I just checked HPR's calendar and it looks like there will be an Open Track Day on Saturday, the 8th of August (that's a week from this coming Saturday).
I'm planning on heading out there and thought I'd see how many of my non-member pals would like to come along. The track is roughly 60 miles East of Denver, so it's a bit of a drive from Pueblo or CO Springs but well worth it.
The fee is $90 for a 1/2 day and $150 for a full day.
Track will be hot from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm, with a lunch break from 12:00 until 1:00.
That's 8 full hours of seat time if you wanted it. When compared to AutoX's (not that I don't love AutoX) $75/day for roughly 12 minutes of driving and 4 hours of track duty, this is a STEAL!
NASA also has an event that day at PPIR. Might be an even better reason to go out to HPR!
Also, just to note this Sunday Aug. 2nd is also a car's only opening lapping day. That and the 8th are the last weekend car's only open lapping days currently scheduled. I'll be out there Sunday if the weather looks good hopefully with a half dozen or so other cars Also there Saturday. It'll be a black C5 with a big white 25 and some stickers.
It sounds like you've played this game a time or twelve...
Any pointers on setting up for the track day?
For example, what should we bring? Cooler, folding chair, water, box to put stuff in? Where's the best place to fuel up on the way there or back?
Also, I'm in the market for a new helmet and was thinking about getting a smaller/lighter DOT approved motorcycle helmet. Any issues with wearing a 1/2 helmet when running the HPR track?
It looks like HPR recently opened up Sunday the 2nd for a cars only lapping day. I'm going out this Friday (7/31) and so will have to see about going out again Sunday.
What to take - definitely take plenty of water (a cooler is a good idea), a hat, sunscreen, light jacket (early mornings can be cool out there), a folding chair, box to store your stuff (you'll want to remove ANYTHING that's loose - glove box contents, mats, etc.).
For the car - make sure tires and brakes are in good condition and check all fluids. Fresh (or nearly so) brake fluid is always a good idea.
Gas - there's a station in Byers right after you get off I-70 that sells premium. From there it's about 17 miles to the track.
Helmet - if you're going to buy a helmet anyway, get an SA2005 (special application) approved helmet (whether open or closed). Some groups don't allow motorcycle (different impact rating - M) helmets. I would recommend a full-face helmet with shield (you'll be running with the windows down).
I'm sure others can add to this. Here are a couple links from the NASA website that you might want to read over well ahead of time.
To be succinct, get dehydrated, sunburned, run your tires the the cord, and blow up your engine, but make DAMN sure your brakes are working.
Got my helmet at a motorcycle shop in Boulder which has since closed. Note the rules, and make sure it meets the spec.
I’m glad to say I have been through this game. It’s why I bought the car. Those C6 Z’s are beast which I lust for, but I’m in love with my C5 Z. Chevy hit a home run with the C6 Z, but it simply followed the grand slam they hit with the C5 Z It's July - a baseball analogy seemed appropriate.
A cooler stocked FULL of water is always a good idea in Colorado. As are a chair, a hat, rain gear, warm clothes, and sunscreen. A tarp. Or 2. Or 3 might not get used, but are always handy. Bungy cords are good. Got one of those pop up shade things? Even better! There are no tree's. The rain gear seems most appropriate this year.
There is gas at the track now, but there’s also 91 octane at either the Byer’s or Deer Trail exits. Perhaps 93 in the days to come. If nothing else I top it out there and buy a snack so they see support from the “racing” community.
I bought mine used so before I went to the track the first time I had all the fluids changed except the coolant, and put on new Hawk HP + pads. At least check your brakes, change your oil, and put in an extra quart per my owner's manual.
Quote:
Originally Posted by A-Pex
BoulderVette,
It sounds like you've played this game a time or twelve...
Any pointers on setting up for the track day?
For example, what should we bring? Cooler, folding chair, water, box to put stuff in? Where's the best place to fuel up on the way there or back?
Also, I'm in the market for a new helmet and was thinking about getting a smaller/lighter DOT approved motorcycle helmet. Any issues with wearing a 1/2 helmet when running the HPR track?
Matt, I can see how this probably didn't come across like I intended. All I meant is that with a NASA event the same day the people doing that event can't be at HPR so it might be a good day to go HPR and have a pretty clear track to work with. I certainly did NOT intend anything negative towards NASA, in fact I love their events, I just don't love the current PPIR track.
No problem, just wanted to know if there was an issue. Hate to see issues when we should all be having fun! I kind of dreaded PPIR as well, but after running it last labor day weekend it has really grown on me, which I didn't see coming LOL. The transitions are a PIA and turn 1 I was not doing well, but the rest of it was pretty fun... I'd love to do turn 1 on the banking. I hope my Vette is running to go there next weekend, but not looking good at the moment
Hanksville is doing a roll bar for me right now. They do custom work, but with safety equipment I'd rather spend the $$. http://www.hanksvillehotrods.com/
I am planning on going for the morning... Went to the Grand Opening Gala this weekend to look around. Great looking track..
It IS a great track - challenging and a lot of fun. I went out last Friday, did 7 sessions and called it a day at 3:30. Unfortunately I won't be able to make this Saturday, but y'all have fun out there.
Any recommendations for where to get an SA helmet and how much one should pay for such a helmet?
I'm sure there are a number of racing shops in town that could fix you up. It's important to try several helmets on to find the proper fit. I got mine at Checkpoint Racing in Lodo a couple of years ago. I don't remember the exact price - something like $250-300 I think. Don't try to buy the cheapest one you can find - the saying goes "buy a $50 helmet if you have a $50 head"
Corvette Store
High Plains Raceway Open Lap Day!
Also there Saturday. It'll be a black C5 with a big white 25 and some stickers. 
