I've always wanted to do this and think its time.. I've been to a track day but not brave enough to take my own car. And heck... I WANNA DRIVE. I found this link which has some great links to driving courses in and around the GTA (mainly Barrie) They have anything from cars, hummers, to monster trucks!
I like the Stock Car Min of (45 laps!!) or the open wheel performance... both are about $500... everything supplied. Thought it would be a bunch of fun to get a few guys/girls/friends out.. to play and be competetive! Other options/suggestions welcomed.
Jamie, there is nothing like taking your own car on the track. The experience is incredible and you really get to learm how to drive your own car. I had my first experience last year at Mosport with Apex driver training. You drive at your own pace, don't have to beat on your vehicle unless your numbers are #19, #22, #65 or #66
I plan to get out 2-3 times this year. See you out there.
Just take your own car to the track . Don't drive like an idiot, and you (and your car) won't get hurt.
There are MORE than enough open lapping days to choose from, as well as EXPERIENCED guys on this forum, most of whom can probably take you around and show you the ropes, and help you get (safely) up to speed.
If you want to get your feet wet (figuratively, not literally) in a SAFE environment, on a SAFE track, you should seriously consider the SoloSprint school, which is being held May 15/16th weekend, at the Mosport Driver Development Track. This school is intended to take a driver who has little to no track experience, and bring them up-to-speed progressively over the course of the weekend, both in class and in your car. Of course, being a SoloSprint school, there will be some "encouragement" to take your experience from the school beyond just that weekend, and come try one of the competitive (timed) SoloSprint EVENTS after the fact (in fact, the price of that school includes your entrance to one "free" event during the season!).
I'm also "Cap'n Pete" on that forum, and I'm the Registrar for the series. Any questions, don't hesitate to contact me directly, via PM, or any of the means found on the registration form I posted .
Regardless of whether you choose to check out Solo or not, you really SHOULD take your 'Vette to the track ... you've no idea just how exhilerating it is until you do!
There are a few members on this forum who participate in Solo, so fear not, you won't be alone.
Pete
Last edited by Cap'n Pete; 03-13-2010 at 05:44 PM.
ok..ok.. Maybe i'll check out the mosport course as well.
I'd be alot less concerned if it solo lapping..
I don't doubt my driving skills.. its everyone elses that worry me!
Jamie, when going to the track, while you can't doubt your driving skills, you have to seriously leave your ego at the door. What you think you know about driving on the street, whole different experience on the track.
Line to learn, braking, shifting, heel-toe, throttle on/ off/ steady, keeping the car balanced, watching ahead, who's around you, how to handle when you lose it, I could go on.
Pick your place of instruction carefully. I'm one of the "numbers" (65) that Walter refered to. Me and the rest of the numbers all do the Apex days amongst other HPDE, and have also had the absoute benefit of learning from John & Devon Powell.
I can't post the link but will pm you the website for more information on the instruction they offer.
Try out Solo Sprint, try out Apex. You will find what you are most comfortable with. It's all about being safe and having fun.
When I went to the track for the first time ever, I went there thinking "I can drive ... I've fish-tailed my car around more corners than you can shake a stick at ".
THEN I learned that I WASN'T so sh!t-hot when it came to REALLY "driving" (aka: "racing"). So then I actually did "learn" to drive. And I got better. THEN I thought "I can really drive now " ... and then I crashed my car into a wall (it was a series of bad events, and yes, I was pushing WAY too hard ... deliberately, sort of ) ...
... and since then, I've had to "learn to drive" all over again .
There is lots to be learned out there, and lots of people who can teach you.
It really depends how much you want to spend to be out there, how much time you want on the track, and if you want to "play" in more "traffic" or in less .
Jamie, when going to the track, while you can't doubt your driving skills, you have to seriously leave your ego at the door. What you think you know about driving on the street, whole different experience on the track.
lauri
Ego? What ego??? Nah.. i totally appreciate where your coming from and agree with you 100% What i should have said is "I'm not scared to drive".. But running solo i just have to worry about myself and not some other goof clipping me.. I'm good with that.. We will talk more.. you guys are getting me excited about this.. Is it worthwhile me picking up a set of "track tires"?? j
Track tires ARE nice to have, but if you're out there for the first time, I would actually suggest you stay on street tires. It also depends on which track you're running at. At a small track like Mosport DDT, you'll find the limits of your tires much quicker (it's got lots of tight corners, and you're hard on the brakes a lot) but at Mosport GP, you can actually be blazing quick, even on street tires ... ie: some of the "regulars" around here can run into the 1:30's with their Z06's, on street tires ..... that's fast!!
What you want to make sure of, is that your car is in 100% working order. You want at LEAST 50% brake pad life left (before you show up to the track), make sure your front wheel hubs are in good shape (they take a beating over time, and become a regular "wear item" when you start running a lot), and make sure all of the important fluids are topped up (steering, brakes, motor oil). For the motor, you're wise to actually over-fill slightly, ie: ~1/4" above the full line, so that when you're cornering hard, the pump won't starve for oil. A lot of people will recommend CHANGING your brake fluid before you go out, but for your first track day, I wouldn't worry too much, since you won't be pushing the car THAT HARD, YET. But make sure you have a strong brake pedal ... bleed/change the fluid if necessary.
Other than that, you will need a current SNELL approved helmet, which would be either a SNELL 2000 or 2005 at this point. Some lapping groups may allow you to run without, but I wouldn't suggest doing it, unless you are going for your first few laps with an instructor, at a reduced pace, while trying to figure out the track initially. Otherwise, once you start putting your foot to the floor and bringing up the speed, you should have all the protection you can get. Some people whine about the "money" aspect, but if you can afford to put a set of sticky tires on your car (that will just wear out in a few track days anyway ) you can afford to buy a helmet to protect your melon, that will last you upto TEN YEARS!!
The beauty about taking your Corvette to the race track is, it's a Corvette . They are DESIGNED to perform well, and they do. I've only had one opportunity to drive a 'Vette at the track (last year), and it was a major "wake-up call" to the differences between the Camaro and the Corvette ... and I realized HOW/WHY many of the 'Vette guys keep beating me!! The car handles beautifully, AND, it's "easy" to drive fast! I'm not saying that my Camaro isn't fast, but it takes more work from the driver's seat. I jumped into the 'Vette ('98 C5), and within a few short laps, was running the identical lap time to a guy who has been running the identical car (another '98) for many, many years. I was shocked! AND, the car I was driving didn't have track pads on it or a racing bucket/harness, whereas the other guy's DID, which actually put me at a disadvantage, yet I was still able to post a very good time with the car.
Sum it up to say, you've got the desire to go to the track, and you've got the right car for the job, so (in the words of Nike), "Just Do It!"
Location: Peterborough"I'd rather be topless than all couped up" Ontario
Quote:
Originally Posted by JPEAK
Jamie, there is nothing like taking your own car on the track. The experience is incredible and you really get to learm how to drive your own car. I had my first experience last year at Mosport with Apex driver training. You drive at your own pace, don't have to beat on your vehicle unless your numbers are #19, #22, #65 or #66
I plan to get out 2-3 times this year. See you out there.
well put and yes I plan on attending a couple this year also.
TM
Corvette Store
Lets Go Driving... Race Driving School??
. Don't drive like an idiot, and you (and your car) won't get hurt.
: 
.
) ...
.
Nah.. i totally appreciate where your coming from and agree with you 100% What i should have said is "I'm not scared to drive".. But running solo i just have to worry about myself and not some other goof clipping me.. I'm good with that.. We will talk more.. you guys are getting me excited about this.. Is it worthwhile me picking up a set of "track tires"?? j
