Track Day At Road Atlanta ...

[jhuang76]

I just want to let people know ahead of time that I'm trying to set up a track day at Road Atlanta, in Braselton GA (not too far from SC border for all you SC and NC members).

The thing is, we need as many people as possible. Plus, I'll try and talk to other auto clubs to see if they'll share the course with us. My goal is to have (like the regular track day) 4 sessions with around 10-15 laps per session (2.54 miles per lap). For all you who feel this isn't enough, trust me. Unless you have a raced prepped car (running race compound pads), you'll get MAJOR brake fade after awhile.

FYI, the regular track day is $225 so I'm hoping to cut the cost to below $200!

I'll keep everybody posted here (as well as with Mike since he's gonna do a lot of the organization)!

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[Blindeye_03]

I have never 'raced' before on a closed course...what would I need to bring along? Plus my car is reletively stock, except for my intake and soon to be exhaust, I dont wanna make myself look like a fool on the track *although I am a newbie, I have to mess up sometime*...

[Porter]

OHHH MY GOD I AM SO THERE!

(curling into fetal position)

I'll get my GF to make you cookies if you can pull this one off!

[bobg]

what kind of cookies? If my schedule permits - I'll be there. Road Atlanta is a lot of fun!

[Porter]

Uhh, chocolate chip? Peanut butter? Macadamia nut? Whatever! She makes yummy cookies.

[Tkacik]

1 vote for chocolate chip.

[Blindeye_03]

I have a really dumb question:
-If brake fade is a big issue, do I need to go ahead and get new rotors and pads? I have NEVER raced before, so I know this is a newbie question...cuz im a newbie .

[jwooman]

If you really want to "RACE", yes. If not, then I suggest you change it after the track day.

[jhuang76]

Near stock cars will be no problem. I'm gonna see if we could get one of the instructors to walk the course for us (just like what they do for the normal track day).

Plus, with only 10 laps, stock pads and rotors should be fine. Also, if you're new, you're probably not going to go 100% - heck, I wouldn't recommend it until you're very comfortable with the course. I was just saying that too many more laps would start being a problem!

Also, for the experienced WRX or the turbo'd RS, the could run in another group (or w/ for example the high powered Z-club cars). Again, segregating the cars will help to make it more fun for everyone.

BTW, if anybody knows any other car clubs around here, let me know there contact info.

Finally, I vote for ANY cookie (as Homer would say, yuuuummmm coooookiieeeee)

[L.Lamb III]

I have logged about 1500 miles at RA since 1996.I would be willing to help out and attend.I would also suggest Carolina Motorsports Park($3600 vs $8500).
Saftey First then Brakes !

[remarcable]

Awesome I would love to do this.

What does a racing newbie need for this sort of fun?

I am assuming a helmet of course....

But are there any other requirements?

My tires are S rated (blech)... Problem?

I have aftermarket lights on the front bumper (they have been secure so far at up to 95MPH)... problem?

Thanks, and I would love to participate especially since it is so close.

-Marc

[atlien]

I'm totally there. I'm glad the Subaru guy finally said he would help out. I kept trying to push him that way, but he never would say it . Keep me posted. Oh, and I'd be down for Carolina or Talladega or wherever.

[pleiades]

I vote: sugar cookies! Porter is not allowed to run in my group!!

[mpaone]

Very cool Joseph! Just keep me updated...

-Mike.

[KITTbri]

ohh i am all over this one... i hope

i say 1doz choc chip, 1doz sugar (for sugar) and 1doz peanut butter!

i only hope i'll have the money for my new tires and brakes by then!

-brian-
"fears no mortal driver... just his own sorry ability"

[2.5GTL]

I'm interested in a RA event. I would probably be more interested in Talladega, but RA is good to. RA is just more of a fast course and I like the grip of Talladega and that it is more about corners than flat out speed. Personal preference. Let me know either way.

[KITTbri]

i know two Audi drivers who could be up for it... and the SCCA group would be good too...

[jhuang76]

Okay, thanks to L.LambIII, here is another possible site for a track day.
http://www.cmpracetrack.com/

From the description, it sound like a very nice course - plenty of straights for high speeds (we should get close to 120-125 MPH) but with some good technical corners!

Here is a track schematic: http://www.cmpracetrack.com/track.htm

Cost: http://www.cmpracetrack.com/rates.htm
It is much cheaper than RA! Not including ambulance and security (don't know how much) - if we rent in July or August, it is only $2000/day + $15/vehicle(irregardless of day)!

Heck, at that low price, we could even throw in hotel (group rates) for non-local and have like a huge party afterwards!

BTW, for those who don't know, here is a link to Road Atlanta and Panoz (so everyone can compare the competition)!

Track day: http://www.panozracingschool.com/Tra...ays%20Home.asp

Course: http://www.roadatlanta.com/map.htm

[jhuang76]

Okay, talked to Road Atlanta and here how a custom track day works:

The total for one day rental is $17,500 - including lunch and instructor (this is exactly like their Track Day but at a group rate - go to http://www.panozracingschool.com for more info).

With around 60 people, you'll get 6 30min sessions (like their Sunday track day). This equates to about $292 / person instead of $325.

With around 90 people, you'll get 4 30min sessions (like their Saturday track day). This equates to about $194 / person instead of $225.

Now, I'm aiming for the 90 people group. The REP at RoadAtlanta mentioned the NSX club was interested but needed more people (heck, 90 is a big number). Plus, I'm going to contact a good friend in the Z-club as well as someone I know (Bob from Performance Imports) in the Porsche club.

With 4 clubs + misc other people, I'm hoping to hit a little above 90 to keep the cost down to around $190 (a savings of $35 per person)!

[jhuang76]

BTW, helments are available for rental at the track. SA2000 approved helments are definately fine (open face is okay as well), but not sure about SA95 (should be).

As far as safety, if you have extra/aftermarket lights (remarcable), make 100% sure they are secure. If not, it would be a good idea to remove them.

There will be a technical inspection before the event.

As far as overall safety, the safest thing to do is pace yourself. Don't overestimate your own abilities (and your cars).

[Tkacik]

17,500...........*eek* thats more than I paid for my car Keep it up Joseph

[atlien]

Either track looks good to me, but that is a long drive to CMP. If we could just get 25 or 30 peple we could do CMP for around $100! I know lets do both!

[bobg]

Atlanta Motor Speedway might be another option. The have a road course, I have never seen it, but friends have told me its a good course. And its less expensive than RA
http://www.atlantamotorspeedway.com/...ckrental.shtml

[skidplatez]

don't forget Talladega Grand Prix! Originally a motorcycle course it is plenty technical No accomadations though. www.TGPRace.com

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[Matt]

Any of us Floridians allowed?

I'd love to go and for accomodations, I'll sleep in my car.

Are there any tenative dates for this yet?