three days at Mud Ohio in April waiting for it to get warm enough to melt the ice off the track just so we could get an afternoon of testing in.

Just remember, there are rehabs for almost every type of addiction you can imagine. The only rehab for a track addict is more track time (at least until you run our of money)

Many happy miles on the Ford
 
Otto M@n said:
First time I raced Nelson's was 2014 and there was almost more grass growing up through the track than on the grass on the side of the track..

Went under new ownership a few years ago and the repave is nice. Kinda sketch on a bike with lack of runoff, but the running joke is you're more scared of getting malaria from the mosquito gang bangs waiting for you with all the standing water in the tire than hitting the tires themselves :lmao:

Facilities are still trash, but they're making improvements and the food truck that's there is nice. I have a toy hauler so don't mind the lack of facilities, but if you're used to PittRace, well, you're in for some disappointment
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Accurate.

The new tech garage is decent. The bathrooms are still awful. It's nice that they keep putting down more pavement in the paddock. Fast and flowing track, but going off course is a bit painful. Its the place that we seem to get the occasional roll over when one of the advanced folks gets a little too full of themselves and forgets that cars like to climb those tire walls.

This is my favorite photo that I've taken there. First session of the day and this genius things it's F1 qualifying so he procedded to park it on top of the old turn 12 flag stand (couldn't keep it flat through the kink afterall).

20171001_094017.jpg
 
I haven't ridden there this year and more than likely won't. If they could add even gravel strips in the paddock to make parking your rig easier, it'd be a huge improvement. Did a weekend there last year and it rained heavy right before the weekend...what a total mess. Deep ruts, stuck trailers, etc.
 
dwygrsshpr said:
Porsche Club of America. They have arguably the best instructor corps for HDPE and run very tight track events. You absolutely will be instructed until you advance in the run groups (ie many track events) and demonstrate competency/proficiency/learning. They WILL train you and make you a better driver.

I know they run several events at Mid-Ohio every year depending on which region is hosting:
hpdejunkie.com

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course - HPDE Junkie | High Performance Driving Events

Links to every HPDE and Track Day held at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The racetrack is located in Lexington, OH. The renowned Mid-O!
hpdejunkie.com hpdejunkie.com

And despite what you might think or have heard, the pcar track enthusiasts are not the wine & cheese country club types. All marquees/drivers are welcome as long as they follow the rules and pass tech - they are strict but fair and everyone's safety and going home in an un-bent car is paramount.

BMW and Audi clubs are also worth checking out but I don't have any experience with them other than I know if you are a PCA instructor, you're "automatically" qualified to instruct with them. PCA still requires check-out rides for their own corp. I've had spec-miata guys instruct me but they still had to have some ride-alongs with a PCA instructor in order to be sticker'ed as instructor.

It is a slippery slope to fall down and next thing you know you'll be looking at tire compounds, brake compounds, racing seat, harnesses, etc...:laughing:
Click to expand...
The local PCA group is where most of the instructors for the turn one program that I started with come from. They are a real good group to run with. I have run with SCCA, NASA, turn one, open throttle, and a handfull of other one day open track events. From what I experienced when I was new, the PCA, and Turn one (mostly PCA instructors) were the best with NASA probably next. SCCA at least down here is a lot of fun and I do there TT events a lot, but there is not a lot of structure in reality, and some people are driving in groups they have no business in, so probably not the best place for a new driver.
 
Otto M@n said:
I haven't ridden there this year and more than likely won't. If they could add even gravel strips in the paddock to make parking your rig easier, it'd be a huge improvement. Did a weekend there last year and it rained heavy right before the weekend...what a total mess. Deep ruts, stuck trailers, etc.
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They have "paved" paths for cars to drive on through the paddock now, but all the parking is still grass. It's a shit show after hard rains. We've used the dually to pull out too many rigs there. Hopefully they keep making ti better.
 
XtremeJ said:
My advice - don't discount Auto-X. It is the cheapest way to thrash your car legally, and you will learn a lot in 1st and 2nd gear that will benefit you greatly when you eventually do take it to the track.
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I'm not trying to, it just doesnt look appealing watching youtube vids. Probably cause its hard to actually see what is going on vs being the driver. Hell I may end up loving AX and stick with it... who knows. I'll try to find some events.
 
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