Wanna Race? Lets learn how to drive first!!

[2point]

Sup guyz, local Iowa Honda Track Fein here. I've had 5 Days / 3 HPDE sessions under my belt and am a Group 2 student right now. I've participated in 3 autocross Solo events as well. 1 with my Civic, 2 with a Mr2.

Here is some info to get you guys out on the track. Feel free to ask question or post more Track Time events here as well.

Racing:
Learning is the first part of the game, but racing is our claim to fame!
Here are some links and Track Sessions to Look into.

First the Links
Wanna Race? Read up here -
Here's the god father of sites in getting started
http://www.nasaproracing.com/hpde/index.html
Good stuff here as well
http://www.scca.com/
Des Moines Region > http://www.dmvrscca.org/

SCCA Auto X solo School - A must attend - Price is under $75.oo !!! all the details are not ironed out yet - 3/9/07
Go to this thread for updates: http://www.forums.dmvrscca.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=519
http://www.dmvrscca.org/

Wanna Learn? FAASST driving School - SCCA accredited licensing school
http://www.faasst.com/
http://www.faasst.com/Schools.html#CourseDescription

SCCA Performance Driving Experience (PDX)
http://www.scca.com/Club/Index.asp?IdS=089389-8895020&x=030|015&~=
http://www.scca.com/Club/DriversSchool.asp?IdS=089389-8895020&x=030|020&~=

Midwest SCCA division shedule
http://www.midiv.org/Code/Calendar.htm

Information about BMW Club
http://www.kcbmwclub.org/files/2006%20Info%20Pack.pdf

Information about High Performance Drivers Education
http://www.kcbmwclub.org/files/stumanual.pdf

Mustang Car Club of Iowa
http://www.mustangclubofcentraliowa.org/


MAM - Omaha http://www.midamericamotorplex.com/2006/default.asp
MAM hasn't posted all their dates yet but there will be more
April 7th - Find the Line HPDE
April 14th - Audi North America HPDE
May 17th - FAASST driving school
May 19th - SCCA Weekend - Real racing!
June 9-10 – BMW CCA - Iowa Chapter BMW Club HPDE
June 16th - Find the Line HPDE
June 30th July 1st - NASA Race weekend - not sure who is racing there yet.. .
July 7th - Find the Line HPDE
July 21st - MCCI - Mustang Car Club of Iowa HPDE
July 28th - SCCA race weekend
August 4th - NESBA
August 11th - Find the Line HPDE
August 25th - PCA porsche Club HPDE
August 30th - FAASST driving school
September 1st - SCCA race weekend
September 8th - Viper Days
October 27th - Boobash - not reccomended for rookies - Fast & unorganized

Heartland Park - Topeka KS http://hpt.com/store/catalog/
March 23-25 Kansas City BMW club HPDE EDIT: Audi Club of Kansas City
March 29th Thursday FAAST driving school
June 22nd-25 KC Porsche Club HPDE
July 5th Thursday FAAST driving School
August 10-12 KC BMW club HPDE
October 8-14th Porsche Club HPDE

Gingerman - Michiganhttp://www.gingermanraceway.com/
July 27th - FAASST driving school
Sept 8th - NASA Midwest Race Weekend
Hold many MONDAY driving schools - http://www.cgimotorsports.com/ < $175/day

Grattan Raceway - Michigan
http://www.grattanraceway.com/
May 24th - FAASST driving school

There are some events at Hastings in Nebraska as well.
http://www.racemph.com/MPH%202007%20Schedule.doc

>>>The Autobahn Country Club >
http://www.autobahncountryclub.net/

>>>Hallet Motor Racing Circuit
http://www.hallettracing.net/

>>>Mid Ohio Race Track - home of NASA Nationals
http://www.midohio.com/

>>>Putnam Park in Indiana
http://www.putnampark.com/

>>> Road America in Wisconsin
http://www.roadamerica.com/


NASA Honda Challenge Road Racing Events
Midwest Series
April 20-22: Mid Ohio
May 19-20: Putnam Park
June 9-10: Grattan
June 30-July 1: Mid America
July 21-22: Autobahn
Aug. 17-19: Mid Ohio
Oct. 6-7: Putnam Park
Oct. 20-21: Road America

NASA Midwest Time Trial Events - sponsored by SuperStreet
http://www.nasa-tt.com/
Midwest Region
April 15th-16th Blackhawk Farms Raceway
May 20th-21st Putnam Park (Crossover with NASA OH/IN)
June 17th-18th Mid America Motorsports
July 22nd-23rd Autobahn (Crossover with NASA OH/IN)
Aug 12th-13th Mid-Ohio (Crossover with NASA OH/IN)
Sept 11th-17th National Championships—Mid-Ohio
Oct 21st-22nd Road America

Redline time Attack!
http://www.redlinetimeattack.com/index-2.html
http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread/1851107

I hope I get into atleast one event - Street Class

[rsxtyper]

I'm really thinking about doing the solo autocross at sailorville this year...just to see how my RSX does??? anyone else going to participate?

[Pandaimpreza]

I'm really thinking about doing the solo autocross at sailorville this year...just to see how my RSX does??? anyone else going to participate?

i will be participating. last season was a good one for me. with my new set up i should have better times. i'm wishing there will be more rainy days. AWD at its finest.

[2point]

I will be doing SOLO events this year as well, Wont compete, just go for tuning and fun. Ima give them SM guys something to worry about!

I am classified in the Street Mod class cuz of my Suspension and Motor swap - Pretty stiff competition there but I did post a sweet ass time just 0.7 seconds off a very experienced driver in a 400+whp EVO MR on slicks. I got a 2 second penalty for hitting one cone so my best time actually wasn't counted as an Actual 39.3 Evo posted a 38.617.. .

I was on 205/50/15 Hankook Z211 Medium compound Road Racing Tires. Not really a Autocross tire.. . This year I will be on 225 minimum:teeth: .. I need an LSD to really help out though:sad:
results of my event > http://www.dmvrscca.org/s_1006r.htm

That was the first event I've done with my K20 Civic

[jdmtimdc2]

i want to get into autocross been really thinking about it...just need to up my suspension first

[2point]

i want to get into autocross been really thinking about it...just need to up my suspension first

Hey, welcome to the boards.. .

Anyhow, everyone thinks they need this or that on their car before they go to an autocross event.. .

YOU DON"T

1st off they have classes that have ALL STOCK cars in them.. .

2.) You need a car that doesn't leak fluids
3.) A helmet, but one can be prvided for you at the SCCA events
4.) You need functioning seat-belts = no cheap ebay non-certified ones.. .
you can have harnesses, but they have to be installed correctly and can not have cuts in them or be older than 5 years for either SFI or FIA, I can't remember.. . One rating can be older than the other.. .
5.) bring your learning cap cuz you are going to learn something weather it is from someone, your car or yourself.. . Don't come to SCCA to show off, come there to have compete, have fun, make friends and learn more about cars and motorsports in general.

[jdmtimdc2]

I'm really thinking about doing the solo autocross at sailorville this year...just to see how my RSX does??? anyone else going to participate?

when is this??

[ej8mando]

ive been wanting to get into this, looks more fun than drag

[2point]

save your money though if you want to do HPDE events.

Costs of traveling and going to events can range from $150-$500 from what I've scene.

I suggest doing 2 day events b/c you will get the most out of the learning experience and will have a chance to get fast out there. 1 day can be fun too but the traveling 3 hrs to and fro the nearest track just screams for a 2 day event to get the most out of your trip.

Ways to cut cost of getting ready for a HPDE.
1.) go with a friend - share hotel costs and maybe even gas costs
2.) try not to buy too much shit for your car before you go to the event
*** just remember there are going to be people out there with completely stock cars. Just get your car ready with new brake fluid, bring some extra pads an rotors if you can and make sure your car is not ratteling and shit. .
3.) If you don't have a helmet, borrow someones if you can.. . good ones are pricey but your own is very nice to have as well.

[2point]

some more Midwest events I found here

http://www.midiv.org/Code/Calendar.htm

[2point]

DMVR event schedule is posted!!!

Lets try not to kill too many cones guys1

http://www.dmvrscca.org/soloschd.htm

[gabebauman]

Heck yes I will!

Oh...sorry...I'm just getting excited because the first DMVR event is only six weeks away.

Don't be bashfull fellas...come out and have a good time...we don't bite. My wife even co-drove my car at the last October event...she is hooked now.

Some of my footy from last season can be found on my youtube site.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ojJszHFfKk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C7BCNH9tEs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZL46t2jXFmg

http://forums.dmvrscca.org/forums/index.php

[CaseBone]

Im really interested in auto x but it looks way too many confusing, the course that is. Thats why im more leaning toward taking my car to the track instead.

[2point]

Im really interested in auto x but it looks way too many confusing, the course that is. Thats why im more leaning toward taking my car to the track instead.

Not that I like to admit it, but I too was nervous and flustered a bit on my first day of Auto X as well. Not to mention I had to co-drive a high powered MR2 turbo that I had barely driven before the event.. .

I think this is a totally natural way to feel. You see all those cones out there, you have some pointing this way, some that way, some out in the middle of no where. :spoiled: What do they all mean? where do I go? are people going to laugh at me? haha most likely

Well the good thing is that the SCCA likes to teach people and refresh the old farts at the meets as well. They have driver meetings and these drivers meetings are a MUST GO TO. If you are not there, you wont be racing that day.. . During the drivers meetings the rules are gone over, meaning of cones, safety, signals, sequence of events through the day, safety again.. .

If you have never been to a AutoX event, and want to cushion the learning curve before you actaully bring your car out to race, just show up to any Solo event and see how things go.. . You should pick up enough to reassure yourself that you wont be a green back the next time you come out.. .

[gabebauman]

Yup...you are allowed to walk the course before you even get out there in your car. This gives you the time to figure out what lines you might want to choose and better yet lets you find the actual direction you need to go. People at the event are very helpful in getting everyone thru the course.

I generally walk the course 5-6 times by myself or with a buddy, discussing what lines would be good. Then after the driver's meeting...you can go on a novice/group walk as the event chair/co-chair describes to you what each part of the course is and what your best position should be.

[2point]

Oh yeah, I forgot to add the "Walk the Course" portion. This is most helpfull to keep yourself from looking like a dumbass.. .:roflmao:

The first time I got on Sandpiper, I was almost drifting instead of driving.. . I was overdriving my car and basically had no heat/traction in my tires.. .

[StreetD]

I'm ready for this year, I need some new tires though. I will still be on the crappy ones I used last year.

[2point]

I'm ready for this year, I need some new tires though. I will still be on the crappy ones I used last year.

I hearya about tires man. I've been beating my head about what tires I'm going to run, on what rims.. . and yada yada yada.. .

I need to sell some of my shit to get some new rims to fit some meats on first.. .

[StreetD]

Haha, I know what tires I want, but unforutnatly I am broke. I hope to see some people off here at the first event on march 18. Nobody has to worry about what is done to their car, the two most important mods are driver and tires.

[2point]

Hey Guys

Earn track time points towards free NASA HPDE track time by working a race event.
http://www.nasaforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=13083&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Here are the dates and places I am looking into working.

My April 28th and 29th looks good for Iowa Speedway

Mid America Motorplex near Omaha - I deffinetely will work June 30th and July 1st I beleive. Honda Challenge that weekend.
There might be a race to work the weekend before

Autobahn in Joliet Ill. - July 21st and 22nd look good for me too! Well, if I decide not to the the Mustang Club event at MAM that weekend.. .

[CaseBone]

Hey Guys

Earn track time points towards free NASA HPDE track time by working a race event.
http://www.nasaforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=13083&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Here are the dates and places I am looking into working.

My April 28th and 29th looks good for Iowa Speedway

Mid America Motorplex near Omaha - I deffinetely will work June 30th and July 1st I beleive. Honda Challenge that weekend.
There might be a race to work the weekend before

Autobahn in Joliet Ill. - July 21st and 22nd look good for me too! Well, if I decide not to the the Mustang Club event at MAM that weekend.. .

Very interested in doin this, maybe we could set something up so we could ride together or whatev. What would we be doing? I need as much time and experience at the track as i can get, even if im not racing.

[rsxtyper]

^I would like to get into this as well; up for more info and I think I saw some events at Southridge mall last year is this right and how is the parking lot for cornering it seems pretty rough to me?

[2point]

The NASA link that I posted up contains more information about what we would be doing.
http://www.nasaforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=13083&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
http://www.nasaforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=13083&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

As far as the southridge event you are talking about, that is a SCCA event. Nothing to do with wheel to wheel racing which I am talking about.

I made a post on the NASAforum link and hopefully that guy will get back to me. I am going to seek other means of signing up to work the Iowa Speedway and the June 30th event at Mid American Motorplex.

Working 2 full days = 8pts = 1 day of free HPDE = $150 savings.. .

I will probably just CAMP out at the Mid American Motorplex Event.

[CaseBone]

Im IN, ill get back to you on it when it comes closer!

[2point]

Im IN, ill get back to you on it when it comes closer!

IN??? Indianola?

I'm not sure how fast the spots will fill up for track workers.. .

[2point]

I'm going to go out on a limb here, but I think that every time the NASA has a race weekend at a track, they also do HPDE.
EDIT: JUST FOUND THIS : All NASA OH/IN and Midwest events will be running the full HPDE program. BONUS

So.. . that being said. I think I will try to make the most out of the weekend by working the event and doing an HPDE session.

Looks like I am considering this as my possible schedule this year

HPT - March 23-25th - Going to KC to visit friends, might go to track
MAM - April 7th Find the Line HPDE
Iowa Speedway April 28th and 29th - WORK & HPDE
MAM - June 30th July 1st - WORK & HPDE
Possibly Road America August 4-5 - WORK & HPDE
Possibly HPT - August 10-12th BMW club HPDE
MAM - August 30th FAASST driving school and HPDE

It looks like I'm going to Omaha a lot this year but I want to get good at that track before I do a FAASST driving school.

[gabebauman]

It looks like the Grand Am Cup is on Saturday the 21st...are you gonna go to that?

http://www.iowaspeedway.com/schedule/schedule.asp

How do you sign up for working?

[gabebauman]

I hearya about tires man. I've been beating my head about what tires I'm going to run, on what rims.. . and yada yada yada..

I had no problems figuring my wheel/tire situation out for this year.

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/1030/azenistackeryv9.jpg

[2point]

yes sir it does look like you know what you are running this year :tongue:
I still however am still evaluating

About the course work.. . It looks like you already chimed in on that thread from the NASA forum http://www.nasaforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=13083&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Most of the time, there are WEB based sign ups to participate or work in the event.
Here is the http://www.nasamidwest.com/ site
The season schedule which only has registration open for the Putnam Event so far
http://www.nasamidwest.com/season/
I'm assuming the registration for other events will be on this page as well.

It looks like this is the guy to contact about working
drift@nasamidwest.com

The Volunteers site appears to be down
http://www.nasamidwest.com/volunteers.html

[2point]

It looks like the Grand Am Cup is on Saturday the 21st...are you gonna go to that?

http://www.iowaspeedway.com/schedule/schedule.asp

How do you sign up for working?

I'm pretty sure I will go to that too but of course will not be working it as I will most likely be getting drunk!:teeth:

[gabebauman]

I'm pretty sure I will go to that too but of course will not be working it as I will most likely be getting drunk!:teeth:

Oh...I might make it to this just to spectate then. My wife will be out of town the end of April and early May...so I'm taking advantage of my free CAR time.

[CaseBone]

Im def going to try and work at the Grand Am Cup if i can!

[2point]

Im def going to try and work at the Grand Am Cup if i can!

Umm I'm not sure how you will accomplish that b/c I'm pretty sure they are not taking "Volunteers" for that event

The only Events I know that you can volunteer for are NASA and SCCA club racing events

[CaseBone]

Oh well thanks you for clearing that up for me!:hithead:

[2point]

FYI I have enquired about participating in HPDE and working at a NASA track event. It is a slim to non chance that can occur b/c of the way they run the events.

At MAM I will run HPDE and at Iowa Speedway I will probably just work.. .

[2point]

found another Group or Pros that put on good HPDE events and AutoX stuff

http://www.mvptracktime.com/id25.html

June 4, 2007 Autobahn Country Club - Joliet, IL. (FULL 3.56 Mile Road Course) << FULL

July 23, 2007 Putnam Park - Mount Meridian, IN.

September 17, 2007 Heartland Park - Topeka, KS. = $230 = too expensive.. .

[2point]

Just added

I will be attending this AutoX school - come out to see how fast you really are!

SCCA Auto X solo School - A must attend - Price is under $75.oo !!!
all the details are not ironed out yet - 3/9/07
Go to this thread for updates: http://www.forums.dmvrscca.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=519
http://www.dmvrscca.org/
SCCA Performance Driving Experience (PDX)
http://www.scca.com/Club/Index.asp?IdS=089389-8895020&x=030|015&~=

[2point]

Another Site that is Midwest Oriented for track time

http://www.findtheline.com/default.asp

HIGHLY reccomended to attend other HPDEs before going to these events to gain critical knowledge and expereince

FTL events are basically open track days with as few run groups as possible to give you maximum track time.
**U have to pay extra for instructors ($100/day)
**If you don't pay extra for an instructor, you can probably find a ride to learn the line or for track noobs, a experienced driver will ride with your around the course durring the first session.
**Personally I would not go to this unless you have over 100 laps of instructing time on a road course or have other RACE experience in Karts or something.. .

[2point]

found another sweet site for getting track time

http://www.speedtrialusa.com/index.html

Looks like there is a nice event going on at Gingerman on April 14th. Lots of track time will be had then! I'd rather go to Gingerman when NASA is there though.

[95teggsr]

anyone interested in hitting up a few of the HPDE's at MAM this year? I drove MAM at expo and it was incredible. I think most of the clubs will let you drive as long as you pay the fees etc.

[2point]

July 9th and 10th - HPDE BMW club at MAM

16th 17th - Find the line HPDE at MAM
16th 17th - SCCA RAces at Heartland Park Topeka > might have a PDX HPDE that weekend

22nd-24th - SCCA races at Road America
23-24th - Porsche Club HPDE at Heartland Park (HPT)

30th and July 1st - NASA races at Mid american motorplex (MAM)
Honda Challenge cars will be there
MAM - HPDE that weekend with good NASA instructors as well - I will be there

July 7th-8th - SCCA races at HPT - PDX/HPDE there too - I'm trying to plan on this one too.. .
July 7th-8th - Find the Line HPDE at MAM

Weekend of 14-15
Rolex Race Iowa Speedway
SCCA at Autobahn in Joliet Illinois
15th - DMVR Solo AutoX

July 21-22
HPDE Stang Club MAM
Midwest HC Race at Autobahn

July 28 - SCCA race MAM
July 28-29 - SCCA race Gingerman

[gabebauman]

So are you going to all them events Ryan? You should try to come to our next solo event. It's at the Oskaloosa airport. Huge location = big speed for your fancy motor.

[2point]

That would be amazing if I could afford to go to an event every weekend but no, I wont be going to them all.

I might come out, I dunno. I hate not having the right tire combination for my ride. It really puts a damper on my day.

I might be getting some Kuhmo Victo Racers, I dunno.. . No body makes a good and sticky225/45/15 except hoosier and I'm not buying hoosiers. RETARDS

[gabebauman]

I think you worry too much about your tires and what not. Just drive the car as is for now and gain experience. It's more fun than competition with us DMVR guys anyways. Plus...I want to drive that K-monster again. :tongue:

Let me know when you're going to MAM...I'd really like to do atleast one track day this summer. It's been a couple years now. :sad:

[95teggsr]

How do you register for the find the line HPDE's? I cant find where to register on their website, any of you ever done it before?

[2point]

How do you register for the find the line HPDE's? I cant find where to register on their website, any of you ever done it before?

Their website is pretty gay. More or less just a pre baught forum layout modded up to serve as a business website.. .

Just become a member of the site and make a post on the forum they have. They should have a schedule of events on there somewhere.. .

The last find the line event I went to, I didn't have to pre register but that was in October, I'd pre register no matter what if you can.

[2point]

I think you worry too much about your tires and what not. Just drive the car as is for now and gain experience. It's more fun than competition with us DMVR guys anyways. Plus...I want to drive that K-monster again. :tongue:

Let me know when you're going to MAM...I'd really like to do atleast one track day this summer. It's been a couple years now. :sad:

I'm going to try and make it out to some autoX stuff. I just get other things goin sometimes and well, yeah, I like to have the car the way I want it before I go beat the shat out of it.. . Spinnin tires in 2nd is slow.. .

I think I'm going to try and do the SCCA PDX and the NASA event. Race weekends pluss HPDE driving is TITS!!!

Later

[2point]

FYI,

I'm not doing the MAM event HPDE.. . I might go to watch if anyone wants to make the drive to Omaha.. . I might drive the K.

I WILL be doing the HPDE PDX at Heartland Park Topeka KS July 7th and 8th.
The new suspension and tires will finally get a shackdown and I know this track pretty well. I'll most likely be put into group 2 but I could be wipping the floor with group 1 students. If I'm in grp 1, you'll get to see a Honda whoopass School in session :thumbsup:

Later

[Prez]

How much is the Find the Line event on the July 7th?

[2point]

http://www.findtheline.com/default.asp

$150 for one day, 280 for two day

[2point]

I think this is where you need to sign up.. . the site is designed and written a lil shaddy

http://www.findtheline.com/eventreg/

[gabebauman]

I think this is where you need to sign up.. . the site is designed and written a lil shaddy

http://www.findtheline.com/eventreg/

Man...I'd love to be able to make this.

[SanSational]

looks like fun.

[Prez]

I am going to see how my funds look. I would love to attend one of these.

[2point]

Track days are fun. If you haven't been on a track, I suggest NOT going to a FTL event and hit up a NASA, SCCA, BMW, Audi, porsche, Mustang, FIRST. Instructors are provided for about the same price you pay for FTL events. FTL events you get more track time than others.. . Especially SCCA

Instructors are not provided at FTL events unless you pay $100 extra per day.. .

FTL events are not as structured as others and you WILL not feel comfortable on the track unless you are the fastest one in your run group and trust me, you wont be the first time you get on the track unless you are a Natural and have big HP and great brakes.. .

[gabebauman]

You WILL not feel comfortable on the track unless you are the fastest one in your run group and trust me, you wont be the first time you get on the track unless you are a Natural and have big HP and great brakes.. .

I'll admit that my first track experience made me nervous...but I never felt uncomfortable once I got out on the track. It was the MAM Boo Bash in 2004 I think. I had a great time...all the people were really cool and the amount of track time was amazing. I could have stayed there all day/night/into the next day and then some...it was so fun. I probably had the slowest if not second to slowest car there that day. They have passing rules at these lapping day events where only three straight-aways are used for passing. You won't get passed in the turns, (unless somebody is breaking the rules).

Watching Damian haul that rocket fast yellow rx7 around the track is a ball of fun in itself. :wink:

[2point]

I'm glad you had a good experience Gabe.
But I'd rather not C rookies going to FTL events unless they have an instructor.. .
At very least, highly stress that you want someone to take you around the course before you go out and try to get someone to ride along with you the first time you go out as well.

Learning the wrong way first is never good.. . If you want to be slow, try and learn the track without an instructor. I picked up 5 seconds through the day learning the track myself at boo bash last year 2:00 laps to 1:55s, I bet I could have picked up 8-10 with an instructor in the car with me. I should be able to put down 1:50s on street tires at MAM.. .

Finding the line in some of those corners is quite tricky and getting to the point where you are going fast comfortably takes longer without an instructor. With an instructor you will be able to push the limits faster, learn more and ultimately have more fun if you have instruction first.

Maybe I'm to technical or take tracking my car too serious, but just goin out there and driving my car around is not my goal and I don't think it should be yours either. My goal is to learn racing, learn the track and get faster and faster and to also get to know my car's limitations and where I and the car need improvements.

MORAL OF THE STORY IS, GET INSTRUCTION FOR YOUR FIRST TIME.. .

[gabebauman]

FTL mentions riding with experienced/skilled drivers first...so it's not manditory that you need to pay for an instructor.

Newer drivers:
Along with the instructor for the drivers that requested instruction, there will be some very skilled drivers in the A group that will take you as a passenger to show you the line. Use this opportunity to get rides from skilled drivers and even ask them to ride along with you, this will greatly improve your driving skill.

Another technique of learning the lines is after you get passed...try and follow that guy's line and see if that helps any. You'll begin to learn who is fast/who to follow and who isn't fast/not to follow by how many times you get lapped. :tongue:

Not everybody has the same goal as you Ryan...their car is not as fast as yours...and they may only do it once just to see what's it's like to really cut loose on a real road course.

[gabebauman]

These are the videos from Budman on Honda-Tech.com at MAM.
I think it's before he turned it into a full race car:

Click - 12Mb (http://www.itrca.com/gallery/budman/video/MAM_2Laps072003.WMV)
Click - 10Mb (http://www.itrca.com/gallery/budman/video/MAM_2Laps2People072003.WMV)

These may help you somewhat get a feel/look at how this track works.

[2point]

For learning, a better bang for your buck is a 2 day HPDE with NASA, SCCA, BMW or Audi club. Either way, once you've been to the track, you will be addicted, it's better to learn right the first time.

For guys that have done years of SCCA SOLO and Autocross, FTL is probably fine for you as it was for Gabe.. .

For guys that have little experience and have cars that are WAY faster than them, Like mine, I highly reccomend doing an event with instruction.. .

[2point]

go beat up on some Mustangs at MAM

$320 for two days and or 10-12, 20 minute run sessions.. . includes $20/yr mustang club membership fee

http://www.mustangclubofcentraliowa.org/mam_flyer_2007.pdf

I have not investigated this event at all nor do I think I am going to go. I'm checking into a PDX with the SCCA at MAM at the end of July. I hope they have a PDX session on their 2 race days.. .

[2point]

On July 28th AT MAM there is no PDX with SCCA according to http://www.midiv.org/Code/Calendar.htm

DAMN!!!!