Hey all.

I was wondering what you guys think about HPDE, Auto-x, and some other events. I would really like to track or auto-x my car to experience and learn new things. I was wondering if anyone could give me their input as well as kind of guide me, or give me an idea, through the things I would need to do in order to prepare for something like this. I've taken a look at the NASA Pro Racing site and the HPDE looks kind of interesting.

TIA.

 

Start out doing some autoxing. That should get you used to having your car on the edge while being at relatively low speeds. You'll also get used to some of the other things like calming your nerves, changing tires and worrying about tire pressures. For about $40 you should see a combined seat time of a couple of minutes.

When you get bored of standing around all day for a few minutes of seat time, maybe try some rallyxing where you'll probably see a few more minutes of seat time and a car full of dust and dirt for about the same price as autox, but more $ if you want to run rally tires.

Once the itching for more seat time becomes too much to bear sign up for NASA HPDE (or another track day) and have 1000% more fun than either autox or rallyx. The good news is that all the track days I'm aware of will train n00b drivers from the ground up and teach you everything you need to know. The bad news is unlike autox and rallyx, HPDE can be (and is) dangerous and expensive. While autox and rallyx will start to show what you and your car can do HPDE puts you there actually doing it lap after lap after lap. You will come away a better driver.

 

I guess how dangerous something could be is mostly factored by the track right? I heard places like Thunderhill are generally more forgiving because there are less walls. I would love to hear opinions from other people.

 

We'll I took the HDPE at Thunderhill and that was by far one of the best experiences I've had when it comes to learning. Also T-hill is great because the chances of getting in a bad crash are much lower compared to tracks in the other area such as infineon and laguna seca.
I'll be at the install-fest so if you want any other info about this kinda thing I can talk to you about it there.
-John

 

Thanks John. I am going to PM you right now. Need to ask you something.

 

It is possible to be safe on any of the three Norcal race tracks, but Thunderhill is definitely the most forgiving.

The important thing is to learn car control gradually and drive with your brain and not your ..... since they can get you into trouble that you may not be ready to get yourself out of. Panic reactions are cataclysmic on the track- I.E. a throttle lift while the suspension is completely loaded!

 

In my car's current state, do you think I could track at Thunderhill? I am contemplating participating in the April 14 or 15th event.

 

Can't be the judge of that- you are responsible for your own equipment. Do you trust it to be safe and reliable at T-hill? Look at an example tech inspection form from one of the track organization websites.

 

I agree with autocross first. Safe and excellent way to learn car control then go with the road race so you are more prepared for those high speed turns. I was just at the bay area thread and I heard there were 2 accidents on the recent track day event that totalled at least one car. Both drivers were ok it with minor injuries. I think we cannot overemphasize safety in any form of motorsports.

 

Yes you can definately take your car to t-hill. At almost every driving school they host there is someone in some complete pos car that comes out - they've had mini van's on the track. At the last track day that I went to there was a woman driving her bmw X5.
-john

 

just remember the cost of tires, brakes, gas, food, Lodging (if needed) for a track day. it's not as cheap as many describe.

Also, the learning curve is much flatter. If you don't go to different tracks, you'll only learn the few you go to well, and this will not help your driving.

Autox has an extremely steep learning curve. If you commit yourself 100%, in one season alone your driving will improve dramatically. It will make you a safer, more experienced, faster driver, in any condition or situation.

If you get stuck about the driving time vs cost, well, you can go hit track days for about $500 or so with all other other costs worked in and get a better rush.

if you want to autox, just come out to scca events. www.sfrscca.org/solo2

-Gagan

 

I don't think anyone has claimed track days aren't expensive. There are a lot more 'hidden costs associated with track days than autox or rallyx. Wear is greatly accelerated on everything in the car. Brake pads and fluid can easily be consumed in a weekend. Tire wear is an obvious result, and track tires can run @ $700 plus the cost of a second set of wheels to put them on. I usually burn about a 1/4 tank of gas during each session, some people go through more than that. Hotel rooms, meals, and transit fuel and missed time from work are other costs to take into consideration on top of the membership and entry fees. Its really a matter of how important this kind of outting is to you and how badly it impacts your financial situation. For me this activity is a significant impact and the finances are always at the root of my planning.

 

I think what appeals for me the HPDE is the one-on-one attention you get when you start in Group 1, and the 20 minute run groups.

I think that I am kind of smack dab in the middle of all the Auto-x chapters. I know there is one in Reno, one in Stockton, and the Bay Area, but I guess I am pretty much open to anything.

I can imagine that tracking can run a lot. I'll have to keep those items in mind.

 

Yo Kev, tracking is the way to go, but you gotta think about how much it'll cost. The drive to T-Hill from Davis isn't that bad atleast, but pumping some race gas IS expensive, although I doubt you'll NEED it, but I think it's just better. I think Kevin, right now, you should start making BIG money before you do this. Trying it once or twice though is a great idea, but personally, I'm going to have a career before I dive into tracking. Imagine how much more fun it will be to have a fully built track car with roll cage + baller suspensions getting trailer by your v16 10 liter monster of a SUV on the weekend with your family and friends enjoying raaaaacing. Thats my dream right there.

What were you doing the weekend Benny and I went up to THill? I saw what's need for tracking, and you can do it with the bare minimals like fluid/brakes (which you upgraded which is great) and just gas and entrance monies. Lemme know when you go, I wanna tag along.

 

I was at home in Fremont chilling. I thought you said that your parents wouldn't let you track your STi.