Posted: 11/19/2025 10:02:44 AM EDT
[Last Edit: NarcedDiver][Edited]
I got into track days about 20 years ago riding super sports at Barber and Road Atlanta. I was only able to do it for a couple years before life changed and I relocated to FL. Fast forward almost two decades and I want to pick the sport back up. I realized that FL had three tracks for bikes, with one of them being pretty close. I purchased a used Ducati 1199S and spent every available weekend at PBIR. I was hooked. Barely a year into it, PBIR closes... Homestead and Jennings are both pretty far to justify owning the bike. I don't ride on the street anymore and it was an expensive garage ornament. I sold the bike and got into off-roading with dirt bike. I did a few hare scrambles. It was/is a lot of fun, but doesn't hit me like asphalt does. I wanted back on a road course.  After looking into several cars I picked up a used C8 w/ the Z51 package. For as much time as I have spent on tracks, I have never taken a single lap in a car. I figured I may as well go for broke.  Apparently track days for cars is significantly different than the bikes. Some agencies require multiple days of ride alongs with instructors before you can solo. Others don't seem to have this requirement. I signed up for Track Nights in America with SCCA at Sebring for 12/11 as my first time on track with a car. It's supposed to be fairly low key and they do not have an instructor in the car with you. I just want to make sure this is something I want to pursue before committing to various vehicle mods specific to tracking the car. Of course how timing worked out I am going to a track I have never been to before, except for video games.  I am pretty sure this is my midlife crisis. Any tips for the new guy? Wish me luck! |
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My only advice is to not hurry up to get to run solo. I've learned so much from instructors, even after 20+track days. I'm also an instructor, and even with an experienced racer, I can sometimes throw out ideas on different lines, braking, etc. I have found the Porsche and BMW clubs to run good, safe track days. Not sure about the Corvette club. I suppose it'd be best to do Corvette club events as they will probably be more familiar with Corvette-specific tips on the track. |
Ludwig Boltzmann, who spent much of his life studying statistical mechanics, died in 1906, by his own hand, Paul Bhranfest, carrying on the work, died similarly in 1933, Now it is our turn to study statistical mechanics...
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Originally Posted By WWolfe: My only advice is to not hurry up to get to run solo. I've learned so much from instructors, even after 20+track days. I'm also an instructor, and even with an experienced racer, I can sometimes throw out ideas on different lines, braking, etc. I have found the Porsche and BMW clubs to run good, safe track days. Not sure about the Corvette club. I suppose it'd be best to do Corvette club events as they will probably be more familiar with Corvette-specific tips on the track. I am actually very interested in getting in the car with an instructor. I don't think I fit in well with the traditional corvette crowd, but I think the C8 broke down a lot of those barriers. Hell if I actually know though. As with the bikes, they are way more capable than I am able/willing to push them. Chin seems to be extremely popular, so much so they sell out Novice class within minutes of opening registration. I need to be more on top of that to get signed up. |
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Jorts and New Balances will help you fit in with that crowd. I kid! I kid!  I suspect your car (Congrats!) will be forgiving and predictable at the track, although I've only been in a C8 on the road. |
Ludwig Boltzmann, who spent much of his life studying statistical mechanics, died in 1906, by his own hand, Paul Bhranfest, carrying on the work, died similarly in 1933, Now it is our turn to study statistical mechanics...
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Originally Posted By WWolfe: Jorts and New Balances will help you fit in with that crowd. I kid! I kid! I suspect your car (Congrats!) will be forgiving and predictable at the track, although I've only been in a C8 on the road. That is what I am planning on. I know my 1199S was my first bike with electronic assist. It made a night and day difference when it came to putting power to the ground. It was significantly easier to ride fast than compared to my older R1s and 1098 back in the day. I can see why more traditionalist don't like it, but I am a weekend warrior at best. I am just looking to have a good time and not put my car into the wall or gravel trap. |
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I'm sure something like a Corvette will still have an active internet forum. It will probably have a motorsport/HPDE section with a lot of tips. Something like this, and a whole section on the forum on related stuff: https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/first-track-day-prep-and-expectations.156490/ Having been on track with bikes, a lot there you probably already know. Nice car, and I'm sure it will be a hoot on track! |
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Originally Posted By WWolfe: My only advice is to not hurry up to get to run solo. I've learned so much from instructors, even after 20+track days. I'm also an instructor, and even with an experienced racer, I can sometimes throw out ideas on different lines, braking, etc. I have found the Porsche and BMW clubs to run good, safe track days. Not sure about the Corvette club. I suppose it'd be best to do Corvette club events as they will probably be more familiar with Corvette-specific tips on the track. +1 to having an instructor with you as much as possible. I'm very new to track days and all mine have been at Mid Ohio. I did my first day with NASA, dont really recommend, it seemed to cater to W2W racing. We only had 3 or 4 sessions on track, and at least one was cut short due to W2W races running over. Perk is getting to watch some races while you're there. I ran with Autointerests (Ohio/PA/WV area group) twice this year. A lot more track time than NASA. 5 20 min sessions, plus an hour long open track at the end for anyone eligible to drive solo. Got the same instructor both times, he was great and a brave soul in the passenger seat with a wet track. Signed off solo before the end of the second day. I had some major WTF moments from another driver over multiple sessions, person should have been kicked off the track IMO but maybe no official saw it. Now Autointerests has shut down, so I'll have to find a new org, I'm open to suggestions. I've avoided TNiA so far, partially because it sounds like some wild west shit. Looks pretty loose with run group classing and just turning anyone loose without an instructor. I wouldnt go modifying a car much for novice HPDE, especially that car. I use my daily BRZ with just 200TW endurance tires, DOT4 brake fluid, pads, and an aggressive street alignment. The car is still very slow compared to everything else out there, yet I spent the majority of all 3 days stuck behind someone trundling along behind someone who was in a faster car. Do what you need to make the car reliable and safe. As long as the brakes hold up, tires dont get super greasy, and nothing overheats youre good. As a side note, I'm looking to get into bikes with a supermoto and know nothing about motorcycle track days. There's a few kart tracks I could run at, but I'm guessing something like a DRZ would be borderline unsafe at Mid-Ohio. Everyone would be going 40+MPH faster on the back straight if they were full tilt. |
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Thanks for the info. GM has a "track alignment " they recommend but I won't be doing that for this first one. Car has newer tires and pads so I am going as she sits. Originally Posted By dangerranger61007: As a side note, I'm looking to get into bikes with a supermoto and know nothing about motorcycle track days. There's a few kart tracks I could run at, but I'm guessing something like a DRZ would be borderline unsafe at Mid-Ohio. Everyone would be going 40+MPH faster on the back straight if they were full tilt. I've ran on full size tracks with supermotos. They are a damn hazard on the straights. Saying that they are the most fun you can have with your clothes on at the kart track. I have a miniGP bike I run on the kart tracks and I don't think I have anywhere near as much fun as the supermoto guys do! I have several dirt bikes I keep saying I am gonna buy a set of sumo wheels for.
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Originally Posted By NarcedDiver: Thanks for the info. GM has a "track alignment " they recommend but I won't be doing that for this first one. Car has newer tires and pads so I am going as she sits. I've ran on full size tracks with supermotos. They are a damn hazard on the straights. Saying that they are the most fun you can have with your clothes on at the kart track. I have a miniGP bike I run on the kart tracks and I don't think I have anywhere near as much fun as the supermoto guys do! I have several dirt bikes I keep saying I am gonna buy a set of sumo wheels for.Yeah, if you can drive the C8 halfway hard, you'll just be constantly catching and passing people. I have -2.3 on the front, not seeing any crazy wear so far with zero toe. Car feels A LOT better, but I think my factory alignment was a hot mess. Different car though, and one tire probably costs as much as a whole set of mine. Thanks, it's been 20+ years, I'll be learning to ride again. Maybe I can stick to kart tracks and tighter full size tracks, like Summit Point. Thats probably a couple years down the road though. |
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Congrats!! You'll have a BLAST!! As a former instructor and a former regional SCCA Board member in Texas I am *not* a fan of TNIA for newbs...nor are a lot of my fellow racers. A place like Sebring for a newb...oh boy...so many walls, so much speed...just saying!! Such a ROUGH but FUN track!! Chin is THE BEST track org I've instructed / ran with - they are TOP NOTCH, there is a REASON they sell out! First piece of advice - and ignore it at your own peril* - full flush of factory fluid with Castrol SRF and you'll be good to go for the track - do the track alignment and then go have FUN!! Start tires around 28 PSI cold. I started doing track days in a GS Vette, then a Z06 and I got bit by the w2w bug and bought a tube frame road race car (the ASA/GTA Monte Carlo in my avatar), so, WATCH OUT LOL and HAVE FUN!!!!! *due to the speed of the vettes - you'll be having fun in the brake zones = HOT brakes = fade, even with Motul 600/660. Have had it happen to me, my students, etc...Castrol SRF will solve this. That stuff has a CRAZY high WET boiling point! So many FUN tracks in Florida!! Love Homestead (the Roval / NASCAR 4 layout), Sebring, and the Daytona Roval!!! Having fun at Sebring in the #13 TA2/GT2 Camaro (now a teammate's ride): 
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Since FL is practically a karting mecca with tracks everywhere, you should give this a try: Shifter Kart HARD RACING - POV Onboard Davide Cugini Driver's eye // South Garda Karting KZ2 The best part is that tracks are typically open for practice most days of the week, so you can do laps almost any time without need for planning, unlike with big road courses. Look into it. Short of F1 or Indy, you'll be hard pressed to find anything with comparable performance, & nothing performance-to-dollar wise. |
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Originally Posted By Master_Blaster: Since FL is practically a karting mecca with tracks everywhere, you should give this a try:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=so3UmYMc9FoThe best part is that tracks are typically open for practice most days of the week, so you can do laps almost any time without need for planning, unlike with big road courses. Look into it. Short of F1 or Indy, you'll be hard pressed to find anything with comparable performance, & nothing performance-to-dollar wise. A LOT of wisdom in this post!! |
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Originally Posted By Captain_Buddha: Congrats!! You'll have a BLAST!! As a former instructor and a former regional SCCA Board member in Texas I am *not* a fan of TNIA for newbs...nor are a lot of my fellow racers. A place like Sebring for a newb...oh boy...so many walls, so much speed...just saying!! Such a ROUGH but FUN track!! Chin is THE BEST track org I've instructed / ran with - they are TOP NOTCH, there is a REASON they sell out! First piece of advice - and ignore it at your own peril* - full flush of factory fluid with Castrol SRF and you'll be good to go for the track - do the track alignment and then go have FUN!! Start tires around 28 PSI cold. I started doing track days in a GS Vette, then a Z06 and I got bit by the w2w bug and bought a tube frame road race car (the ASA/GTA Monte Carlo in my avatar), so, WATCH OUT LOL and HAVE FUN!!!!! *due to the speed of the vettes - you'll be having fun in the brake zones = HOT brakes = fade, even with Motul 600/660. Have had it happen to me, my students, etc...Castrol SRF will solve this. That stuff has a CRAZY high WET boiling point! So many FUN tracks in Florida!! Love Homestead (the Roval / NASCAR 4 layout), Sebring, and the Daytona Roval!!! Having fun at Sebring in the #13 TA2/GT2 Camaro (now a teammate's ride): https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/520287/IMG_1941_JPG-3662814.jpg Definitely listen to this guy. Brake fluid if you do nothing else. Maybe pads too. I looked at TNiA and said forget that, so be careful out there. You should already have better awareness from tracking bikes though. You probably also know from tracking bikes, but please let faster traffic through promptly, even if they have less HP. Dont be that guy that holds everyone up and just motors away on straights. Chin was on my shortlist for a new org, along with the BMW and Porsche clubs. Thanks for the recommendation. |
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Originally Posted By NarcedDiver: Well gentlemen, I honestly took what you guys said to heart and I have canceled TNiA for next month. I am going to hold out and sign up with Chin so I can have an in car instructor. I appreciate all of the insight! I think you'll be *much* happier - AND - you will also have a LOT more track time!! You would probably have been A-OK with TNIA...but it's the other yahoos that have ZERO track experience that I'd be worried about...so, I think you did a good thing (I can hear the head honchos at SCCA HQ swearing at me now LOL!), you'll REALLY enjoy Chin - which track, Sebring, right? So, with Chin - you get your four or five normal 25-30 minute sessions per day...BUT...and this is the MOST GLORIOUS part about it - ARE YOU READY!!?!?!?>!>!>!>! HAPPY HOUR!!!! ONE SOLID GLORIOUS HOUR of OPEN TRACK at the end of the day!!! This is ABSOLUTE FUN!!! Want to run the whole hour (I do, I spend a lot of time on the comms with the crew)? Stay out and have fun!!! The last one I did, I was the only one to stay out for the whole hour - most street cars, even FAST / tracked prepped cars, cannot run for a solid hour at speed - they heat soak, brake fade, fun out of fuel, driver overheats, etc...its a GREAT form of vehicle AND driver conditioning...but...what most do is go out for a few hot laps then bring it in for a cool down, rinse / repeat until the checker. FUN either way!! |
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Originally Posted By g300d: I'm sure something like a Corvette will still have an active internet forum. It will probably have a motorsport/HPDE section with a lot of tips. Something like this, and a whole section on the forum on related stuff: https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/first-track-day-prep-and-expectations.156490/ Having been on track with bikes, a lot there you probably already know. Nice car, and I'm sure it will be a hoot on track! Here it is, this specific subforum, I used to frequent it a lot...some really good folks there...nationally known racers, shops, etc...it's not full of the usual forum BS...I've been on track / competed against some of the fine folks on there: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/autocrossing-and-roadracing-23/ |
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Originally Posted By Captain_Buddha: I think you'll be *much* happier - AND - you will also have a LOT more track time!! You would probably have been A-OK with TNIA...but it's the other yahoos that have ZERO track experience that I'd be worried about...so, I think you did a good thing (I can hear the head honchos at SCCA HQ swearing at me now LOL!), you'll REALLY enjoy Chin - which track, Sebring, right? So, with Chin - you get your four or five normal 25-30 minute sessions per day...BUT...and this is the MOST GLORIOUS part about it - ARE YOU READY!!?!?!?>!>!>!>! HAPPY HOUR!!!! ONE SOLID GLORIOUS HOUR of OPEN TRACK at the end of the day!!! This is ABSOLUTE FUN!!! Want to run the whole hour (I do, I spend a lot of time on the comms with the crew)? Stay out and have fun!!! The last one I did, I was the only one to stay out for the whole hour - most street cars, even FAST / tracked prepped cars, cannot run for a solid hour at speed - they heat soak, brake fade, fun out of fuel, driver overheats, etc...its a GREAT form of vehicle AND driver conditioning...but...what most do is go out for a few hot laps then bring it in for a cool down, rinse / repeat until the checker. FUN either way!! I think he would've been fine too, he's been on a track before, its the thought of dealing with other people in an environment like that which scares me. I'm surprised SCCA puts on TNiA given how anal they are about safety stuff for other events like rallycross. Local club had to scrub all the photos of cars catching air when there was an unforseen jump on the course. Probably need to be signed off to run without an instructor for that last hour, thats how autointerests did it. OP may or may not get signed off in a day given his prior experience. Looks like Chin comes to Mid Ohio once, and its Memorial Day, I'll be working.  Looks like its either the SCCA or BMWCCA so far.
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I got my car in October of 24. I’ve now run 7 or 8 track events. In my limited experience, and humble opinion, I offer the following (and in order) 1. Chin. No if’s, ands, or buts. 2. JTI. Solid group, safe, and great instructions. 3. TNiA: Did one at NOLA, probably won’t do again. 4. JZilla. Did once, won’t do again. Be careful, the mod bug bites hard and quick. I started with just brake fluid and track alignment. That has progressed to smaller diameter, wider and stickier tires (305’s all around), camber plates, half cage, full containment seats, 6 point harnesses, and more aggressive brake pads. And as of last weekend, my wife has the bug. She did a ln arrive at drive in an BMW sedan at barber while I was flogging my car. I’ll pile on the “don’t be too quick to solo” bandwagon. Also, if you ever get the chance to have a coach in the car with you, do it. Careful, it’s addictive. (Make sure you get a Simpson Hybrid to wear, you don’t want to Earnhardt yourself) |
Happiness is the greatest agent of purification
Bikini Bottoms underneath, but the boys hearts still skip a beat, when them girls shimmy off, them old cut offs
Bikini Bottoms underneath, but the boys hearts still skip a beat, when them girls shimmy off, them old cut offs
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Sebring's my home track so I could give plenty of tips/advice, but I am also certain there are more qualified people to do that. I'd get car prep out of the way, change all fluids, fresh pads, good if not new tires. Don't forget your own creature comforts. I can post more later but don't have the time right now. I'd be happy to do a ride along, if you need an instructor I *think one of my racing buddies is one (definitely NOT a typical Corvette guy), he's also fast and runs GTA, V8 tube frame. |
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Originally Posted By Captain_Buddha: I think you'll be *much* happier - AND - you will also have a LOT more track time!! You would probably have been A-OK with TNIA...but it's the other yahoos that have ZERO track experience that I'd be worried about...so, I think you did a good thing (I can hear the head honchos at SCCA HQ swearing at me now LOL!), you'll REALLY enjoy Chin - which track, Sebring, right? So, with Chin - you get your four or five normal 25-30 minute sessions per day...BUT...and this is the MOST GLORIOUS part about it - ARE YOU READY!!?!?!?>!>!>!>! HAPPY HOUR!!!! ONE SOLID GLORIOUS HOUR of OPEN TRACK at the end of the day!!! This is ABSOLUTE FUN!!! Want to run the whole hour (I do, I spend a lot of time on the comms with the crew)? Stay out and have fun!!! The last one I did, I was the only one to stay out for the whole hour - most street cars, even FAST / tracked prepped cars, cannot run for a solid hour at speed - they heat soak, brake fade, fun out of fuel, driver overheats, etc...its a GREAT form of vehicle AND driver conditioning...but...what most do is go out for a few hot laps then bring it in for a cool down, rinse / repeat until the checker. FUN either way!! The last session of the day on Sunday when we were at COTA was awesome! I got at least 6-7 laps with not another car in sight. Imagine being (what seemed to me) all by yourself on an F1 track for that length of time, just weeks before the race. I could “hear” the non existent fans cheering from those empty grandstands the whole time!
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Happiness is the greatest agent of purification
Bikini Bottoms underneath, but the boys hearts still skip a beat, when them girls shimmy off, them old cut offs
Bikini Bottoms underneath, but the boys hearts still skip a beat, when them girls shimmy off, them old cut offs
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Originally Posted By bmarshall1: Sebring's my home track so I could give plenty of tips/advice, but I am also certain there are more qualified people to do that. I'd get car prep out of the way, change all fluids, fresh pads, good if not new tires. Don't forget your own creature comforts. I can post more later but don't have the time right now. I'd be happy to do a ride along, if you need an instructor I *think one of my racing buddies is one (definitely NOT a typical Corvette guy), he's also fast and runs GTA, V8 tube frame. Care to tell me who your buddy is? Very possible we know each other. I'm Brad Gross, ran in SCCA GT2, Trans Am TA2, a very short stint in NASCAR Trucks. I absolutely LOVE the GTA - mine is getting freshened up for next season to run in Trans Am SGT. Will be at the PRI Show here in a few weeks. Fun times!! |
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Well I figured I would come back and update this thread. Life has a way of happening and getting in the way of your plans. I had decided I didn't want to use the C8 at all. I have retired it to weekend duty. I ended up picking up a track prepped Porsche 987 S here locally from BaT. I has spent the last better part of the decade as a HPDE car for a family here. This is my first euro car so I am learning its stuff. Fresh fluids all around and rebuilding the calipers, they aren't much different. I did sign up for my actual first track day with PCA at the end of the month at Sebring. I called to get my tech inspection scheduled and was asked about my seats and harnesses. Of course they are expired.... I knew that mattered for racing, but didn't think it would apply to HPDE for some reason in my head. I've got to pick up two seats and harnesses by this weekend so I can get them installed and get the car teched next week sometime. Oh the joys of deadlines! Now that I have put money on the line, something is getting tracked at the end of the month. It might be the 987, C8, or my blackwing at this point. Thats again for the advice. Anyone from here going to be at Sebring for the PCA event end of the month? 
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Originally Posted By NarcedDiver: Well I figured I would come back and update this thread. Life has a way of happening and getting in the way of your plans. I had decided I didn't want to use the C8 at all. I have retired it to weekend duty. I ended up picking up a track prepped Porsche 987 S here locally from BaT. I has spent the last better part of the decade as a HPDE car for a family here. This is my first euro car so I am learning its stuff. Fresh fluids all around and rebuilding the calipers, they aren't much different. I did sign up for my actual first track day with PCA at the end of the month at Sebring. I called to get my tech inspection scheduled and was asked about my seats and harnesses. Of course they are expired.... I knew that mattered for racing, but didn't think it would apply to HPDE for some reason in my head. I've got to pick up two seats and harnesses by this weekend so I can get them installed and get the car teched next week sometime. Oh the joys of deadlines! Now that I have put money on the line, something is getting tracked at the end of the month. It might be the 987, C8, or my blackwing at this point. Thats again for the advice. Anyone from here going to be at Sebring for the PCA event end of the month? https://i.imgur.com/m0yrb8R.jpeg 987, C8 or Blackwing? Are you fucking kidding me?!? That’s awesome. I’m very jealous of the arsenal. I’ve only tracked my Ducati up at Jennings but I have pit crewed for a buddy at Sebring. Any of your cars would be fun to take on the track. It’s bumpy though so prepare yourself for that! I’d opt to track the Porsche, but that’s just me. The C8 wouldn’t be a bad choice either. |
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Originally Posted By flyhack72: 987, C8 or Blackwing? Are you fucking kidding me?!? Work has been kind to me, but it's all coming to an end here this year more than likely. 😐 I will more than likely be selling the corvette to my in-laws. They have been taking it out a lot lately and seem to enjoy it way more than I do. I see a Black wing or two out on the track every time I go to Sebring! I don't intent to track it, but it's a fairly capable car. |
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I've been doing track days for many years through various organizations. When my two sons got old enough I got them involved. They've graduated from a Spec Miata (in my opinion the absolute best car to learn how to drive properly) to higher horsepower Camaros and Corvettes. Like others have said - regardless of which group you decide to run with, or what car you decide to use, quality instruction is absolutely necessary. Everyone thinks they're Mario Andretti until they hit the track with an instructor and then they realize they don't know shit. I've run with Panoz (back when they existed), NASA and JTI. All are pretty good. NASA is the most regimented by far since they are really grooming their future racers. JTI has good instruction and is more laid back. JTI allows car sharing (with restrictions) and allows solo drivers to take passengers (again with restrictions). Never run with Chin but have always heard good things. Cars. We're talking performance cars here, not pickup trucks and minivans. Your first couple of times (with an instructor) you are the biggest restriction. After you get more comfortable and start building speed, car prep becomes more important. The first area to address will be brake fluid and depending on the car, brake pad material. After that look at alignment to improve car balance and improve tire behavior and tire life. But it's the driver that needs the most work in the beginning. Here's an example: How and when you brake is more important initially than the braking components on the car. An instructor can show you how to brake properly, which will vastly improve brake effectiveness and longevity. Once you learn proper techniques then you will see what needs help and can start addressing vehicle shortcomings. With more experience comes more speed, and at this point if your car isn't already equipped you will want a good seat and a harness to hold you in place. Once you start to explore the limits of the car (and yourself) you will be surprised at how important it is to be secured properly in the vehicle. After you are comfortable at speed in the car (solo at this point), the brakes are good for an entire session, your temps are stable and you're approaching the car's limits, then you can start thinking about things like suspension mods, stickier tires, wider wheels, etc. Most folks want to start here, but the single most important element in the equation is the driver by far. As the old saying goes - it ain't the arrow, it's the Indian. So driver first, then car reliability, then more speed. All that aside - it's a blast driving on track! Like others have said it can be addicting, and more expensive than a drug habit! Enjoy yourself and let us know how it goes. |
Don't worry scro...
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Originally Posted By NarcedDiver: Work has been kind to me, but it's all coming to an end here this year more than likely. 😐 I will more than likely be selling the corvette to my in-laws. They have been taking it out a lot lately and seem to enjoy it way more than I do. I see a Black wing or two out on the track every time I go to Sebring! I don't intent to track it, but it's a fairly capable car. It’s always nice to have choices! I’ve been that way with motorcycles. In the end, it doesn’t matter what you take to the track; your bound to have a good time! |
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I haven’t been on track since the pandemic, and I miss it. I was just sitting and looking at my track only R1 just yesterday, thinking…….. |
You should move to the right lane, where the rule of vehicle and traffic law still exists. You will not survive here. You are not a wolf, and the left lane is the land of wolves now.
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I haven’t been on track since the pandemic, and I miss it. I was just sitting and looking at my track only R1 just yesterday, thinking…….. |
You should move to the right lane, where the rule of vehicle and traffic law still exists. You will not survive here. You are not a wolf, and the left lane is the land of wolves now.
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Originally Posted By fttam: I haven’t been on track since the pandemic, and I miss it. I was just sitting and looking at my track only R1 just yesterday, thinking…….. I miss it. I was at PBIR down here at least once a month before it closed. I still kept my helmet and leathers just in case something closer opens and allows bikes again. I tried the miniGP thing and it wasn't the same. |
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Originally Posted By Master_Blaster: Since FL is practically a karting mecca with tracks everywhere, you should give this a try: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=so3UmYMc9FoThe best part is that tracks are typically open for practice most days of the week, so you can do laps almost any time without need for planning, unlike with big road courses. Look into it. Short of F1 or Indy, you'll be hard pressed to find anything with comparable performance, & nothing performance-to-dollar wise. I full-on road-raced superbikes for many years. Expert lightweight classes. And I truly loved the sport. I only quit because I was becoming too old and fragile. I didn't want to be one of the old, fast guys (and there are plenty) that have all kinds of ailments due to injuries that no longer can heal properly. If there was any sort of serious shifter kart racing in my neck of the woods I would have shifted to that (a pun!) in a heartbeat. Alas, no such animals around here I would never track an expensive sports car unless I was 100% prepared to deal financially with bending, breaking or balling it up entirely. Even if you are willing to run around at only 8/10 speed, just to get the flavor and all that sort of thing, you can't count on that to protect you from some other driver who wants to turn it up to 11 and taking you out in the process. |
"Cogito, ergo armatum sum."
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Originally Posted By aa777888-2: This ^^^ is the right answer! Much more fun! A lot less expensive if you make a mistake. And, if you are at all competitive, it's not a question of "if", it's a question of "when" that mistake will happen. If you don't ever crash you are simply not trying hard enough! I full-on road-raced superbikes for many years. Expert lightweight classes. And I truly loved the sport. I only quit because I was becoming too old and fragile. I didn't want to be one of the old, fast guys (and there are plenty) that have all kinds of ailments due to injuries that no longer can heal properly. If there was any sort of serious shifter kart racing in my neck of the woods I would have shifted to that (a pun!) in a heartbeat. Alas, no such animals around here I would never track an expensive sports car unless I was 100% prepared to deal financially with bending, breaking or balling it up entirely. Even if you are willing to run around at only 8/10 speed, just to get the flavor and all that sort of thing, you can't count on that to protect you from some other driver who wants to turn it up to 11 and taking you out in the process. Either be able to wad it up and walk away, or buy track day insurance. Cost of insurance isnt too bad on a modest car. I'm probably taking a break from HPDEs this year since I bought a dual sport to try my hand at some OHV trails. Now the bike has me looking at mini moto racing. Seems to be the cheapest entry into W2W racing, cheaper than Karting. |
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Nice. A friend just picked up a GT4, so our little crew has signed up for a track day on May 2 at BIR so he can feel it out and get used to it before twisty road season. I’m planning to use my M4, which I just realized got zero track time last year. I’ll be curious to see how busy it is (I think it’s the first one of the season). |
This post has been captioned for the humor impaired.
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Originally Posted By NarcedDiver: I miss it. I was at PBIR down here at least once a month before it closed. I still kept my helmet and leathers just in case something closer opens and allows bikes again. I tried the miniGP thing and it wasn't the same. Originally Posted By NarcedDiver: Originally Posted By fttam: I haven’t been on track since the pandemic, and I miss it. I was just sitting and looking at my track only R1 just yesterday, thinking…….. I miss it. I was at PBIR down here at least once a month before it closed. I still kept my helmet and leathers just in case something closer opens and allows bikes again. I tried the miniGP thing and it wasn't the same. There’s a kart track in my AO. They open it up for bikes—mostly sumo, groms, etc. It’s tempting but I’d need to get a 125-400 to do it. Next closest for me is Jennings which is a good 4+ hours away which sucks. |
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I’m scheduled to take my Mazda 6 turbo to a SCCA track night at Road Atlanta next month. First track experience. Pray for me
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“Necessary? Is it necessary for me to drink my own urine? No, but I do it anyway because it’s sterile and I like the taste.” -Patches O’Houlihan
2023/24 Arfcom FPL Champion
2023/24 Arfcom FPL Champion
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Originally Posted By Luny421: I’m scheduled to take my Mazda 6 turbo to a SCCA track night at Road Atlanta next month. First track experience. Pray for me You'll have a lot of fun. Road Atlanta is a great track. Fast, with a lot of elevation change. |
Don't worry scro...
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Congrats, OP!! Have fun!! So, for those looking to go w2w...and FAST / SAFE w2w...with actual cars...not karts....and you have track experience....look into ASA/GTA cars, they are the predecessor of the current TA2 cars...OH MY!!! Tube frame chassis, think "NASCAR"....420 HP at the ground was their base configuration with an LS1 that was RPM restricted to 6,800 RPM. 2,830 pounds with driver. 4-speed dog box (clutch only for starts/stops, like NASCAR), NO ABS, NO traction control/nannies...just YOU!!! CRAZY fast...you better have fast hands...! 10" wide bias-ply 15" rim tires, very low cost! Turnkey cars can be had for $20K-25K. I was clocked at 180 MPH through the tri-oval at Daytona on the 24 Roval layout back in 2015 at the SCCA Runoffs....the car in my sig is one of these cars. |
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Well I had the first time on the track at Sebring this past weekend with PCA. It was a great group and extremely welcoming. My instructor was great and I learned a lot. When I went to check the car over Saturday evening to prepare for Sunday, I found a busted CV boot and grease flung to hell and back. I was also missing all of my wheel weights. I didn't really want to bandaid that so I made the difficult decision to call Sunday and not run. New axle came in today and I got that installed. I am going to reboot the off axle and keep for a spare. It only took about 30-45 minutes from start to finish to do the axle swap. PCA has another even middle of next month and NASA has one end of next month. I am trying to figure out if one/both are in the cards from a scheduling point. Getting it onto the trailer required some gymnastics but that got worked out. I am looking forward to getting out there again for sure! 
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Originally Posted By NarcedDiver: Well I had the first time on the track at Sebring this past weekend with PCA. It was a great group and extremely welcoming. My instructor was great and I learned a lot. When I went to check the car over Saturday evening to prepare for Sunday, I found a busted CV boot and grease flung to hell and back. I was also missing all of my wheel weights. I didn't really want to bandaid that so I made the difficult decision to call Sunday and not run. New axle came in today and I got that installed. I am going to reboot the off axle and keep for a spare. It only took about 30-45 minutes from start to finish to do the axle swap. PCA has another even middle of next month and NASA has one end of next month. I am trying to figure out if one/both are in the cards from a scheduling point. Getting it onto the trailer required some gymnastics but that got worked out. I am looking forward to getting out there again for sure! https://i.postimg.cc/mrJYJTvF/IMG-6643.jpg Nice! Sebring has a way of testing the car....and YOU! It's ROUGH on cars...and drivers! |