I will be going to the TrackMasters event on Friday September 12th at Thunderhill in Willows CA. This is a really good track with a nice selection of curves, elevation changes, a couple of quite long straights and it is a really safe track.

They have repaved this year and made extensive mods to the curbs, run out areas, repainted a pile of stuff…

Did I mention that it is a really safe track – instruction available for inexperienced drivers.

This is a good day out for you and your car, post if interested and we can figure out how to meet up.

A couple of links:

http://www.trackmasters-racing.com/
http://www.thunderhill.com/index.html

 

I have never done a track event but might be interested. My buddy is interested too but he has a Ferrari (don't hold it against him too much) so is it open to all makes?

John

 

Thunderhill is the best place in Northern CA to do your first track event and TrackMasters is a good group to go with, safety is a big concern at these events and you will probably be pleased and surprised how seriously this is taken.

You (and your Buddy) would have to join TrackMasters, it is free. TrackMasters is run by Doug Gale (a PCA, SVR region member) he does make a small profit from it but he does not make a living out of it so prices are very good (PCA events are about the same cost). In the membership application you can mention my name (Martin Fry) Doug knows me a little, I get nothing out of that, also mention that you want to do a track day on September 12th

It is open to all high performance cars so the Fcar would be welcome as well.

You can do a tech inspection yourself, if you are not sure about your ability to do it or you are wondering about your car take to a dealer or an Indy for a once over.

You will be assigned an instructor and you will not be permitted to run the track solo until the instructor has signed you off (this is a good thing!), if you listen and take it easy you will probably be running solo in the novice group by the end of the day if you want to.

You can rent a helmet at the track so you don't have to buy one for your first time out.

Obvious things to do.
Check your tires.
Bleed your brakes if they have not been bled in the last year. I bleed my brakes before every event but for your first time out you will not be going 100% so you will be okay with reasonably fresh fluid. I think you live pretty close so maybe I could help you on that one.
Make sure your pads have 50% or better left. Again you will not be pushing it but in any case replace the pads if they are down below 40% pad thickness.

If you need more info I can PM you my phone number and we can talk.

Note I am no expert, I was a complete novice this time last year but after 6 track events I can give you some good guidance about how to prepare (not hard), what to expect and how much fun you will have LOTS
Owning one of these cars and not taking them on the track is a crime!

 

wish this is a wkend. thunderhill is a great track indeed. we are lucky to have so many great tracks within a couple hrs drive. i'd recommend staying there overnight and gas up in a near by city the night before.

 

Okay, Martin, I'm in! I just picked up the car from it's two year service yesterday and mentioned the possibility of a track day. My SA said he would sign off on the tech inspection and the car should be in good shape, having just had a brake flush and replacing one rear tire with a leak (the other is at 40%).

I'll join TrackMasters and be sure to mention your name and the 12th event. I'll also PM you my email and phone number so we can talk specifics about hooking up.

Thanks for your help. I'm really excited to do this!

 

On second thought you better IM me. I just tried to send you an IM but the system won't let me because I don't have enough posts.

 

PM sent - Nice to have you aboard.