AUDT: I-Club Track Day?
I gotta say, Bonster host great track events.... my first track day is with them and i had a blast that day.
Been doing like track for the past 2 years now, and did probably like 7 or 8 times at Thunderhill. Even right now, i still get miatas and hondas pass me through the turns...
And for track is not about how many car you can pass but how big of smile you got when you get off the track...
Been doing like track for the past 2 years now, and did probably like 7 or 8 times at Thunderhill. Even right now, i still get miatas and hondas pass me through the turns...
And for track is not about how many car you can pass but how big of smile you got when you get off the track...
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Chicks dig me. April Fool's!
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From: Fremont, CA
Car Info: 1997 Impreza, 2014 BRZ
Thanks, Kevin, for the PM directing me to this thread.
Of the groups (other than T.E.A.M. Racing, that is), I would recommend Unlimited Laps or Track Masters. Those two groups are far more organized and you will likely enjoy your day more. Unlimited laps tends to have more track time, as they only run three groups -- or at least, that's how they've done it in the past. T.E.A.M., of course, also runs three groups, so we get more track time as well.
Kevin . . . April is really not short notice, not in the world of motorsports. Every time I've tried to advertise early, people forget the event exists unless I constantly remind them. In fact, we've only got about a dozen signups for the April 4th Thunderhill event. Most likely, if the past repeats itself, we'll get the bulk of our signups in early March or so.
Anyway, since we do have a lot of room still, we could do something special for the Subie folks. Our novice group usually fills up first, and space is limited to 20 drivers, so if you wanna sign up for that group I highly recommend you do it very soon.
We are still the lowest price for the quality, I will say that much. There are a few clubs that offer the event for less, but they get less track time and there aren't instructors. Some groups actually charge MORE and still don't offer designated instructors. We set you up in advance with an instructor to make sure you know what to expect from each other. It has worked out nicely in the past.
Kevin mentioned the possibility of a group buy . . . I can work with that. But remember, it costs about $11,000 per day to rent the track and pay for all other associated items. So I can't do like we did in January with the $150 a day thing, as the track is now full price to rent (in December and January they usually give us a discount to the tune of about $4k), but if I see enough interest from the Subie crowd, I will most certainly talk to my partner and we'll come up with a special rate for you folks.
And by the way . . . to whoever said something like "remind them that they drive a Miata and they'll crawl into their trunks." You obviously have not seen a good Miata driver yet. While an STI will blow my doors off in the straights, I bet you can't keep up with me in those turns. Hehe. That's kind of unfair, though, as my Miata is actually a Spec Miata racecar. But that comment, I have to admit, did make me chuckle. I guess I'm used to it. Just remember, there are different levels of experience out there, and some Miatas have turbos installed. Yikes! Lol. I like to tell folks this little tidbit . . ."a good driver can make a slow car go fast; a bad driver can make a fast car go slow."
Anyway, thanks again Kevin for prompting me about this thread. If anyone has questions, please feel free to ask.
Of the groups (other than T.E.A.M. Racing, that is), I would recommend Unlimited Laps or Track Masters. Those two groups are far more organized and you will likely enjoy your day more. Unlimited laps tends to have more track time, as they only run three groups -- or at least, that's how they've done it in the past. T.E.A.M., of course, also runs three groups, so we get more track time as well.
Kevin . . . April is really not short notice, not in the world of motorsports. Every time I've tried to advertise early, people forget the event exists unless I constantly remind them. In fact, we've only got about a dozen signups for the April 4th Thunderhill event. Most likely, if the past repeats itself, we'll get the bulk of our signups in early March or so.
Anyway, since we do have a lot of room still, we could do something special for the Subie folks. Our novice group usually fills up first, and space is limited to 20 drivers, so if you wanna sign up for that group I highly recommend you do it very soon.
We are still the lowest price for the quality, I will say that much. There are a few clubs that offer the event for less, but they get less track time and there aren't instructors. Some groups actually charge MORE and still don't offer designated instructors. We set you up in advance with an instructor to make sure you know what to expect from each other. It has worked out nicely in the past.
Kevin mentioned the possibility of a group buy . . . I can work with that. But remember, it costs about $11,000 per day to rent the track and pay for all other associated items. So I can't do like we did in January with the $150 a day thing, as the track is now full price to rent (in December and January they usually give us a discount to the tune of about $4k), but if I see enough interest from the Subie crowd, I will most certainly talk to my partner and we'll come up with a special rate for you folks.
And by the way . . . to whoever said something like "remind them that they drive a Miata and they'll crawl into their trunks." You obviously have not seen a good Miata driver yet. While an STI will blow my doors off in the straights, I bet you can't keep up with me in those turns. Hehe. That's kind of unfair, though, as my Miata is actually a Spec Miata racecar. But that comment, I have to admit, did make me chuckle. I guess I'm used to it. Just remember, there are different levels of experience out there, and some Miatas have turbos installed. Yikes! Lol. I like to tell folks this little tidbit . . ."a good driver can make a slow car go fast; a bad driver can make a fast car go slow."
Anyway, thanks again Kevin for prompting me about this thread. If anyone has questions, please feel free to ask.
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I gotta say, Bonster host great track events.... my first track day is with them and i had a blast that day.
Been doing like track for the past 2 years now, and did probably like 7 or 8 times at Thunderhill. Even right now, i still get miatas and hondas pass me through the turns...
And for track is not about how many car you can pass but how big of smile you got when you get off the track...
Been doing like track for the past 2 years now, and did probably like 7 or 8 times at Thunderhill. Even right now, i still get miatas and hondas pass me through the turns...
And for track is not about how many car you can pass but how big of smile you got when you get off the track...
However, I have to pick the organization I go with in accordance with my schedule more than a favorite group
I recommend i-club just gather and sign up for one of the track days done by one of these groups. They are experienced, and I know I'd be going with organizers who are experienced at it.
BTW, any group that has poor practices?
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***This is heresay, so take it as you wish. I have heard from quite a few drivers that Speed Ventures and the Golden Gate Lotus Club are not the best groups to run with. Apparently there was little to no instuction (I was actually at a GGLC event where the host polled the group at a drivers meeting asking the advanced drivers if they could instruct), food and beverage was not supplied, and there were no dowload (classroom) sessions. So if I were to actually recommend against a group -- something I really don't like to do -- those two would be what I would steer clear of.
I'd stick with groups that offer organized instruction and offer food and beverage -- groups like ours, of course, and Track Masters, Unlimited Laps, etc.. NASA is a bit more aggressive, but they do have an excellent instruction program backed by outstanding downloads. So really, you have at least four groups to choose from. Now all you gotta do is figure out when you can go, and which is the best deal for the track time available.
I'd stick with groups that offer organized instruction and offer food and beverage -- groups like ours, of course, and Track Masters, Unlimited Laps, etc.. NASA is a bit more aggressive, but they do have an excellent instruction program backed by outstanding downloads. So really, you have at least four groups to choose from. Now all you gotta do is figure out when you can go, and which is the best deal for the track time available.
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Chicks dig me. April Fool's!
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I'll try my best. Like I said earlier in the thread, it is hard to get the numbers we need to do an exclusive track day.
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If you guys want an exclusive track day just for Subies, I suggest you think about a date for 2009. Thunderhill is pretty much full. I only got two dates this year, as opposed to our normal six or so dates there. I'd be glad to organize it and all, no worries. But I'd need committment from a good 50 Subie drivers. I don't mean "Yeah, I'll be there" . . . I mean send in payment so that I can drive to the track, plunk down a check, and say "we want this date."
Otherwise, just try and get a bunch of Subie folks together for an already planned event. Like I said, we only have 15 drivers (as of this afternoon), so you could really make it a mostly Subie event still. But you gotta be quick -- it's first come, first served.
Keep me posted . . .
Otherwise, just try and get a bunch of Subie folks together for an already planned event. Like I said, we only have 15 drivers (as of this afternoon), so you could really make it a mostly Subie event still. But you gotta be quick -- it's first come, first served.
Keep me posted . . .
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Chicks dig me. April Fool's!
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From: Fremont, CA
Car Info: 1997 Impreza, 2014 BRZ
I'll try my best to.
I think it'd be cool to at least do a "Hypermeet" with NorCalEvo or something. At least it'll be a little more feasible. 25 members from each forum as opposed to 50 from only one forum. I guess we need to weigh our options.
I think it'd be cool to at least do a "Hypermeet" with NorCalEvo or something. At least it'll be a little more feasible. 25 members from each forum as opposed to 50 from only one forum. I guess we need to weigh our options.
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Chicks dig me. April Fool's!
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Car Info: 1997 Impreza, 2014 BRZ
As for events go, I am thinking about participating in the TEAM event for April 4th. Anyone else in with that event. Still time. Just save up $40 a week for 6 weeks. Not too bad.
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I can understand what you were saying about Speed Ventures, especially from the point of view of a beginner (I know you are not a beginning, just saying). However, I think Speed Ventures is catered to people with a lot of experience that do not need instruction. Probably people who can handle race like conditions, but can not afford to actually race. Maybe "time attack" crowd? Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn't SV have races through out the day? Not to mention they offer timing which a beginner should really not worry about at all. I've never done a SV day, but have talked to the guys that run if before and they all seem down to earth good guys. It seems the newer driver in a Subaru WRX would be better off doing a TM, UL, TEAM, HOD day while a more experienced driver in a Porsche GT3 would have a better time at SV.
Which track organizer you prefer is all pretty much opinion, and your experience level is probably a big factor also. I for one do not like NASA days because the download meetings are mandatory for all groups. I don't like the meetings at all. I prefer to relax after I get off track, check the car out, and energize up with liquids and food. I do not like having to jump out of the car and run to a download meeting that I feel is absolutely pointless for the advanced drivers. TM and HOD have the meetings for the Advanced drivers but I have never been told they are mandatory and only a few people would go. With NASA you actually have to get a sticker or they won't let you out on track. And I could careless if the organizer offers free drinks and food. I bring my own stuff anyways. But hey, thats just me!
I have had good experiences with Hooked On Driving, NASA, Track Masters, Unlimited laps and I have heard good stuff about TEAM but have never personally done a day with them. Hooked on Driving I would probably recommend the most, very good organization. NASA is also very good but can be intimidating for a first time tracker because it is incredible crowded since NASA holds the HPDE and races on the same weekend.
Which track organizer you prefer is all pretty much opinion, and your experience level is probably a big factor also. I for one do not like NASA days because the download meetings are mandatory for all groups. I don't like the meetings at all. I prefer to relax after I get off track, check the car out, and energize up with liquids and food. I do not like having to jump out of the car and run to a download meeting that I feel is absolutely pointless for the advanced drivers. TM and HOD have the meetings for the Advanced drivers but I have never been told they are mandatory and only a few people would go. With NASA you actually have to get a sticker or they won't let you out on track. And I could careless if the organizer offers free drinks and food. I bring my own stuff anyways. But hey, thats just me!
I have had good experiences with Hooked On Driving, NASA, Track Masters, Unlimited laps and I have heard good stuff about TEAM but have never personally done a day with them. Hooked on Driving I would probably recommend the most, very good organization. NASA is also very good but can be intimidating for a first time tracker because it is incredible crowded since NASA holds the HPDE and races on the same weekend.
Last edited by blue blurr; Feb 14, 2008 at 02:16 PM.
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Chicks dig me. April Fool's!
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Bump.
I think we should look into something in 2009. Yeah... I think we have to face the hard facts that an event won't happen this year on such short notice, but hey, we can always attend an event together. I am thinking about the April 4th event.
I think we should look into something in 2009. Yeah... I think we have to face the hard facts that an event won't happen this year on such short notice, but hey, we can always attend an event together. I am thinking about the April 4th event.
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We usually start bugging the track in October for the next year's dates. If you guys can come up with say, three or four days that you can for sure make, I'll put a bid in for them asap.