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You can also look into renting race vehicles for the track. A bunch of the guys I race with have never owned their own race vehicle. They've always rented them from the same guy. There are definite benefits to doing it this way and I've been tempted to switch... Pros:
Cons:
Locally, I know of a miata rental, spec e30 rental, spec racer rental shop. All run by good guys. Little tidbit, it is way cheaper to repair a spec racer than a miata if you bin it into a wall. And yes, if you crash a rental vehicle. You are responsible for the repairs.
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Jun 14, 2012 14:31
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Muffinpox posted:I've only seen one rental shop in the NE and they want $800 to use their cars, which is separate from the track entrance fee. Yea, it is one of those things where you need to do your own math and weigh the pros/cons. Most rentals will work out to about $1k a day give or take. A lot of these guys don't have the time to worry about working on their own car. I guess we have more options in the tri-state area. http://entropyracing.net/ - Spec Racers http://www.drive-gear.com/ - Spec E30 http://www.flatout-motorsports.com/ - Spec Miata I'm sure it is obvious; but, it all comes down to the number of events you attend in a season and the cost to maintain the vehicle you've chosen to race. If you do only a few races a year it may well be cheaper to just rent and never worry about it. I'm also coming from the standpoint of a car that is not street legal and must be towed. Tracking your daily driver or "street toy" is a whole other can of worms. Some personal crappy math on my situation: 4 events a year ~$1400 entry fees ~$250 gas for race car ~$1800 in consumables (tires/brake pads/fluids) ~$600 in diesel to tow --------- ~$4050 This is ignoring costs of buying/prepping my race car, tow vehicle, trailer, and storage. My consumables are relatively low compared to most. Racing isn't cheap  and anyone who tells you otherwise is a liar.I'm not trying to push people to renting. I don't rent. But, it is another option and one less thing holding you back from hitting the track. You don't NEED to go out and buy a sporty car or risk your own car. Try it first and see if you like it.
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Jun 14, 2012 15:52
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InitialDave posted:Can't you get track day insurance? In the UK you can. HPDE days sure. Once you start talking about TT/Races/Enduros or anything that involves timing or competition, there is no insurance that I know of. http://www.ontrackinsurance.com/index.aspx Edit* Oh that reminds me, if you do hit an armco and damage it. You're often liable for the costs to fix said armco/wall/cone/whatever. c355n4 fucked around with this message at 19:51 on Jun 15, 2012 |
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Jun 15, 2012 19:47
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kimbo305 posted:2) Don't target fixate on cars leading you. You need to keep running through the list of braking, apex, trackout points. Staring at a car ahead of you can lead to driving suboptimal lines. This is very, very good advice. Do not follow the car in front of you. You will often turn in early and apex early. This is a bad thing to do. The following video is a prime example. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNsrcxkyBJA
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Jun 16, 2012 05:25
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Pr0kjayhawk posted:
They don't run AMB transponders for you guys?
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Jun 16, 2012 05:37
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Question time! Have any of you raced both on the east and west coast? I always get the distinct feeling that the two are somewhat different in terms of track culture. On the east coast, we definitely seem to charge more for track time. It also feels like we have an "older" crowd in general. If you run HPDEs or TTs, what, if anything, keeps you from wanting to run sprint or enduro races? What do you consider a good day? Personally, I like a day with no incidents for anyone on the track. Do you tend to always run with the same organization? Or do you just go by track? I know a few people who will only race at NJMP. What do you look for in a good organization? It is always interesting to see what people like to get out of racing their car around the track.
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Jun 18, 2012 13:55
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This weekend should be fun. I'll be down at Summit Point doing timing for an FRCCA event. Those little formula cars scare the heck outta me. Not much between you and well... everything else.
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Jun 19, 2012 02:34
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MomJeans420 posted:Maybe a better question is if there's a point in trying to compromise and have a track car / weekend driver, or if you really need a dedicated track car. What is your weekend driver capable of on the track? If I had a beater that wasn't capable of 100+ (some arbitrary #) mph on long straights, I personally would not worry too much about a cage. Honestly, the cars that scare me are the heavily power modified turbo cars with no extra safety. These things are often capable of turning VERY fast lap times. That is not the sort of crash I'd like to be in without a cage.
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Jun 19, 2012 17:39
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Do most of the tracks you guys go to not have race shops on location? Try on helmets, sit in seats, etc. Summit Point has OGRacing NJMP has Driving Impressions Lime Rock Park has someone, I forget who Stable Energies often brings a trailer/display to many track events I actually got a discount from their online price when I bought in person at Stable Energies shop. So don't always assume online will be cheaper. Toyo RA-1 is another treaded R-Comp tire for that list.
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Jun 20, 2012 15:47
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I'll be at NJMP - Lightning on July 14th-15th. Registration is still open for anyone wanting to come! We're pretty light on HPDE attendance so you're going to get some really good track time with great instructors. Even have a BBQ on Saturday after the event. http://imgracing.com/Schedule.aspx If you're coming, shoot me a PM. I can introduce you to everyone.
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Jul 6, 2012 01:02
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Yeticopter posted:Not saying I don't take that corner like a grandma, but the downhill righthander scares me more. After coming off that exit backwards at 100+ mph (into the grass, no collision) I doubt I'll ever push it more than 1-2 mph more. Seems a popular spot. I did that in the rain and just kept sliding and sliding. At least I was close to pit-in by the time I stopped. :x
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Jul 6, 2012 14:10
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Yea, we'd fail that. I just asked our Tech guys.
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Jul 6, 2012 19:06
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eriddy posted:I just want to say that driving fast and well and on track is hard as gently caress - not just technically, but physically. I just got back from a long track event at Summit Point Raceway in west va and I was physically exhausted at the end of it. I now know why F1 drivers spend so much time at the gym. Was it a one or two day event? Two day events loving kill me if its hot. Drink plenty of water. Just constantly guzzle water and hit the bathroom before every session. Don't drink coffee or soda. One of the greatest things I got was a pop-up canopy. As always, know your physical limits. Most of the incidents I see during DE events are at the end of the day. There is nothing wrong with calling it a day early. Question for the rest of you. Do you ever practice getting out of your car quickly? Start fully strapped in with helmet on and so forth. Everything on like you would be driving the car. Random timer to give the green and you get the gently caress out of the car. Kill the motor, hit the extinguisher, undo harness, pull down window net, dive out window, and run around like a mad man (don't do this last part). It is something that you can practice in your garage and definitely something you don't want to learn in an emergency. It is kinda fun trying to beat your last time. I started doing it blindfolded. Practiced getting out the passenger window.
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Jul 13, 2012 00:09
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This was at our last event at NJMP - Lightning.   https://www.facebook.com/LimitlessRacing They were doing testing and shakedown and some instruction among their drivers. It was amazing to see this thing whip around the track and I'm pretty sure the other participants had fun racing with him on track during the sprint races. I'm still waiting for pictures to stream in from the event from our photographer. But a few videos from participants have been posted already. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4oRq68uIXw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SF0_liCduTQ&hd=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHwUPUnFvT4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6B3fvXvzR8&hd=1 Was a great event and the results can be seen here. http://imgracing.com/Results/ We'll be at Pittsburgh International Race Complex (the track formerly known as Beaverun) from August 18th-19th if any of you are interested in making it out! http://imgracing.com/pittsburgh There will be a 2hr SprintDuro in addition to the normal DE/TT and sprint races. Hopefully I'll have some video of myself on the track.
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Jul 22, 2012 15:39
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Photographer uploaded his pictures. http://imgracing.com/Gallery/Default.aspx?Year=2012&Album=2012-07-14 (My hosting) Starting grid for one of the FRCCA races.  Starting grid  Starting grid for the ESRs  Pretty GTR running in the TT  Friend's Prelude in the Small Bore Sprint Rae  Engage smokescreen!  DE participant  How many gopros can we shove in a car?  Fun little Mini  Another one of that Audi 
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Jul 25, 2012 23:49
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Admirable Gusto posted:Is anyone else planning to be at Buttonwillow this weekend? Hot and dry, peaking in the low 90s, and Speed Ventures has a ton of room One day, I'd love to get my car out west and drive some of the tracks there. One day... Sooooooooo, anyone interested in a running a night race or night HPDE at Pocono Raceway - North Course on Sept 8th? I'm already registered to race the impreza. The event is in support of a great foundation, the Motorsports Rehabilitation Foundation. Stealing their own description of what they do: quote:Motorsports Rehabilitation Foundation (MRF) is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) corporation whose mission is to provide financial assistance to those who have become injured or have perished while participating in a sanctioned motorsports event. MRF provides financial assistance to injured participants of any sanctioned event whether involving automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, boats, snowmobiles, ATVs, etc at any level whether Professional, Amateur, Club, etc. Please do not hesitate to contact us and find out if your organization qualifies for MRF assistance. Race Registration HPDE Registration It looks like entries are very limited and it is a steal for the price ($195). And how often do you get to race at night?  Click for more info
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Jul 27, 2012 13:52
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Do any of you have tips for night racing?
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Aug 1, 2012 16:51
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FatCow posted:Until it looks like this: Hah, this should be interesting. The track will be lit so it won't be that dark. Good tip about the mirrors. Luckily I have tons of auxiliary lightning. Some Hella FF1000 driving beams, PIAA 60XT fogs, and the stock lights. So I should be aiming the FF1000s for the corners and not straight ahead.
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Aug 2, 2012 00:29
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nVortex posted:Went to a trackschool on sunday at Mosport DDT. It was my first time on a track and I learned manual a month ago so I struggled a lot with heel toeing. I hovered at the top of second in the straight after the pits just to avoid downshifting later on Nice! Did you enjoy your first track day? Don't get discouraged. Just takes practice and you'll get faster.
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Aug 22, 2012 00:16
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Had a fun shakedown race at Pittsburgh International. Found a few issues with the car which will hopefully be fixed and improved for Pocono on Sept 8th. Sadly, I had no one to race in my class but I had fun trying to chase down a nimble Miata. http://imgracing.com/Results/Detail/HeadToHead.aspx?SessionID=81&Driver1ID=110&Driver2ID=114 I had some flying laps and a faster top five lap average. But he had a more consistent spread of times. Just couldn't get around him. (I love our results application) Hoping to get some video from some of the other drivers. They've been slow uploading them to youtube.
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Aug 24, 2012 20:51
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kartracer88f posted:Got to do some fun coaching and chassis development work this week. Was coaching for ESM Patron with their Ferrari Challenge clients, and did some setup work for them as well. So jealous of you. That looks like fun.
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Aug 25, 2012 16:31
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Finally got the video from my enduro uploaded. Sadly, the camera ran outta batteries so I don't have all 2 hours. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v368zZYcH9k Can you tell I'm being super timid? :x
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Aug 25, 2012 20:51
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 gently caress yes, night race in a thunderstorm. (Please don't rain)
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Sep 8, 2012 03:24
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Sadly, I only got video of the practice session which was in the day. I forgot to stop the camera so the battery ran out and the memory card filled up. :v https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9dOO2WzLIQ Yay, deep puddles. Some highlights: 2:24 - Get passed by a little yellow bee and a turbo dodge neon 3:38 - Audi R8 ALMS passes. Holy poo poo this car sounds amazing in person. 5:03 - Orange BMW blast past with another yellow bee trying to draft him 5:28 - Turbo Dodge Omni passes on the inside.
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Sep 10, 2012 01:58
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aventari posted:Cool video, that track looks pretty sketchy with the puddles and all. The mirror mounting blocks a lot of the view Yea, on my out lap I didn't realize how deep those puddles were and the car sorta surfed. I couldn't get any heat into the tires or brakes. Still learned a bunch though. Get that E30 done! I hate missing events for poo poo like the car not being ready.
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Sep 10, 2012 17:51
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qxno1axFx4 Another reason to practice getting the gently caress out of your car in an emergency.
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Sep 19, 2012 03:13
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How'd that minivan do?
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Sep 19, 2012 16:59
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jadebullet posted:Wow, I knew the event was bad rainwise, but I didn't know it was that bad. Glad I didn't have to flag this event. Hopefully things are better weather wise at the IMG event this weekend. Need to fab up some ducting to the front hubs. Probably do it on the off-season this winter.
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Sep 25, 2012 02:37
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q8H6jHKMBU The sound of sadness at 0:49 parid posted:They got the Class C win! Great team. The trophy is the best. Grats on the race win!
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Oct 1, 2012 21:59
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(my hosting)
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Ugh, jerks out west. Our race season is pretty much over/winding down out here on the East Coast.
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Nov 13, 2012 15:54
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poo poo, the car was the cheapest part.
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Dec 13, 2012 14:57
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Bumming Your Scene posted:Popped my tow hook on https://www.dropbox.com/s/2qytoctfg5qek4d/2013-01-14_15-51-50_367.jpg Few more months before our season starts out here.  The other race car is almost done. Just a few small things to button up. 
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Jan 15, 2013 19:59
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the spyder posted:Figured this is the best place to ask: I need a new helmet. What are you running and why do you like it? Another vote for the HJC AR-10 II. I tried on a bunch at the store and the HJC fit my head the best. I have a friend with a Stilo and that is a nice helmet.
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Jan 18, 2013 23:39
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the spyder posted:Awesome! My 12yr old helmet needs to be replaced before I can do another track event. Same with my old harnesses. There goes another $700... Gotta love this sport. You can reweb the harnesses and save a bit.
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Jan 19, 2013 01:06
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Take one CRX with no motor  Strip it of everything usable and good  Get another CRX Si with a motor and trans  Put them together and 2.5 months later you have this. Ready for sprint races and enduros. A big goal is to run The Devil in the Dark 12hr; but, that will most likely be in 2014 after we've shaken the car down and worked out the bugs. I'd really love to run the 25 Hours of Thunderhill. 
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Jan 24, 2013 01:47
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I believe it is Mar 2nd/3rd with Chin Motorsports. I've never driven VIR so this should be interesting. New car, new track. Anyone else gonna be there? c355n4 fucked around with this message at 03:31 on Jan 24, 2013 |
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Jan 24, 2013 03:23
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Phone posted:Chin motorsports are a bunch of you know who's and my leather interior better not be damaged by some fat rear end instructor and I want my membership fee back SNiPER_Magnum posted:MY LEATHERS Should be interesting. I've always done events with Independent Motorsports Group or NASA/SCCA. I'll definitely report back.
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Jan 24, 2013 16:29
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 Tasty, tasty tire carnage. So the shakedown test at VIR with Chin was a mild success and disappointment. Car is back in one piece even after trying to kill us all on like every single corner on the track. Hog's Pen, etc. Ended up being a loose radius rod on the front right. So the car would toe out or toe in depending on braking or accelerating. Finding the issue would not have been possible without help from our main sponsor/support team from Entropy Racing. The CRX is pretty goddamn fast being only ~2090 lbs with driver and full fuel. Still a lot of suspension setup/tuning left to get it good.  
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Mar 5, 2013 16:00
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Personally, I don't race or track a car I'm not willing to lose or walk away from in a heartbeat. Saves a lot of heartache when it happens.
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Mar 13, 2013 01:30
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Something a lot of people seem to forget about running at a track. Damage to the property. You pay for that. That nice armco you just slammed your car into? You're paying to replace it. The 100ft section of wire fence you knocked over as you spun out? Paying to replace it. I still remember the guy who took out a portable light for a night race. He had to pay a few grand and that was after event insurance paid some of it.
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Mar 13, 2013 14:19
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