I did one of their a "Fun Day" track events 2 weeks ago. What a blast! It's a wonderful little track, totally challenging with a little bit of everything.

The physical facility is underwhelming, to say the least: we drove right by it the first time thinking it was a junk yard. Then when we saw the track, which had some bumps, cracks with grass growing thu, etc.,we were thinking-this isn't going to be good.

We were wrong. While the physical plant is ramshackle, the track is a gem. Lots of interesting little tricks to figure out. Top speed in an Evo would be around 115-120 mph (I was driving a Honda Accord so can't say for sure). The track map does not do it justice, you have to try it & see for yourself.

The Fun Day costs $120 & they run 3 groups (fast/medium/slow-newbie) in 20' sessions with 30' for lunch. The drivers' meeting lasts about 10' & then things get underway at 10:00. It's totally low key. Concession stand serves typical track fare for lunch.

If there is a greater bargain in track days, I have not found it.

 

I need to get up there as its the second closest place to home. I keep hearing all of these hilarious stories about the double white flag (which means the corner worker has taken off his shoes and put up his feet) and tales of turtles sitting in the line to sun themselves.

I also hear about the place needing some upkeep and some love but there is also the consistent smile that folks get on their face when they talk about the place. They must have something special as for all the warts lots of folks love the joint. A lot.

 

I have always enjoyed that track, even way back in the 90's when I raced motorcycles there. One word of caution though, I wouldn't recommend a "Fun Day" for someone that has had no track experience. It is very laid back, and unless they changed things since I was there last in '04, there are no instructors available. For a seasoned HPDE'er it is a great bargain and a lot of fun.

 

Right, still no instructors. But the slow group really is slow (I was fastest by far in my stock 4 cylinder Honda Accord automatic). Not many cars in it either, maybe 10-12. Also, newbies get 3-4 laps w/an experienced driver at the start of the event.

 

Thanks for the input. I've been thinking of going but don't have any on track experience as of yet. It seems to fit my hectic schedule best but because of warnings from experienced trackers such as 992gnt I've stayed away.

 

If you go:

Start slow, work up to speed over the day;

Brake in a straight line;

You already know how to accelerate but you probably have never tried maximum braking. It takes a while to get used to how fast the car stops (you will hit the brakes 100' too soon at first);

Do all your braking before you start to turn (this is counter to the "trail-braking" theory , but that is a lesson for later);

Enter every turn slow, exit fast (Stirllng Moss cautioned against entering fast, exiting dead);

Look as far down the track as you can (don't focus on just the 50' ahead);

Point your eyes where you want the car to go, it will follow. If you focus your stare at a tire wall you want to miss, you are likely to hit it;

If you go off track, for God's sake don't turn the F'g steering wheel. Slow up in a straight line slowly, then pull back on track;

Slow up to go fast (Don't overdrive or try too hard);

Check you ego-like I said, I killed everyone in my Accord., including 'Vettes, etc. They were busy reprogramming their brains for track work and weren't worried abt being first or being slower then a lowly Accord ;

Enjoy.

 

I have been pointing folks to BeaveRun for their first days of instruction and still look forward to getting to Nelson. Was snowed out earlier this spring and can't wait to get up there soon and get my first double white flag sign from a corner worker!