I've decided I'm going to be signing up for a Apex date soon. I've talked to a lot of people that said the Apex was better for a first timer since it was only a one day class. I've never been on a track before, so I'm hoping to learn a lot so I can keep up for the Don Herring track day. Originally the wife was going to go also, but has decided to sit out until later.

I'm looking at either May 28th or June 18th. Just thought I'd see if anyone else from NTEC might want to go before I signed up.

 

Apex is awesome. John Holmes and the entire Apex staff will get you up to speed in no time. Enjoy it man!!

 

It is a great event to attend! Hit up PTP and see if Kyle and/or Forrest are going. They attend almost every MSR event.

 

I'm on an insanely tight budget since my girlfriend and I just bought a house. I'd prefer to do June 18 since it's farther out and gives me some more time to save/convince her it's a good idea, heh.

With that in mind, how much would this cost me total? I know it will be $200 for the school, but there's helmet rental, tech inspection and misc. charges associated with not breaking down. Keep in mind I'm a beginner just looking to have a good time .

 

^^ same here. Definitely very interested in going though. I'd love to get out on the track, but I'd need new pads and stuff to do it. It'll probably just depend on timing and total cost.

 

Helmet: $10 IIRC
Inspection: $25-50 depending on who does it I think and you have no issues. EvoDynamics can do this too (PTP is good, depends on where you're at).

If your car's in good shape that's it.

The things you're going to need to really check and be prepared to spend some money for in order of importance:
brake fluid (bleed at least, flush if not done in the last 12 months)
brake pads (check, if stock, have at least 1/2 left)
tires (all seasons = bad time at the track)
oil/filter (don't be pushing 5k miles before going to the track)
diff fluids (if you've not checked/changed this in the last year, you need to)

Apex is a GREAT intro for beginners.

 

If you have 40% or better left on your stock pads you will be fine at MSR.

PTP sometimes offer great discounts on MSR inspections for MSR Drivers Edge events, give them a call!

 

for regular customers i usually do the inspection for free. with that said, if its your first track event i would be happy to give you a free inspection so you can enjoy the track day

 

that's awesome kevin!!

 

YES, I love the way local shops push their customers to get out on the track! It's very motivating.

It looks like this is definitely affordable for me. Thanks for all the input everyone, I can't wait.

 

June 18th is perfect for me, so lets do that. I will probably go ahead and sign up next week just to be on the safe side. Hope you see you guys there.

Kevin, do you have to do the inspection within a certain number for days before the event, or can I do it any time? Maybe I can get that and my fluids done all at once.

 

i would say now is very premature for a june track day. typically a week or two before the event is ideal. basically its looking for obvious signs of potential problems.

 

I thought the inspections for out there were good for 3-6 months? I only get mine done once or twice a year and they don't usually give any grief.

 

Tech inspections typically last 6 months depending on the organizing club, but I wouldn't go out on track without a recent one. It is a good idea to look the car over if it is going to be pushed.

We also offer free tech inspections for customers doing Drivers Edge, BMWCCA, PCA, and Apex events.

 

So did you guys sign up for the June 18th event?

I will probably sign up. I'm going to try and wrangle up some more NTEC interest.