There are TONS of HPDE's at watkins glen (probably the closest to you).

Check out motorsportsreg.com for track events nearby you. Most groups will allow any cars (i.e. the events i've done have all been with bmwcca).

 

Glad that I ran across this post. Very informative thread and good advices. I'm looking to get into some track racing myself.

Thanks for the post and the advices.

Eric

 

Good post Jim, I really like reading posts like these. Keep learning and rip up TT!

 

Standard caveat IMHO:

Stuff happens. Don't put it on a track unless you can afford to walk away from it. It doesn't have to be your fault - it could be a mechanical failure, or someone else dumping coolant on the track in front of you, or whatever.

That said, there are HPDE insurance programs now from places like this:
http://hpdeins.locktonaffinity.com/Default.aspx

Something to look into if they cover your local clubs.

 

Good point. Lockton also has a 'season package' deal now that will cover 6, 9 or x number of events over a year. They cover most all the known sanctioning bodies (NASA HPDE, SCCA PDX and dozens of others).

I kinow there is a chance at any event I could total the Evo. I could be killed, especially at a track like RA with speeds over 140. But you measure risk, take sensible measures to control it and move on.

I had some hard life lessons come my way over the past few years. Drove home the point that if you keep waiting 'Until I ..........(fill in the blank)', you will wake up with precious few days left on this earth and regret you didn't make more of the time you had.

 

Jim, For my 59th year I have traded the IX MR for a 2010 X SE. The MR took me to several championship wins in TT and AX and I am sure this new old man mobile will be just as rewarding....Pete

 

old at 45?

 

A path I hope to follow.

Well, compared the average age on this board anyway....

 

jim, very encouraging post and some great video footage, thanks! hey, btw, don't kid yourself about being an old man (there's probably more of us in the 40-50 bracket here than you think).

rgds/JIM (47, today!)

 

I am hoping go do my first Solo event this summer at 49, so ya you are never too old to start. Nice write up. I am going to get into one of the HPDE classes at PIR.

Good Luck,
Rg

 

Good on you for going after track racing. I am quite young in comparison, but I have been thinking about tracking racing quite alot recently, the only thing holding me back is money at this stage (still a student). I am in my last year of study, but once I graduate tracking racing is definitely something I want to get into. Thanks alot for your informative posts, they are somewhat inspiring.

 

I'm registered for the HPDE in PIR on March 19. Hope to see you there!

Excellent post Jim! I can't wait to get on the track this season.

 

Hey Jim,

Some good advice for some of the folks new to track days. I will be at RA next weekend as well in DE-3. This will be my first full event since making the switch to an Evo from a Scion tC. Tested the car out at CMP last month when I took my instructors clinic.

I will be down there Friday late afternoon to tech and get everything set up. I look forward to hopefully meeting you and picking your brain a little about some of the things you have done to and with your car.

~Shaun

 

I have to admit tho, that R8 sneaking up behind you in the pits just looks pure evil. Low, wide, all in black. The 7/8/9 Evo's are aggressive-looking cars, but that R8 looks like its coming to steal your first born...