i just got home from spending the weekend at an HDPE at Road Atlanta. it's the first time i've ever been on a track. so far all i've done is a few auto-crosses and drag races, all in my STi. i had an amazing time and learned a ton about my car, and even more about myself. i had no idea i was such a clueless driver. but hey, we all have to start somewhere. if anyone is even remotely interested, i'd highly recommend looking for an HPDE to attend. i'll put up some pics from the track when they arrive in 3-4 weeks.

anyway, while kicking up my feet between runs... a couple of Aston Martin Racing trucks drive by. so of course, i had to follow them. here's what i found

 

a few pics from the HPDE

 

Thats cool, thanks for sharing! Is that the car based on the DB9? (DBR9?) I think they are moving to a V12V based platform this year.

 

Very cool! That's a V8V, probably the new Vantage GTE -- http://www.astonmartin.com/racing/ne...hip-programmes

 

Yup, that's the one.

The body is almost entirely carbon fiber, only the roof is aluminum (has to be from the production car). It weighs about 1100 kg, and they add 50 kg of ballast to meet minimum weight requirements (they get a 50kg weight waiver due to aerodynamics).

This car is brand spankin' new. It was just built, only driven for a single day in the UK before being flown out. Inside of the car still smell s like glue haha. They're set up at Road Atlanta right now, doing a shakedown for the next few days, prepping for Sebring.

 

Very cool. Thanks for posting.

Who hosted the HPDE?

 

BMW Owners Club. Had a great time, met some great people, and had an awesome instructor. I'm planning to go to their next one later this year.

 

Thanks for posting the link-it sounds absolutly amazing in the video!

 

Looks like you had a good time - can't wait until it is my turn!

 

Telum01 let me know when this is planning on happening. I would love to get out there with you!

 

I'd be interested too . . .

 

these are the only two listed for the BMW Owners Club at Road Atlanta:
Spring: March 3-4, 2012 (Road Atlanta) <--- this is the one i just went to
Fall: September 8-9, 2012 (Road Atlanta) <--- i'm planning to be at this one
http://www.peachtreebmwcca.org/index...id=49&Itemid=2

i was told to check out Chin Motorsports, they're supposed to be a good group and they run at Road Atlanta, too. their next one is Monday the 12th: http://www.chinmotorsports.com/event...ay.asp?eid=455
here's their website with more events: http://www.chinmotorsports.com/

i can't take off Monday so i can't go. but at least i'll be heading down to Sebring next weekend!

 

D119 - One damn good looking Vantage .... how did it handle on the downhill "S's" ?

 

performed beautifully! the previous owner did a damn fine job setting up the car

 

LMAO - Tnx ! - AM flag will be flying at Sebring 12 Hr !!!!