Run your car - TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY - March 11, 2005
01-16-2005, 11:27 PM
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Run your car - TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY - March 11, 2005
The FIRM DATE IS MARCH 11, 2005. That is a Friday. Begins 8:00AM - -Take a day or two off work to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity.
**PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE- If you have not run any road racing, are not SCCA, or otherwise affiliated member of a car club, they have indicated options to get eveyone that wants to run on the full track a chance to do that. One Instructional Lead Follow Session on the track, after about 20 minutes of ground instruction. Then you go on your own.
***VERY IMPORTANT*** This is NOT a race. It is NOT a time trial. You are running your car at your own pace learning as you go. You drive only to your comfort level. Anyone seen being too aggressive WILL get black flagged and will be done for the day. To keep it safe, you only need to keep a couple of things in mind. Where you can pass (or be passed), and where and how to run the proper line on the track, and always what is behind you or coming up on your right rear in passing areas.
*** INSPECTION - Your car can be a street rider, modded, or even a Vert. You will need a tech signoff by a mechanc or you can self-certify that your car is not leaking any fluids, belts are good, and all fluid levels are OK, lug nuts torqued down to 90-100 ft/lbs and will likely only have to change out brake fluid to a higher temp/grade. On the day of the event, (get there early), they will look over your car, ask you to start it, rev it, and look for stuff. If your car has been properly maintained, you won't have ANY problems. You and they know that very quickly!
***OTHER CARS**** While they have not ruled out "imports", they, and most all of us vette folks would like to see like kind...ie. V-8's, big tires, sleek and fast. If you have an import, email dawn@texasdrivingexperience.com and ask her. Other cars - old or new Mustangs were the second most popular car there (last October) and a few exotics and Cobra's.
LOOK AT THE VIDEO to see what other type cars that were there in October AND, notice how quicly traffic thins out, so you are not intimidated by others, or those with previous experience can relax and know the slower drivers know the rules.
***MISC***
Speeds - stock daily driver MN6 C5, expect max 125-130 MPH, only VERY briefly across the S/F line. The remainder is run at 90 and under. Road course varies from 25 - 90MPH in short bursts.
Helmets - Everyone is required to wear a Helmet - They will rent you one for $10/day. They can NOT be motorcycle helmets. If you have one, fine. If you want to buy one, find out what you need. Otherwise, rent one from them.
Windows - I don't recall a steadfast rule about running them down, but unless it is raining (FYI - this is a rain/shine event - no way around that), you will want it down for a couple of reasons. First, you do not want to run with your A/C on (loss of power - and excess heat), and if your helmet hits the side glass, it could shatter and spread glass all over the track. That draws a Yellow, and everyone is done. If they can clean it up and stay w/in the 1/2 hour session, you run again. If not, everyone waits till next session.
Passengers - On a prior event, they allowed a passenger to ride. I am not certain, but think they may have eliminated that, or may make a charge for the second person as though he/she was also a driver (like splitting drive times) There are plenty of places to see the action anywhere around the track. Having friends come and watch is fine and encouraged if you want them along.
Overall Safety - Safety is on everyones mind while running your car for 4 each 1/2 hour session. (about 140 miles total - or about 45-50 laps). After your first session, you will quickly gain confidence and comfort. Traffic tends to break away fairly quickly, so there is never any side-by-side running..either pass or fall behind. If you are uncomfortable, just slow down to let some traffic by, then pick it up at your own pace. They have spotters in about 6 or seven locations, ALL of which can trigger the Caution/Yellow/Black Flag if they spot something out of the ordinary. Nobody wants to trade paint with anyone, nor smack the wall at high speed so get that "Nascar" mentality out of your head before you come, because it's simply NOT tolerated. If it turns out to be to much to fast, just exit the track or come into the pits for a few minutes. While accidents can happen (Though TDE has never had a serious accident), you are likely FAR safer running here than some of the really STUPID stuff all of us have done on the city street and highways Everyone knows the rules, where to run, and avoid risky situations.
**REGARDLESS OF PREVIOUS POSTS OR WHAT MAY HAVE BEEN SAID**
Yes, we need a total of 60 to 70 registrants to make this happen. BUT, there will NEVER be more than 20-22 cars on the track at the same time! PERIOD! They will split into different sessions throughout the day.
** THE COST - This experience is only $275 for the entire day (per driver) at the track. Lunch is included as are water bottles. If you need fuel, there is a gas station about 1/2 mile off track - do that during lunch. If you need to stay overnight, there is a VERY nice hotel just across the street from the track, or go either north or south on I-35 where there are less expensive accomodations about 15 miles away.
WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
Watch the video for an idea of what to expect, although that doesn't come close to the exilleration you will feel. Then, SEND an EMAIL TO Dawn@texasdrivingexperience.com and to ME as soon as you can. She/I will send you a registraiton packet and a track event forms.
You MUST act soon, as they have reserved the track for that day, but need to know for sure how many can make it. Tell your friends about it.
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE if this is to come about in March, so PLEASE, EMAIL me and/or them or call very soon. You will get a return pack with info, forms, and what you might expect of how it will work.
GOOD LUCK - Hope to see ya there.. Tell um White #8 sent ya!
LINKS:
Texas Driving Experience - Visit the entire website!
Visit Texas Motor Speedway's Web Site
Watch the Video
EMAILS
dawn@texasdrivingexperience.com
don@texasdrivingexperience.com
diy-guy@sbcglobal.net (me)
*** Any questions feel free to ask *** For those coming for sure or those pretty sure.. BOOKMARK or add this as a favorite thread to follow for updates.
Would like to start getting a head count please... only "for sure's" or "almost for-sure" chime in...
******* SPREAD THE WORD **********
**PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE- If you have not run any road racing, are not SCCA, or otherwise affiliated member of a car club, they have indicated options to get eveyone that wants to run on the full track a chance to do that. One Instructional Lead Follow Session on the track, after about 20 minutes of ground instruction. Then you go on your own.
***VERY IMPORTANT*** This is NOT a race. It is NOT a time trial. You are running your car at your own pace learning as you go. You drive only to your comfort level. Anyone seen being too aggressive WILL get black flagged and will be done for the day. To keep it safe, you only need to keep a couple of things in mind. Where you can pass (or be passed), and where and how to run the proper line on the track, and always what is behind you or coming up on your right rear in passing areas.
*** INSPECTION - Your car can be a street rider, modded, or even a Vert. You will need a tech signoff by a mechanc or you can self-certify that your car is not leaking any fluids, belts are good, and all fluid levels are OK, lug nuts torqued down to 90-100 ft/lbs and will likely only have to change out brake fluid to a higher temp/grade. On the day of the event, (get there early), they will look over your car, ask you to start it, rev it, and look for stuff. If your car has been properly maintained, you won't have ANY problems. You and they know that very quickly!
***OTHER CARS**** While they have not ruled out "imports", they, and most all of us vette folks would like to see like kind...ie. V-8's, big tires, sleek and fast. If you have an import, email dawn@texasdrivingexperience.com and ask her. Other cars - old or new Mustangs were the second most popular car there (last October) and a few exotics and Cobra's.
LOOK AT THE VIDEO to see what other type cars that were there in October AND, notice how quicly traffic thins out, so you are not intimidated by others, or those with previous experience can relax and know the slower drivers know the rules.
***MISC***
Speeds - stock daily driver MN6 C5, expect max 125-130 MPH, only VERY briefly across the S/F line. The remainder is run at 90 and under. Road course varies from 25 - 90MPH in short bursts.
Helmets - Everyone is required to wear a Helmet - They will rent you one for $10/day. They can NOT be motorcycle helmets. If you have one, fine. If you want to buy one, find out what you need. Otherwise, rent one from them.
Windows - I don't recall a steadfast rule about running them down, but unless it is raining (FYI - this is a rain/shine event - no way around that), you will want it down for a couple of reasons. First, you do not want to run with your A/C on (loss of power - and excess heat), and if your helmet hits the side glass, it could shatter and spread glass all over the track. That draws a Yellow, and everyone is done. If they can clean it up and stay w/in the 1/2 hour session, you run again. If not, everyone waits till next session.
Passengers - On a prior event, they allowed a passenger to ride. I am not certain, but think they may have eliminated that, or may make a charge for the second person as though he/she was also a driver (like splitting drive times) There are plenty of places to see the action anywhere around the track. Having friends come and watch is fine and encouraged if you want them along.
Overall Safety - Safety is on everyones mind while running your car for 4 each 1/2 hour session. (about 140 miles total - or about 45-50 laps). After your first session, you will quickly gain confidence and comfort. Traffic tends to break away fairly quickly, so there is never any side-by-side running..either pass or fall behind. If you are uncomfortable, just slow down to let some traffic by, then pick it up at your own pace. They have spotters in about 6 or seven locations, ALL of which can trigger the Caution/Yellow/Black Flag if they spot something out of the ordinary. Nobody wants to trade paint with anyone, nor smack the wall at high speed so get that "Nascar" mentality out of your head before you come, because it's simply NOT tolerated. If it turns out to be to much to fast, just exit the track or come into the pits for a few minutes. While accidents can happen (Though TDE has never had a serious accident), you are likely FAR safer running here than some of the really STUPID stuff all of us have done on the city street and highways Everyone knows the rules, where to run, and avoid risky situations.
**REGARDLESS OF PREVIOUS POSTS OR WHAT MAY HAVE BEEN SAID**
Yes, we need a total of 60 to 70 registrants to make this happen. BUT, there will NEVER be more than 20-22 cars on the track at the same time! PERIOD! They will split into different sessions throughout the day.
** THE COST - This experience is only $275 for the entire day (per driver) at the track. Lunch is included as are water bottles. If you need fuel, there is a gas station about 1/2 mile off track - do that during lunch. If you need to stay overnight, there is a VERY nice hotel just across the street from the track, or go either north or south on I-35 where there are less expensive accomodations about 15 miles away.
WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
Watch the video for an idea of what to expect, although that doesn't come close to the exilleration you will feel. Then, SEND an EMAIL TO Dawn@texasdrivingexperience.com and to ME as soon as you can. She/I will send you a registraiton packet and a track event forms.
You MUST act soon, as they have reserved the track for that day, but need to know for sure how many can make it. Tell your friends about it.
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE if this is to come about in March, so PLEASE, EMAIL me and/or them or call very soon. You will get a return pack with info, forms, and what you might expect of how it will work.
GOOD LUCK - Hope to see ya there.. Tell um White #8 sent ya!
LINKS:
Texas Driving Experience - Visit the entire website!
Visit Texas Motor Speedway's Web Site
Watch the Video
EMAILS
dawn@texasdrivingexperience.com
don@texasdrivingexperience.com
diy-guy@sbcglobal.net (me)
*** Any questions feel free to ask *** For those coming for sure or those pretty sure.. BOOKMARK or add this as a favorite thread to follow for updates.
Would like to start getting a head count please... only "for sure's" or "almost for-sure" chime in...
******* SPREAD THE WORD **********
Last edited by diyguy; 01-17-2005 at 03:34 PM.
01-17-2005, 01:52 PM
#3
Burning Brakes
diy-guy
This really sounds great. Sent you an email.
I studied the Autocross section of the forum most of Sunday to see if I wanted to try this. Lots of great info there.
g
This really sounds great. Sent you an email.
I studied the Autocross section of the forum most of Sunday to see if I wanted to try this. Lots of great info there.
g
01-17-2005, 11:01 PM
#6
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by VERYSOON
diy-guy
This really sounds great. Sent you an email.
I studied the Autocross section of the forum most of Sunday to see if I wanted to try this. Lots of great info there.
g
This really sounds great. Sent you an email.
I studied the Autocross section of the forum most of Sunday to see if I wanted to try this. Lots of great info there.
g
****Spread the Word ***** Remember, it is NOT limited to Vettes. *****
01-23-2005, 10:48 PM
#9
Race Director
That price is high. I have run TMS twice and the most I paid was $160 for 4-30 minute sessions. Other groups offer 2 days for the price this group does 1 day. Might want to check around and run with another group.
01-24-2005, 09:50 AM
#10
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by rgregory
That price is high. I have run TMS twice and the most I paid was $160 for 4-30 minute sessions. Other groups offer 2 days for the price this group does 1 day. Might want to check around and run with another group.
Not challenging, just curious?
01-24-2005, 10:52 AM
#11
Race Director
I have done it twice with Panoz for $160 for the day, it was the (2.5 mile) oval and road course. It has been about a year since I ran out there. Just checked Panoz website and they now charge $225 to run TMS. For $275 a group called Drivers Edge runs 2 day events with instruction. They are running Motorsport Ranch in a few weeks.
Though I have had fun running at TMS it is too little of a road course and too much oval. I don't think I will even pay $160 a day to run it again.
Though I have had fun running at TMS it is too little of a road course and too much oval. I don't think I will even pay $160 a day to run it again.
Last edited by rgregory; 01-24-2005 at 10:56 AM.
01-25-2005, 11:35 AM
#14
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Feb 2004
Location: Collinsville MS
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St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by rgregory
I have done it twice with Panoz for $160 for the day, it was the (2.5 mile) oval and road course. It has been about a year since I ran out there. Just checked Panoz website and they now charge $225 to run TMS. For $275 a group called Drivers Edge runs 2 day events with instruction. They are running Motorsport Ranch in a few weeks.
Though I have had fun running at TMS it is too little of a road course and too much oval. I don't think I will even pay $160 a day to run it again.
Though I have had fun running at TMS it is too little of a road course and too much oval. I don't think I will even pay $160 a day to run it again.
