Road courses and track days

[Creature]

So they have dog parks so you can take your dog to go out and play same with your children... but what about cars?

I want to drive my little car in anger, but not get a ticket. Where can I go to play? Not compete by any means, but just have a little fun.

Keep in mind I live in NC.

 

[whitnith]

Autocross is out, they are illegal, at least at the SCCA level, which most decent AutoXs should be following. If you come across an AutoX that lets you in, stay away, because they aren't safety focused.

If you're going to be out at a track day driving "in anger" please just stay away, because that is not what track days are about.

Sounds like you would be best at a drag strip, since they are all about short bursts of speed.

 

[Creature]

by "drive in anger", I should have clarified, I mean turning so hard my ecu nannies have a fit. Tires fighting to keep grip. have the back wheel kick up like a dog when they pee. Really seeing how this car will handle as far as cornering. I'm not one for drag racing at least not in this car with this gearbox. But feeling the feedback in the wheel and feeling some body roll YES.

 

[MGDavis]

"in anger" is oldschool army for "for real" I.e. "he's never heard shots fired in anger."

 

[whitnith]

by "drive in anger", I should have clarified, I mean turning so hard my ecu nannies have a fit. Tires fighting to keep grip. have the back wheel kick up like a dog when they pee. Really seeing how this car will handle as far as cornering. I'm not one for drag racing at least not in this car with this gearbox. But feeling the feedback in the wheel and feeling some body roll YES.

Like I said, SCCA has put them in the "illegal due to high rollover risk" category. Just something to think about.

 

[Savage_383]

Autocross is not illegal in NC. SCCA has tons of events there. Anyone will a qualified car can show up and race.

 

[whitnith]

Autocross is not illegal in NC. SCCA has tons of events there. Anyone will a qualified car can show up and race.

Unless you car is in the:

"The following are examples of vehicles excluded from Stock for reasons of stability, per 3.1:
Dodge Caliber (non-SRT)
GEO Tracker & Suzuki Sidekick
Jeep CJ series
Suzuki Samurai
Scion xB (2004-06)"

Taken directly from the SCCA Solo Rule Book.

The Sonic is in that category, trust me.

 

[Savage_383]

I guess we will have to see. I have raced three events now with no issues. I'll be getting a different car if that's that case. lol

 

[RichieRocket]

So they have dog parks so you can take your dog to go out and play same with your children... but what about cars?

I want to drive my little car in anger, but not get a ticket. Where can I go to play? Not compete by any means, but just have a little fun.

Keep in mind I live in NC.

Hi Creature, I do motorcycle track days, but there are many organizations that do car track days on real road courses. A few simple internet searches will find them, I typed in "road course race tracks north carolina" and found the following. You can go to each track's website and check their calendar of events for car track days, figure out the requirements for safety gear and driver training and get out on the track!

I have ridden VIR (north course) many times, awesome track!

I don't know about the roll-over risk that whitnith mentioned. Is that for Auto-X only or road course also?

Lowes Motor Speedway

Located just 20 mintes from uptown Charlotte is the Lowes Motor Speedway on Rte. 29 in Concord. The faciility is breathtaking if you have never visited before. A couple unique features about the Lowes Motor Speedway is that it plays host to 3 NASCAR Sprint Cup level events every year, has one of the longest races of the year, and the facility has condos which are lived in year round. While most are familiar with the 1.5 mile tri-oval, LMS contains a 2.25 mile road course, 1/5 mile road oval road course, 1/4 infield oval, .72 mile infield road course and a dirt track. You can rent the track for a day of blasting through the turns by calling the track at 704-455-3272.

Carolina Motorsports Park

An hour south of Ballantyne (Charlotte), you will find Carolina Motorsports Park. If you're looking for a challenging road course with an expert facility, this place is for you. The facility consists of a 2.3 mile 14-turn road course which can be divided into a East and West Course. Those longing for a true road course will enjoy this facility and may even see some NASCAR guys test. This track is set up country club style with memberships and training available.

High Rock Raceway

Located just 45 minutes from Charlotte in Salisburg, High Rock Raceway is North Carolina's newest raceway and the only dedicated road course in the North Carolina. The track will be a 14 turn, 2.15 mile road course that looks to be divisable into both a north and south configuration. In addition, there are garage condos available for purchase, which means no more sleeping in the bed of your pickup truck.

Virginia International Raceway

VIR is located three hours north east of Charlotte in Alton, VA. It has a 3.27 mile full road course, a 2.25 mile north course, and a 1.65 mile south course. VIR has some of the most picturesque surroundings for your day at the track and the facilities are world class. Designed more like a country club than a raceway, there are condos for purchase, excellent paddock space, a kart track. and even a lodge. VIR is also home to the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series, the Grand Am Koni Challenge Series, and the AMA Superbike Championship.

 

[Creature]

Richie Rocket thanks man i'm definitely going to have to check these out

 

[theenico]

Unless you car is in the:

"The following are examples of vehicles excluded from Stock for reasons of stability, per 3.1:
Dodge Caliber (non-SRT)
GEO Tracker & Suzuki Sidekick
Jeep CJ series
Suzuki Samurai
Scion xB (2004-06)"

Taken directly from the SCCA Solo Rule Book.

The Sonic is in that category, trust me.

Yes the Sonic is in that category, but it is up to the region putting on the event to enforce it. As such, I have been running Detroit Region SCCA autocrosses in HStock without issue. If I wanted to go to nationals that's another story.

The irony is that the Ford Fiesta, which is classed in HStock, has a rollover rating exceeding the latest spec in rule 3.1 of the 2012 Solo rule book. The spec says it should be less than 14% and safercar.gov has the Fiesta at 14.3%. For reference, the Sonic's rollover rating is 12.6%. I have brought this to the attention of the SEB (Solo Events Board).

Edit:

I went back and double checked page 167 of the Solo rulebook. The Sonic is not on the official excluded list. This is from the may revision of the SCCA solo rulebook which over-rides the Feburary Fastrack.

What does this mean? It means that at the regional level you're good to go, but you still can't run a divisional or national solo.

 

[Screamer4]

I live 25min away from CMP. It's a nice track. My bro-in-law is one of the paramedics who works there part time.

 

[Aldakoopa]

Oooo...

I've always been interested in racing road courses. I just never took the time to research anything about it. Maybe one day I'll get my old Trans Am track-ready and can give Autocross a shot.

 

[Screamer4]

Oooo...

I've always been interested in racing road courses. I just never took the time to research anything about it. Maybe one day I'll get my old Trans Am track-ready and can give Autocross a shot.

Warning: you'll get addicted! Because of my busy schedule I've only gotten to do it a few times, but it's a ton of fun... way more fun than the dragstrip IMO. I don't even want to get started with HPDE/track days... I'll get hooked and end up spending way too much time/money on tires, brakes, etc

 

[whitnith]

Oooo...

I've always been interested in racing road courses. I just never took the time to research anything about it. Maybe one day I'll get my old Trans Am track-ready and can give Autocross a shot.

If you're serious about this, go the road course way first with a track day/HPDE. You can apply the skills you learn there to AutoX, but going from AutoX to a road course is a little trickier.

Trust me. My instructor at the HPDE was very much "Forget everything you know about AutoX now. Seriously." Second lap around the track, I did a corner like an AutoX, and played lawn mower. I forgot the AutoX rules after that.

 

[theenico]

If you're serious about this, go the road course way first with a track day/HPDE. You can apply the skills you learn there to AutoX, but going from AutoX to a road course is a little trickier.

Trust me. My instructor at the HPDE was very much "Forget everything you know about AutoX now. Seriously." Second lap around the track, I did a corner like an AutoX, and played lawn mower. I forgot the AutoX rules after that.

That is the opinion of one instructor. What is his background? Is he a seasoned road racer or just a track day guy that's been doing it long enough to be asked to volunteer as an instructor?

I'm pretty sure Randy Pobst (and many other professional road racers) would disagree about autocross not being a good foundation for road racing. He started his career in ProSolo and Solo2. He is now an accomplished professional driver.

In my experience from both Skip Barber and SCCA Club Racing, the guys who had some autocross experience were always faster and smoother/safer than the guys coming from HPDE/track day events with no autocross experience.

Autocross teaches car control and conservation of speed in a rapid fire enviroment. The actual "lines" do not translate. When I got my competition liscense for road racing I actually found it relaxing compared to autocross. You do some corners and then kick back on the straights. Check gauges, mirrors, think about the next corner, watch the scenery, etc.

Conversely, the people I've seen go to track days first and then come over to autocross are usually fish out of water. They don't keep their eyes up, slaloms blow their mind, and they tend to miss gates their first few times out. If they are humble and intelligent, they start asking questions and get the advice they need.

 

[AustinK]

just because the scca website is a pain in the a** to navigate what is all required to participate in your local scca club racing...
other than a number is there anything required for your car? (for H stock that is)

 

[theenico]

First some clarification of the SCCA specific terms.

Club Racing = wheel to wheel racing on road courses such as Mid-Ohio, Road America, Watkins Glen, etc.. This is basically the amateur version of the World Challenge, ALMS, Grand Am, etc. series that can be viewed on TV. It also requires the participants to have a Competition License.

HPDE/track day = driving around a road course, but not competing. None of the laps are timed and passing is either prohibited or specific areas are designated for passing. New people generally have to have an instructor ride along with them until they are deemed competent enough to be let loose on their own.

Solo2 = autocross, which is one car running at a time on a course usually marked with cones. A person typically gets 4 runs and only your fastest run counts towards your finishing position. Currently, a bone stock Sonic is eligible at the regional level to run in either GS or HS. I always run in HS because that's where the Fiesta, Mazda 2, Aveo, etc. are currently classed.

Since you asked about autocross, all you need to do is show up. Take all the loose items out of your car. If you have a helmet meeting either the M2000 or SA2000 specs, bring it with you. If not, most regions have loaner helmets for newbies to borrow.

Here in the Detroit region, entry fees are $35 for SCCA members and $50 for non-members. $15 of the non-member fee can be applied to your SCCA membership should you decide to join.

The SCCA website leaves a little bit to be desired. If you want to learn more about autocross, go to the website and click on SOLO. It's on one of the two bars across the top of the page. From there you should be able to navigate to the rule book as well as find your local region which will most likely have its own website with their local Solo schedule posted somewhere.

Edit: I see you're in Nebraska. That's SCCA region 48. They even have their own website. Go here: http://www.nrscca.com/

 

[AustinK]

Thanks theenico

i checked the Nebraska SCCA website and i noticed we have a few events coming up and Rally-X in the summer... im hoping to go in a few weeks with my cousin... He has an MR2 i dont think i can keep up but you never know!

Thanks again!

 

[whitnith]

That is the opinion of one instructor. What is his background? Is he a seasoned road racer or just a track day guy that's been doing it long enough to be asked to volunteer as an instructor?

I'm pretty sure Randy Pobst (and many other professional road racers) would disagree about autocross not being a good foundation for road racing. He started his career in ProSolo and Solo2. He is now an accomplished professional driver.

In my experience from both Skip Barber and SCCA Club Racing, the guys who had some autocross experience were always faster and smoother/safer than the guys coming from HPDE/track day events with no autocross experience.

Autocross teaches car control and conservation of speed in a rapid fire enviroment. The actual "lines" do not translate. When I got my competition liscense for road racing I actually found it relaxing compared to autocross. You do some corners and then kick back on the straights. Check gauges, mirrors, think about the next corner, watch the scenery, etc.

Conversely, the people I've seen go to track days first and then come over to autocross are usually fish out of water. They don't keep their eyes up, slaloms blow their mind, and they tend to miss gates their first few times out. If they are humble and intelligent, they start asking questions and get the advice they need.

He was only the chief instructor, and one of the main guys in charge of the event...

I was at Road America. Nothing is relaxing about that course.

I also think most people are fish out of water at their first AutoX and will miss gates.