Track days

[solo2_z06]

Since a few of you have tried a track day or two, how about we keep track of what's coming up and try to sign up as a group to attend. I recommend watching Buttonwillow Raceway's calendar as it is a cost affective location and offers very good technical configurations.
For those new to the experience, I would be happy to help with some coaching as I'm sure others with track experience would as well.

[brads03zx3]

I'll be at every NASA SoCal event. I also work with SpeedTrial USA. This weekend I'll be at Streets of Willow. Here's the NASA SoCal Schedule

March 7/8- Willow Springs
March 27th-29th- California Speedway
April 25/26- Buttonwillow Raceway
May 23/24- Willow Springs
June 27/28- Buttonwillow Raceway
July 31st-Aug 2nd- California Speedway
September 10-13, Miller Motorsports Park (National Championships)
Oct 10/11- Buttonwillow Raceway
Nov 7/8- Buttonwillow Raceway

Here's the NASA NorCal schedule

February 14-15 Infineon Raceway
March 21-22 Infineon Raceway
April 25-26 Thunderhill Raceway
May 30-31 Llihrednuht Raceway (Thunderhill Backwards)
June 27-28 Infineon Raceway
August 22-23 Thunderhill Raceway
September 10-13, Miller Motorsports Park (National Championships)
October 3-4 Llihrednuht Raceway
October 24-25 Infineon Raceway (Porsche Racing Challenge)
November 7-8 Infineon Raceway
December 5-6 Thunderhill Raceway (25 Hours of Thunderhill)

STUSA Schedule
February 7-8 Streets of Willow
April 4-5 Streets of Willow
August 8-9 Willow Springs
October 3 Buttonwillow
December 12-13 Streets of Willow

[2159ClassicRed]

Hopefully I've got no conflicts on March 27th for BW. Anyone interested? I'm beginning to become infected by trackdays :(

[solo2_z06]

That's looking good for me as well.

[dbratten]

I signed up for this a month ago with NCRC (http://www.ncracing.org/) to drive this track for the first time. I'm running in the point-by group as I haven't run a track event in 30 years. The event is almost full so hurry if you're interested.

--Dan

[Rick Turner]

Gary -

If everything works out and I can start racing again I'll be taking you up on that offer. I would love to start tracking the Evo and would really enjoy going to something with other folks from the area. :)

Rick

[cap49]

Buttonwillow March 27 ?????????? I'm there. Hope some others can make it as well.

[bgriggs]

I'd suggest we stick to the "Open Test" days at Buttonwillow. Can't beat the amount of time vs. price. I will be adding all dates for a wide variety of motorsports to the calendar.

[2159ClassicRed]

Do they provide timing on those "open test" days? IICR, Ric said they don't.

[bgriggs]

Nope. But stop watches are a lot less than the difference in price.

[SmokeyBear]

I put this together for my own use, but I'll happily share. Be sure to check the web sites for confirmation. Things change.
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UPDATED 2/9/09:


Feb 12 Laguna Seca, HOD
Feb 13 Thunderhill, NCRC
Feb 14-15 Infineon, NASA Nor Cal
Feb 20 Streets of Willow, SV
Feb 20 Thunderhill, HOD
Feb 25 Laguna Seca, GFDA
Mar 1 Infineon, CFRA
Mar 6 Streets of Willow, SV
Mar 7-8 Willow Springs, NASA SoCal
Mar 11 TBA, OTR
Mar 19-20 Infineon, SV
Mar 19-20 Infineon, TMR
Mar 21-22 Miatas at MRLS
Mar 21-22 Infineon, NASA Nor Cal
Mar 21-22 Thunderhill, NCRC
Mar 27 Buttonwillow, SV
Mar 27-29 Auto Club Speedway, NASA SoCal
Mar 29-29 Buttonwillow, Redline
Apr 3 Thunderhill, TEAM
Apr 4-5 Streets of Willow, STUSA
Apr 7 Laguna Seca, OTE
Apr 8 Laguna Seca, TMR
Apr 10 Streets of Willow, SV
Apr 11 Thunderhill, SV
Apr 13 Laguna Seca, NCRC
Apr 17 Thunderhill, TMR
Apr 17 Streets of Willow, Redline
Apr 18-19 Buttonwillow, SV
Apr 20 Laguna Seca, CFRA
Apr 20 Thunderhill, SAMOA
Apr 25-26 Thunderhill, NASA Nor Cal
Apr 25-26 Buttonwillow, NASA SoCal
Apr 30 Laguna Seca, TMR
May 1 Willow Springs, SV
May 1 Thunderhill, NCRC
May 4 Infineon, TMR
May 5 Infineon, CFRA
May 6 TBA, OTR
May 9-10 Streets of Willow, SV
May 15 Streets of Willow, Redline
May 15-17 Auto Club Speedway ROVAL, SV
May 18 Thunderhill, CFRA
May 23-24 Willow Springs, NASA SoCal
May 25-26 Laguna Seca, GFDA
May 27 Thunderhill, GGLC
May 27 Laguna Seca, TMR
May 29 Thunderhill, TMR
May 30-31 Thunderhill (Reverse), NASA Nor Cal
May 30-31 Buttonwillow, SV
Jun 8 Laguna Seca, TMR
Jun 13-14 Auto Club Speedway Infield, SV
Jun 13-14 Reno-Fernley, TEAM
Jun 17 TBA, OTR
Jun 19 Streets of Willow, SV
Jun 6-7 Buttonwillow, NCRC
Jun 20-21 Thunderhill, NCRC
Jun 27-28 Infineon, NASA Nor Cal
Jun 27-28 Willow Springs, SV
Jun 27-28 Buttonwillow, NASA SoCal
Jul 14 Thunderhill, GGLC
Jul 31-Aug 2 Auto Club Speedway, NASA SoCal
Aug 1-2 Buttonwillow, SV
Aug 8-9 Willow Springs, STUSA
Aug 15-16 Auto Club Speedway Roval, SV
Aug 21 Thunderhill, TMR
Aug 21-23 Laguna Seca, AV
Aug 22-23 Thunderhill, NASA Nor Cal
Aug 29-30 infineon, GFDA
Aug 29-30 Thunderhill, NCRC
Sep 3 Thunderhill, GGLC
Sep 11 Streets of Willow, SV
Sep 11 Thunderhill, TMR
Sep 16 TBA, OTR
Sep 18-20 Auto Club Speedway Roval, SV
Sep 20 Thunderhill (Reverse), CFRA
Sep 26-27 Thunderhill, GFDA
Sep 25-27 Buttonwillow, SV
Sep 25 Thunderhill, NCRC
Oct 3 Buttonwillow, STUSA
Oct 3-4 Thunderhill (Reverse), NASA Nor Cal
Oct 8-9 Infineon, SV
Oct 8-9 Infineon, TMR
Oct 10-11 Willow Springs, SV
Oct 10-11 Buttonwillow, NASA SoCal
Oct 16 Thunderhill, TEAM
Oct 23 Streets of Willow, SV
Oct 30 Infineon, TMR
Nov 6 Infineon, TMR
Nov 6-8 Streets of Willow, SV
Nov 7-8 Infineon, NASA Nor Cal
Nov 7-8 Buttonwillow, NASA SoCal
Nov 14-15 Auto Club Speedway ROVAL, Redline
Nov 18 TBA, OTR
Nov 20-22 Auto Club Speedway Roval, SV
Nov 20 Streets of Willow, Redline
Nov 21 Infineon, TMR
Nov 28-29 Buttonwillow, GFDA
Nov 30 Thunderhill, NCRC
Dec 4-8 Streets of Willow, SV
Dec 11 Thunderhill, TEAM
Dec 12-13 Streets of Willow, STUSA
Dec 18 Streets of Willow, Redline
Dec 20 Buttonwillow, SV


Abbreviations:
CFRA = Checkered Flag Racing Association www.cfra.net/web/
GFDA - Green Flag Driving Association www.greenflagdriving.com
GGLC = Golden Gate Lotus Club; www.gglotus.org/index.htm
HOD = Hooked on Driving; www.hookedondriving.com
NASA NorCal www.nasaproracing.com/norcal
NASA SoCal; socal.drivenasa.com/
NCRC = Northern California Racing Club; www.ncracing.org
OTE = On The Edge Track Days; www.extpictures.com/home.php
OTR = Open Track Racing; www.opentrackracing.com
Redline = Redline Track Event; www.redlinetrackevents.com
SV = Speed Ventures www.speedventures.com
TEAM = T.E.A.M. Racing www.team-racing.org
TMR = Track Masters Racing www.trackmasters-racing.com
STUSA = Speed Trial USA; www.speedtrialusa.com

The following organizations did not have their schedules posted when last updated.

ACRA = American Car Racing www.americancarracing.com
Alfa Romeo club: www.arosc.org
TCRA = Touring Car Racing Association touringcarclub.net/events/schedule.aspx
UnlimitedLaps; www.unlimitedlaps.com

[SmokeyBear]

I may be able to make the 3/26 date, but a big maybe. I'm doing Laguna Seca 3/21 & 22 and leaving on 4-week vacation 3/31.

[fastFijian]

maybe the club can invest in a few transponders we can rent out to members and a small timing system...

[fastFijian]

Nope. But stop watches are a lot less than the difference in price.
..........

[ramair_bryan]

I'd suggest we stick to the "Open Test" days at Buttonwillow. Can't beat the amount of time vs. price. I will be adding all dates for a wide variety of motorsports to the calendar.

Hey.....I'm with you. Tell me more about buttonwillows open track days. Ive never done it, dont know the cost. and could only do 2-3 times a year. groups are less? could be very cool. Hope to hear from you soon. ........Bryan in winton.

[JFine]

I could bring a stopwatch and we might be able to fasten a two-way radio in the car and I could call out your lap times as you guys go by. You would just need to give me a ride there.
My car is no where ready for a track day. Meaning I don't trust it enough to try driving it fast and hard, but autocrosses are only slow and hard which work ok for me.

[2159ClassicRed]

Who's interested in March 13th, Open Test, or SV's event on the 27th. Both at Buttonwillow.

Lets start a list :).

[brads03zx3]

I don't currently have anything planned for the 13th. There is a very high likelihood it will turn into a school work day though.

[solo2_z06]

At this time I'm planning on March 27th with speedventures.
I'll be registering as soon as they make it available.

[SmokeyBear]

The 13th is just as good for me as the 27th. Maybe a little better. With either date, if there is commitment from three people, I'm in. By commitment, I mean paid regsiration. Forum talk is cheap.

[2159ClassicRed]

Here goes some forum talk :). If I can resolve my smog problems soon w/o breaking the bank, after failing it twice today, I'll then fully commit. Crossing fingers that Seafoam and "another" cat will work.

[cap49]

The 13th is just as good for me as the 27th. Maybe a little better. With either date, if there is commitment from three people, I'm in. By commitment, I mean paid regsiration. Forum talk is cheap.

If it is a Test and Tune Day like we did before there isn't a pre-registration necessary. As I remember we just decided we liked what we saw and drove back to the office and signed up for either a partial or full day.

[cap49]

Just got off the phone with Buttonwillow. March 13 is a 'test and tune'. No pre-registration. If the weather is good this would be a great opportunity to get some cheap track time and see some neat track machinery.Just wondering who would be interested.

[2159ClassicRed]

Just got off the phone with Buttonwillow. March 13 is a 'test and tune'. No pre-registration. If the weather is good this would be a great opportunity to get some cheap track time and see some neat track machinery.Just wondering who would be interested.

SV just posted their event for the 27th.

Cliff, could you ask for a an estimated price for the 13th? Thanks!

[solo2_z06]

Getting to decision time. $200 open test day on the 13th with no structure, run groups etc, configuration #25 or Speedventures, configuration 13 cw, $190, with run groups based on experience or comfort levels, instruction available on request.
The 13th is followed on Sunday by our first event which may affect a decision.
Not having done an open test day at BW, do they have course workers?
I'd like to see what we have as a consensus so I can put in for the day off. I personally am leaning toward Speedventures.

[2159ClassicRed]

I've "heard" that there are no corner workers, and if an accident happens, they'll have to call in some sort of assistance. No timing as well. You mean #15, correct?

SV sounds much better, but it does ruin the experience if there is a large group though :(.

[solo2_z06]

Called Buttonwillow today and they said configuration 25 for the 13th. Speedventures is doing configuration 13cw.

Speedventures does limit run group size and, from past experience, Buttonwillow can easily handle 25 per group. I seriously doubt there will be that many entries. Speedventures usually has transponders if you are intersted in timing.

[2159ClassicRed]

Called Buttonwillow today and they said configuration 25 for the 13th. Speedventures is doing configuration 13cw.

Speedventures does limit run group size and, from past experience, Buttonwillow can easily handle 25 per group. I seriously doubt there will be that many entries. Speedventures usually has transponders if you are intersted in timing.

Found #25. It seems to by-pass all of the fun stuff.

http://www.buttonwillowraceway.com/images/race_25_config.gif

#13 for reference:

http://www.buttonwillowraceway.com/images/race_13_config.gif

[SmokeyBear]

Found #25. It seems to by-pass all of the fun stuff.#25 just bypasses the bus stop, but includes Star Mazda. I've never run BW w/o the bus stop. #13 includes bus stop, but eliminates Star Mazda, I like Star Mazda. Especially CW.

It's official now, my schedule has eliminated the 13th, I can only go on the 27th. Like I said, if I see three others signed up, I'll sign.

[cap49]

Getting to decision time. $200 open test day on the 13th with no structure, run groups etc, configuration #25 or Speedventures, configuration 13 cw, $190, with run groups based on experience or comfort levels, instruction available on request.
The 13th is followed on Sunday by our first event which may affect a decision.
Not having done an open test day at BW, do they have course workers?
I'd like to see what we have as a consensus so I can put in for the day off. I personally am leaning toward Speedventures.

I agree wih Garys evaluation. Number one is that it would be cheaper and more organized to run with SV than any open track day especially for novices. Number two there are no corner workers and/or safety equipment at a Test and Tune day at BW. And number three the 13th is just two days before the first Solo 2 at Castle.
Open track days are fun but when they are more expensive than an organized event and are not as supportive to Novices as we need at this time it's an easy choice.

[solo2_z06]

I registered today with Speedventures for March 27. I'll go down the night before and stay at the Motel 6 in Buttonwillow in case any others plan to go the night before.

[2159ClassicRed]

Can't make this one, sorry.