Apr 26/27 high performance driving school...anyone going?

[Seks]

Don't you guys think end of April is still a bit too early for that? I e-mail race city and one of the personnel told me it would take a lot of snow for them to postphone the event. They said they never had to postphone the event before.

Not too sure what their version of "a lot of snow" is

Debating if I should participate or not ($395+gst)

[rage2]

It's a great 2 day program to learn the roadcourse. In the stook, you'll be hooked, and attending every trackday after that .

[ecstasy_civic]

so will they teach you how to do things correctly? casue ive never done any of that kinda stuff on the track.

[MrHeavyFoot]

Originally posted by ecstasy_civic
so will they teach you how to do things correctly? casue ive never done any of that kinda stuff on the track.

Yeah, they teach you what you need to know. The first day is 1/2 spent in the class room and half doing various exercises, mainly on the infield of the oval. You get to experiment with oversteer/understeer, run some slaloms, do some braking exercises, etc.

The second day is pretty much 100% on the road course. They start out limiting top speeds to 120km/h, then 140, 160 and finally wide open. There will be an instructor in the car with you while you are on the road course.

If you are going for your race licence, you even get to go through a couple of practice race grids/starts. Twenty-some novice drivers rolling around the track 2x2 to take a green flag start. That was probably the only time all weekend that I was worried about something happening to my car.

Bring a full tank of gas for the second day and make sure your brake pads and fluids are in good shape.

[ecstasy_civic]

cool thnx for the info.

[4wheeldrift]

Originally posted by Seks
Don't you guys think end of April is still a bit too early for that? I e-mail race city and one of the personnel told me it would take a lot of snow for them to postphone the event. They said they never had to postphone the event before.

Not too sure what their version of "a lot of snow" is

Debating if I should participate or not ($395+gst)

Race City's version of alot of snow, is ANY snow on critical areas of the track. They'll run the event with a wet track (you will learn more on a wet track) but if its icy or theres snow they won't run it. Now, that being said its pretty rare to get much snow in april, but its not unheard of.

[Chu]

When do they usually sell out? Does anyone know?

[szw]

I would like to sign up for this..

is it okay to go with a stock car? I mean tires, brakes, the whole deal?

And is this something where I should expect to start replacing my tires/brakes soon? Cuz I can't afford that..haha!

[MrHeavyFoot]

Originally posted by szw
I would like to sign up for this..

is it okay to go with a stock car? I mean tires, brakes, the whole deal?

And is this something where I should expect to start replacing my tires/brakes soon? Cuz I can't afford that..haha!

Going completely stock is fine as long as everything is in good working condition. Most of the cars there last year were street cars and I suspect most were reasonably stock. I think they actually prefer you to use "normal" street tires in stead of R compounds as you get a lot more warning (i.e. squealing) before you reach the traction limit if the tires.

You'll only need to replace things before the course if they aren't in good condition. Make sure the tires have a reasonable amount of tread, that the brake pedal is good and firm and that you have a fair bit of brake pad left.

You probably won't have to go replacing anything immediately after the course, unless of course they were pretty worn before hand. My brake pedal was noticeably softer after the course. I thought maybe I had boiled the fluid but it turned out just to be wear on the rear pads. The early MKIV Jettas came with pretty soft pads though. (I still managed to get a lapping day and several autox events in before replacing them though.)

You'll probably see some noticeable wear on the tires as well, but nothing that would warrant having to replace them immediately.

Oh, and be careful about using the e-brake when you park after a session. I'm told its a good way to warp your rotors.

There a little bit of info here:

http://www.racecity.com/report.php?n=9

[speedracer]

Stock: Is the best way to learn in any form. No point in modding a car if you don't know how to drive at the most basic level.
BUT,
If you do have say R tires then it would be a benefit for you to learn on the tires since that is what you would driving during competition. (Don't expect any tire and brake life).

How much to prep the car? It must be in EXCELLANT mechanical shape - it would not be fun aor safe for that matter if it was not.

Sells out very fast - around the End of Jan and then there is a wait list for those that drop out (Deposit required)

[fast95pony]

I took the course last spring. I learned a lot . It doesn't really matter what car you bring, just make sure it's mechanically sound. It's a blast !!

Alan

[kenny]

Originally posted by 4wheeldrift
Now, that being said its pretty rare to get much snow in april, but its not unheard of.

We're you out of town last May?

[Hakkola]

LoL, I'd go but I'd prolly look like an idiot putting my car on the track.

[4wheeldrift]

Originally posted by kenny


We're you out of town last May?

No, but I heard the rocky mountain rally got absolutely dumped on

[Chu]

This year in april the weather was pretty crappy, I wasn't really even driving my car until early may. I want to bring my sports car because bringing my other car (SUV) would be stupid. I think april weather is unpredictable sometimes but race city wouldn't hold this event if they think they would cancel it. Anyways going to sign up during christmas holidays. Thanks for the info.

[MenteL]

Originally posted by Hakkola
LoL, I'd go but I'd prolly look like an idiot putting my car on the track.

Same here! A semi-rusted out cavalier pounding down the rubber lol! Could be very interesting, all I know is that I can take the offramp from 16th avenue to 52nd st at 85km/h and get the tail out from under me, scared me when it happened the first time I didn't expect it, I prayed for a good recovery as I almost clipped off the retaining wall.

[speedracer]

The type of vehicle means very little - it's the skill of the driver that is the most important.

[MrHeavyFoot]

Almost forgot about this. Here's an article/review of last year's course:

http://www.technofile.com/cars/racing_course.html

[REFLUX]

i just got the form for the school....
what's this stuff about "Helmet Approval"???

i know i'll need a helmet but it has a "No" and "Yes Type:---------" option

if i pick NO, will they provide? or what?

[mrmattyk]

Damn I am interested in taking this..