Hi All
As Greg mentions, there are ways to go racing quickly and inexpensively, IF
that is what you want. There is an organization called National auot Sport
Association (NASA) this is similar to SCCA, but much less expensive and far
fewer and looser rules that gets you racing in a day. After a $50 membership
fee, and some initial info, you can attend race weekends at Thunder Hill and
actually go racing. You must pass a tech inspection, roughly $100, a call to
NASA, based in Richmond, CA. take a group I beginners race with an
instructor in the car, who will instruct you on the basics of finding the
racing line, cornering, etc., everything you need to know to race as fast as
you are comfortable, cost is about $150 for the weeknd, and then if you pass
you can move up to group II or III, and actually go racing. They will keep
you in the appropriate group for your skill and ability, and if you don't
pass, you can take the group I race again until you do pass. Take some
tools, a helmet, and some other essentials, stay at a motel nearby, and you
can race all weekend. They hold these race sessions several times a year.
But as Greg mentioned, you will go through tire and brakes more quickly, but
heh, how much fun can you have. All you need is a drivers license, a helmet,
and the car that you own. That could be a fun weekend for the group.
Michael
64 TR4
----- Original Message -----
From: "Greg Tatarian" <gtwincams@gmail.com>
To: <nobbc@autox.team.net>
Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2010 9:58 AM
Subject: [Nobbc] Racing vs. track days vs. ?
> Hi All,
>
> Moving onto the discussion of ways to safely drive your car too fast,
> there have been a few good comments about the high cost of real racing,
> and the alternatives that still get you out on the track.
>
> 1) Hooked on Driving. Well-organized, reputation for excellent
> instructors, driving is at 7/10, helmet required, car needs to be tech'd,
> but nothing extreme. Costs money, but participants say they learn a LOT
> about how to handle their car, how to pick the right lines through a turn,
> etc.
> 2) Autocrossing (Solo II). We have a local club, Empire Sports Car
> Association, that puts on monthly autocrosses at the Santa Rosa Airport
> each month during dry seasons. Inexpensive, bring your street car with or
> without mods (must be safety tech'd, and must wear helmet). I say
> inexpensive, but tires are going to last 1-2 seasons depending on your
> skill and car speed, and you'll probably want track tires on second set of
> rims if you get serious about the sport. Really serious autocrossers build
> or buy a car just for the sport, but the best thing is you can drive
> whatever you have, and have a blast!
> 3) Local club track days. Varies by club, but sometimes not quite as
> organized and polished as HOD, and most clubs only have track days 1-4x
> each year. Experienced club members serve as instructors for first-timers,
> and there is usually some form of class and/or initial training. GGLC
> hosts autocrosses and track days, for example.
> 4) Hooking up with another car club to share track time and costs. Porsche
> club, among others, often shares track time with other clubs. Can make for
> a long day, but can be a good alternative.
> 5) Open track days at tracks such as Infineon. This is when they open the
> track, usually for those with racing licenses, for purposes of testing and
> practice.
> 6) Take competition or defensive driving courses at a track. Expensive,
> but intensive and you'll walk away (drive away) a better driver.
>
> If you haven't had competition or performance driving training, you'll be
> surprised how much you can learn, particularly with HOD or other organized
> event. Excellent street drivers can still learn some useful things on a
> track with an instructor. All in all, any form of performance driving ends
> up costing you more money than driving your car on the street,
> particularly since your insurance won't apply if you stuff your car into a
> wall or break something on the track, and you will wear out tires and
> brakes faster. But most become better drivers on the street, and hey, one
> must have hobbies, right?
>
> Cheers,
> Greg Tatarian
> 1971 Lotus Elan S4
> 1974 Triumph TR6
> ex-1 season SCCA/SCCSCC racer, youthful Mulholland Drive fool, ESCA member
> (lapsed - no time lately)
>
>
>
>
>
> On 6/8/2010 9:04 AM, Tim Thresh wrote:
>>
>> Definiely we should do this again. Perhaps for IRL in August, but more
>> likely for the SCCA meet in October (both at Infineon). Serious racing
>> is both expensive and requires commitments. One has to take several
>> classes for a race license. However there may be other opportunities for
>> track days without a license? I know that car clubs often do this.
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