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bret
04-15-2010, 04:01 PM
I know there is a section for this but this section gets more attention...

Time to step up boys and girls. Several companies have gone to a large amount of time and expense to product the various track day events such as Run to the Coast, Face Off at Road America, the Midwest Musclecar Challenge and the Morostate event at GingerMan raceway.

I understand that humans tend to wait until the last minute to committ to anything [I know I do]. I also understand that many are a bit timid about exposing their car and themselves to the perceived rigors of a track day event. Humans [especially males] are allergic to appearing anything less than profecient at any given activity.
In reality, the only way to get profecient is to practice. The only was to practice is to get on the track. The only way to find out what is going to fall off your car first is to...get on the track and see what falls off first. Beleive me, you WILL NOT be the first person to:
a. have a component failure at the track
b. not know the proper track "etiquette"
c. appear as slow as your wifes mini van
d. have so much fun that you become forever hooked on going to the track

Signing up early is important...these people have to PLAN to make sure everyone gets there moneys worth of fun at these things.
It also takes a fair amount of financial committment to put these event together.

As for the entry fee...at $300 for the weekend...that $150 a day...$10 bucks an hour if you include the social time in the evenings. Compare that to going to the mall!

Its not hard...the equipment needed is minimal:

1. A vehicle. We don't care what it looks like.
2. You. We don't care what you look like either.
3. A helmet. Ditto on the looks but check each event's rules for certification label requirements

Each event has some specific rules on safety equipment and such, but common sense will get you 95% there...functioning brakes, functioning seat belts, battery tied down, all wheel studs and wheel bearings intact, no leaking fluids, no loose items in the car while you are on the track.

The absolute best part of any of these events is the socializing that is done at the track and at the motels. You are talking about a group of like minded people that you will not find anywhere else. It's not competition, it's comraderie x10.

For you guys who have not participated in a track day...come on out. You AND your car will be improved because of it. And bring your family...what kid doesnt like to watch a car go fast!

For you veterans...you already know how much fun it is...get signed up!

See you all there!

http://www.midwestmusclecarchallenge.com/

http://www.optimainvitational.com/faceoff/

http://www.pro-touring.com/events/msc/2010/

Bow Tie 67
04-15-2010, 04:27 PM
Well said Bret, made me laugh, I for one would love to go to every event. Dam so many popped up this year. But as a newly wed with a car still torn apart I'm not sure I can make it.

For those that are on the fence or have never done this type of event, as Brian would say, step up, You WILL NOT be disappointed. If you get a chance to ride with Bret, Take It. I was fortunate enough to get a ride in Steve Chryssos Camaro with Bret as the pilot, at the last year one event. Holy Sheet, I have never been in a car so out of control, yet in control, in my life. :thumbsup:

Anyone close enough with the time and cash needs to attend. As Bret said, dont worry about being a newbie, everyone is at one time, but if your anything like myself, its legal Crack, or at least I would assume crack is this addictive.

Signed,

Your friendly neighborhood Street Freak!!

P.S.

Off to my second coat of paint on the new upgrades, :)

GrpB
04-15-2010, 08:46 PM
If the event organizers have any interest in offering door prizes or individual event prizes for the Gingerman event I would be interested offering some prints. I am a Michigan local and have lots of laps at Gingerman. If there is any interest please PM me. Thanks!

http://motorsport-studio.com/images/m83220.jpg

Steve1968LS2
04-15-2010, 10:47 PM
I said it on the other site and I'll say it here..

time to get out there and HAVE FUN...

Will you win? Who cares.. that's not the point.

The point is to just have fun using your car as intented.. Hell, drive at 7/10ths and grin from ear to ear..

After a few events you can work at getting faster or just continue in the glory of hearing your car wind out.

Will you break parts? Maybe.. but that could happen going down the road and to be honest it's better for it to happen on a track.

Could you crash? Yea, but it's more likely you'll have an accident on the highways driving with "joe public".. the track is way safer. (ask me how I know)

Autocrossing is addictive fun and as safe as can be.. the road track can be a bit more intimidating, but just drive at your comfort level and develop you skills over time.

Many of you said you wanted events.. now you have the best events in the history of our hobby. But their continued existance depends on YOU.. if you stay stuck to your lawn chairs these events will cease to exist.

So buckle up buttercup and come play!

Payton King
04-16-2010, 07:14 AM
that I am truly proficient at is drinking beer on the deck. Have have been know to stretch myself on occasion and have one in the hotel parking lot with the guys at these events or at Bill Howell's toy box.

As much as I would like to go to every event, my schedule will not allow it...along with my wife. However there is a bight spot as I will be attending Motor State in June (765 miles one way) along with RTTH6 in September.

For those that have not been to any of these events, they are an absolute ball. I have never been a show car/lawn chair kind of guy, but I have gotten to the point that unless there is driving involved, I am not going. You will be driving at these events but what is the most fun are the people/characters that you will hang out with during the weekend.

Come on folks, sign up and have some fun. No participation means no events.

Roadbuster
04-16-2010, 06:47 PM
Yes! Steve has it right! I went to the RTTC which was my first event. Had a lot of fun got to meet some very nice people in person and have a blast driving my car. Was it the fastest? No way. Didn't have to be to an incredible amount of fun! I took it easy to learn and test my car. I found a couple of minor issues that I will fix before the next event. Great people and a great event! I will attend the next one!

Jon


I said it on the other site and I'll say it here..

time to get out there and HAVE FUN...

Will you win? Who cares.. that's not the point.

The point is to just have fun using your car as intented.. Hell, drive at 7/10ths and grin from ear to ear..

After a few events you can work at getting faster or just continue in the glory of hearing your car wind out.

Will you break parts? Maybe.. but that could happen going down the road and to be honest it's better for it to happen on a track.

Could you crash? Yea, but it's more likely you'll have an accident on the highways driving with "joe public".. the track is way safer. (ask me how I know)

Autocrossing is addictive fun and as safe as can be.. the road track can be a bit more intimidating, but just drive at your comfort level and develop you skills over time.

Many of you said you wanted events.. now you have the best events in the history of our hobby. But their continued existance depends on YOU.. if you stay stuck to your lawn chairs these events will cease to exist.

So buckle up buttercup and come play!