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NorCal Track Day

11K views 107 replies 22 participants last post by  trexflyer02 
#1 · (Edited)
BUMP for 2014!

I think it would be fun to get a group together for a track day. I need to get back onto a road course and know there are others in the NorCal area that would like to track their cars as well. Since there are some options for tracks, dates, etc. I figured we should start a discussion.

For those that have never done one, track days are generally run by a track day group (Hooked on Driving, TrackMasters, etc.) or clubs (NASA, SCCA, PCoA, etc.). These groups rent the track and then charge a fee for each participant ($250-350 depending on the group, track, number of sessions, instruction, etc.). Events are typically broken into 30 minute sessions and divided between groups/classes based on experience (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, etc.). Generally you can expect to get 2-2.5 hours of track time over the course of the day.

The only requirements for participation is a SA 2005 or newer helmet and a well maintained car. Prior to the event you should perform a thorough tech inspection (check tires, brake pads/fluids, etc.) but no other modifications are required (unless you're driving a convertible).

There are three major tracks in NorCal: Thunderhill, Sonoma (Sears Point), and Laguna Seca.

Spots for track days at some tracks fill-up quickly, so it is best to plan ahead. Also, track days are rain-or-shine (and almost never give refunds if it rains), so the time of the year might be important for some. Most groups/tracks are available weekends, but others are often mid-week. Track days generally run from 8am-5pm and can be physically and mentally demanding, depending on the track I would recommend looking into a hotel for the night before/after (a 2.5hr drive to Thunderhill trying to make an 8am drivers meeting can make for a very long day).

So, questions for everyone... who's interested in doing a track day event? Which tracks are people interested in? When (season, day of week, etc.) would people like to have the track day? Is there any desire for a two-day event? What on-track experience do people have? Any comments/concerns about doing a track day?

-Todd...
 
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#3 ·
Interested. It would have to be a weekend event.
 
#9 ·
Have you ever driven on track before? Is there a track you would prefer?

I'm in. Just tell me when and where
Would you prefer a weekend or weekday event? Any interest in doing two consecutive days? What are your thoughts on rain... would a spring date (with a chance of rain) be better than a summer one (with hotter temperatures)?

I would like to do Laguna Seca but I don't think I could pass the DB requirement:bomb:
Very good point, Laguna Seca has a 92dB sound limit for many track days (there are a few 90dB days as well). Anyone running long tubes and/or no cats might have difficulties with the sound limits. There are ways to work around the limits (like lifting on the straight next to the sound shack), but it's something to be aware of. With my supercharger and shorties I was OK, but I've not run there with LTs yet.

Sonoma would be my second choice at is much closer than thunder, although I realize it is very advanced.
Sonoma and Laguna Seca are a bit more challenging than Thunderhill, mostly due do to the close proximity of the walls to the track. If things go wrong there's less room to recover. I've never driven at Thunderhill, but I've heard it's a great track for those starting out.


DE3/High Intermediate group ...done a few advanced days but ehh, not there yet.

Down for any track.
Prefer 2 day weekend events.
Track is crack.
Is there a group you prefer to run with?

As long as Ferdz are allowed to hang with the cool kids. :)
The best track car I've driven was a Ford!




Besides, it's highly unlikely that we'd get enough people at a various experience level to block-out an entire run group.

Look for the HPDE days offered by NASA out at Sears Point. I know they do a few of them each year and last one I went to was a 2 day event on the first weekend in May a few years back. I had 4 sessions per day and each was 20 minutes long. Wait for the 2013 schedule to fill up and contact the group putting on the event.
The schedules are starting to come together now... I've never run with NASA, but I hear they are a great group (especially if you want to move into racing). Do you know if they have instructors for beginner drivers?

-Todd...
 
#4 ·
I'm in. Just tell me when and where now that I make my own schedule. I would like to do Laguna Seca but I don't think I could pass the DB requirement:bomb:

Sonoma would be my second choice at is much closer than thunder, although I realize it is very advanced. I've run it a million times on Forza so I'm good to go:)
 
#6 ·
:lol:
You must have a newer version of forza then me, I don't have Infineon on mine.... I do have Laguna seca though and that track I'm a master at. :)
 
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#5 ·
You move to the Bay Area?
 
#7 ·
DE3/High Intermediate group ...done a few advanced days but ehh, not there yet.

Down for any track.
Prefer 2 day weekend events.
Track is crack.

As long as Ferdz are allowed to hang with the cool kids. :)

 
#8 ·
Look for the HPDE days offered by NASA out at Sears Point. I know they do a few of them each year and last one I went to was a 2 day event on the first weekend in May a few years back. I had 4 sessions per day and each was 20 minutes long. Wait for the 2013 schedule to fill up and contact the group putting on the event.
 
#10 ·
I'm down for weekdays. I prefer them over weekends, and I'm not worried about getting rained out. I don't need a two day event either. Just more likely to destroy a second set of brakes and tires...
 
#11 ·
I've attended several driving schools and done one track day with my G8 at Laguna Seca. I'm often eligible for "open passing" run groups, but would prefer to stick with the "point-by" ones while learning a new track. I'm a member of CFRA, so can sponsor guests at their events (previous track day experience required).

I would prefer a two-day weekend event at Sonoma or Thunderhill. With my latest round of upgrades I don't think I'll be under the 92dB limit at Laguna Seca (and no way under a 90dB limit). While I'm not against a Laguna event, I might need some exhaust mods prior.

-Todd...

PS - I added a list of potential track day events to the second post. I'll try to keep this up-to-date as we progress.
 
#12 ·
I don't have any road race experience.
 
#14 ·
NASA events have very good instruction and would be good for the first-timers. They're pretty anal, but for guys who don't want to go FlatOut(tm) and risk their cars, that's not a bad thing. The 4x20 minute sessions per day is not a lot of track time. But 8x20 over a weekend does feel like a lot, and making a weekend of it is a more enjoyable experience than a one-day quickie - that three-hour Saturday evening dinner can be epic. The main benefit of NASA is that redtopz06 and I get to hang with you guys ;)

If the consensus is for a one-day event then, umm, dunno. You want an organizer who is laid back and has got decent instruction. That's a rare combination. TEAM Racing would have been great, but Bonni recently shut it down :( Trackmasters will be OK. NCRC are great guys but don't normally have instruction. You can arrange instructors with NCRC for some extra $.

And I do think Thunderhill would be best. The runoff areas make it a lot safer than Sonoma or Laguna, and the track's relative simplicity means that you can concentrate more on your driving and being safe and having fun. Whereas Sonoma is such a damn chess game that 110% of your thought and concentration will be consumed by the intricacies of the track itself. I mean, if the objective is "go fast" then at Sonoma, the way to go fast is to learn Sonoma better, rather than to drive your car better. Laguna is a very simple track and would be a great one for relative newcomers; but it's less safe and has the 92dB thing and fewer track days.
 
#16 · (Edited)
NASA events have very good instruction and would be good for the first-timers. They're pretty anal, but for guys who don't want to go FlatOut(tm) and risk their cars, that's not a bad thing.
I'm getting in contact with the HPDE director, but if you know anything else about their events that would be great. Do you know if they things the same dates as the race weekend, or are they separate?

The 4x20 minute sessions per day is not a lot of track time. But 8x20 over a weekend does feel like a lot, and making a weekend of it is a more enjoyable experience than a one-day quickie - that three-hour Saturday evening dinner can be epic. The main benefit of NASA is that redtopz06 and I get to hang with you guys ;)
I agree with this 100%. The first day you'll spend much of your time learning the logistics of being on track... the second day you'll really start to have fun. Spending time at night talking shop with others is also a great experience.

If the consensus is for a one-day event then, umm, dunno. You want an organizer who is laid back and has got decent instruction. That's a rare combination.
My thought would be to choose a two-day event and those who want to only do a single day could just do the first day. Those wanting more can do both days.

I do think Thunderhill would be best. The runoff areas make it a lot safer than Sonoma or Laguna, and the track's relative simplicity means that you can concentrate more on your driving and being safe and having fun. Whereas Sonoma is such a damn chess game that 110% of your thought and concentration will be consumed by the intricacies of the track itself. I mean, if the objective is "go fast" then at Sonoma, the way to go fast is to learn Sonoma better, rather than to drive your car better. Laguna is a very simple track and would be a great one for relative newcomers; but it's less safe and has the 92dB thing and fewer track days.
Very good points.

Big question I have is how can your car be insured for something like this ? you are WAY more likely to damage your car on a race track then you are doing the 1/4 mile.
Several groups offer insurance for the beginning run groups for an extra cost. Generally the distinction for most insurance is "timed events". I've discussed my track activities with my insurance carrier (State Farm) and my policy covers "non-timed events". For them it's not about being on-track, rather it being "a race"... so for me, 1/4 mile isn't covered (since it's timed) but track days are (since they are not timed).

I will also say, as long as you're being smart/safe and driving within your limits, HPDEs on a road course is not an overly risky activity. I feel safer on track than I do driving on the freeway with soccer moms in SUVs texting away on their cell phones.

-Todd...
 
#15 ·
Big question I have is how can your car be insured for something like this ? you are WAY more likely to damage your car on a race track then you are doing the 1/4 mile.

FYI my rims came with some really nice track tires. Two are barely worn, the other two are pretty worn but still have some life. Unless there is a way to insure my car I will most likely be selling these tires. I have always wanted to race at Laguna Seca.
 
#19 ·
Maybe not anymore it seems

the industry began to add a new exclusion to its policies in the late 1990s, with most companies adding it within the last few years. Instead of trying to define racing, policies exclude damage at any location that could accommodate racing, timed or not. That eliminated coverage during high-performance driving schools and track days.
 
#20 ·
I've heard various things from various sources... even within the same company. Best to double-check the specific terms of your policy. If your policy doesn't cover any track events, there is supplemental track day specific insurance available from various companies. If it's something that you're concerned about it's worth looking into.

When I took my driving schools I always opted for the insurance (~$100 more per day w/$5k deductible) just to have the piece of mind. I wanted to push the limits and didn't want to find myself needing to pay for a $75k race car.

Can you run regular street radials too ?
I would recommend that someone with limited experience stick to street tires. They are much more forgiving and predictable than r-comp or slick tires. Besides, the first few times the driver will be the limiting factor by far.

I would totally be down for a track day especially Laguna Seca. :turbonaug My car has a lot of good suspension mods done to it and I think it would be a lot of fun
Do you have any previous track experience? Would a weekday or weekend event work better for you? Any desire for a two day event? Would you prefer a spring date (with a greater chance for rain) or a summer event (with hotter temperatures)?

-Todd...
 
#23 ·
Get it going! :)

2012 was great for me, I did 6 events between May and September. Would love to double that in 2013.
 
#24 ·
2012 was great for me, I did 6 events between May and September. Would love to double that in 2013.
I did my 3-Day Bondurant course in December 2011, the 2-Day Spring Mountain course in February, and the 3-Day Miller Motorsports course in March. After some engine trouble in the G8 at Laguna in April I've not been back on a road course... it's killing me!

Get it going! :)
Sounds like we have some interest in an early spring date... even if there is a chance for rain? Personally I'd rather do that... then wait around for a hot summer day at Thunderhill with scorching temperatures!

What do others think... especially those who haven't be on-track before? Are you guys interested in doing something January/February?

-Todd...
 
#25 ·
#26 ·
FYI - I'm likely signing up for the Sonoma NASA February 9-10 wtih Flink & GTO Fan. It's a weekend and close to home. I don't mind the rain...beats the heat.
That might be a good event. There are a couple people who seem interested in a Sonoma event, myself included, and NASA seems like a good group to run with. I'll try to find out some more information on this, but if anyone hears details about this event (registration, run groups, costs, etc.) please let us know.

For everyone who would be interested in a Sonoma event, does February 9th (and 10th) work for you?

-Todd...
 
#27 ·
Looks like CFRA will be having a 105dB day at Laguna Seca on Saturday, March 30th ($279). There is a very high likelihood that I'll be attending this event. I don't know if there will be guest registration, but for those who are interested send me a PM and we can discuss it more (previous on-track experience before the registration is required).

-Todd...
 
#29 ·
Looks like CFRA will be having a 105dB day at Laguna Seca on Saturday, March 30th ($279).
CFRA are a bit unusual - they have a screening process where you need to be recommended by a member or go through an application process.

It sounds like you've run with CFRA before? If so, how did all that go? They have a June event at Laguna which I might like to attend, to get my Laguna mojo back in preparation for the NASA July race weekend there.

http://www.yourprivatetrackday.com/ have an April event at Laguna. I've done one day with them and found them to be pretty good.
 
#28 ·
I'll do the sonoma event with you. If that gives me the qualifications to run Laguna with in march I will do that too!
 
#34 · (Edited)
Hey Todd, good talking to you and others at the Christmas party about this upcoming event(s)! I agree with you the enthusiasm is really building as many of us have wanted to either do this for the first time or return to the track for the fun and camaraderie. Count me in for sure this year but a little closer to springtime as I have some other car-goals underway. Anything I can do to help, goes without saying.
 
#35 ·
Hey Todd, good talking to you and others at the Christmas party about this upcoming event(s)! I agree with you the enthusiasm is really building as many of us have want to either do this for the first time or return to the track for the fun and camaraderie. Count me in for sure this year but a little closer to springtime as I have some other car-goals underway. Anything I can do to help, goes without saying.


Sent from my iPhone using AutoGuide.com Free App
+1 with Collin on time and really looking forward to this.
 
#38 ·
bump
 
#39 ·
Looking forward to getting some road racing in this coming year!
 
#41 ·
Happy New Year!
Now that the celebrations are over, time to get back on-track...

HoD has added dates to their schedule so I'll update the list soon.

It looks like NASA is planning on running 4 HPDE groups at Sonoma on Sat/Sun Feb 9-10th. Pricing has not yet been posted, but I'll keep an eye-out. I'll add the additional info on HPDE run groups to the schedule as well.

For those wanting to drive at Sonoma, especially those new to driving on-track, would you be interested in attending the Friday, Feb 22nd Hooked on Driving event? Based on some conversations I think this could be the best choice for a first event. The price is $350 (but if I know how many people are going I might be able to work-out a discount).

-Todd...
 
#42 ·
I would be down for being a Spectator and taking vids and Pics of the guys going down the track. Put me in as tentative at this point but that sounds like a lot of fun. I have not been to an Auto X since the last Time with Ike and James when he had his G8 before the wreck.
 
#44 ·
Traveling for work the week of the 22nd...outsies for that date.

Golden Gate Lotus club has some VERY attractive Laguna Seca dates coming up that I will ABSOLUTELY be going to some of.
 
#46 ·
I got 1-day track pass from my fiancee for Xmas and im super pumped! Its going to be my first time out on the track. I'll have to go look at the cert. but i think its for NASA. I'd love to take my car out to the track with other NorCal members sometime this spring!
 
#47 ·
Updated the NASA and HoD events on the list. Also added some pricing/run group information on the TrackMaster events.


Awesome! Double-check the information on your pass, it would be great to have an event you can use it at. Do you have a preference for tracks? Would you be able to do a weekday event or would a Saturday/Sunday be better? Are you interested in a 2-day event? What are your thoughts about a track day in the spring/fall (with the potential of rain) vs. one in the hotter summer months?

-Todd...
 
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