So never rolled a car onto a track, but had an opportunity along with a friend in a Viper to try it out at Willow Springs. It was a rental day limited to 25 people on the main 2.5 mile track. We started with about 45 minutes in the classroom getting some very helpful instruction from a track instructor. Then we drove the track in his car for a few laps. After that, we were on our way.

The other cars were a mix of Z06's, BMW's,Vipers, Lotus, Porsches', Mustangs, a Miata, some kind of race car and a few Cooper S's. Funny how the cars I thought I'd stay with were not as expected.

First few laps were just learning lines and getting a feel for the car at speed. Surprised by how slow the car felt out there...getting blown away by the v-8's etc like I was standing still.

The biggest surprise to me was how the car handled at speed vs. what I expected based on limited street and canyon playing around. Way more stable, very predictable sliding and settled in great through fast turns. I was really worried about the back end stepping out, but it just didn't happen.

There were four instructors there to help, give advice, drive with you, etc etc depending on what you wanted to do. My best progress came chasing the instructor while he was in a drivers Boxster. Less drama and more corner speed.Though I was able to pass a handful of people, there was clearly much to learn and my lap times came down every lap.


I could babble about the day for hours, but if you get the opportunity to do something like this, it's highly recommended. Cost wasn't too bad, and my tires survived . Track tires would've been great, but I'm leasing and not sure I'll keep the car so ran what I had.

btw, box stock 2004, stock tires, about 19000 miles on the car. Race mod's were taking out the spare to keep the EZ-up from blowing away . Ran 32 psi cold with a full tank of gas. Probably did close to 90 miles for the day and used less than 1/2 tank so if I do this again, will go with less gas. Plus you can fill-up there.

Drive safe,

Mark

 

Glad you enjoyed your first track experience! I am awaiting for mine. Hopefully next season. Many tracks here require roll cage/bar.

 

On certain days Willow does require that, but on the private rentals the rules are less demanding. There have been events there that I couldn't join in due to the the roll-cage requirement. Fortunately this group tries to go once a month so I can get some consistent driving assuming I can keep buying tires.

Mark

 

nice writeup! i want to track also. i may have to get track tires.

 

It's not the cars you are "staying with", it's the drivers.

 

I don't know, some of these newer car's practically drive themselves.

 

I did a track day Summit Point, WV and had a blast. After reading all those thread about snap overstear, I expected more trouble as well. But ths S was rock solid. It was also fun to get the car up over 100, nice and solid, and great brakes too, I only had antilock come on twice and didn't notice VSA, though I'm sure it came on a couple times. I spent most of my time in 3rd and 4th, hitting 5th in the straights. Only 1 turn would have be better in 2nd, but it was easier to stay in third.

One thing that did kinda ruin it for me was worrying about wrecking the car. It had 2500 miles on it, and the last thing I wanted to do was call the insurance company from the track. I highly recomend it as well and would have paid a couple hundred more for a single day insurance policy for the peace of mind.

 

Exactly! While I'm figuring I'd pass these guys 'cuz they have less hp, etc, not the case. The inexperienced guys in Vettes and Porsches were the easier drivers to get around. The ones in the Lotus and Miata with lots of time on the track...they went by me easily.

While the Honda felt slow on the track, the last thing I needed was more hp. Better lines and the lap times will drop.

mg

 

Our instructor told a story of a recent driver in a 6 Series BMW that was relying on the computer too much thru a particularly tricky section of the track. It continually saved his butt and backed off the throttle.

As the driver got faster during the day, he kept making the same mistake. So physics stepped into play, the computer gave an error message and off the track he went. Decent amount of damage to the car unfortunately.

mg