Hi everyone,

I've always wanted to track my 911 so I think it's time, but I'm a little lost on 'how to start'....

Eg: Laguna Saeca vs Sonoma?
How do you deal with tires? Do you buy them there in case you rip them apart? Are there such facilities?

Any recommended clubs / events?

Thanks!

 

There are several organizations that provide instruction and track time.
NASA - does not run HPDE at Laguna though.
Hooked on Driving - runs events at all nor cal tracks.
Track masters - runs at all nor cal tracks

Don't worry about your tires at a trackday as long as they are relatively new you will be fine. Most trackdays do not have tire services at the track.

You will need a helmet, comfortable shoes, and a cooler of water. There are a lot of threads about trackdays and you can search for those for further info.

If you have specific questions you can PM me. I'm an instructor with NASA, HOD and trackmasters.

Matt

 

Thunderhill is also a good track to start on as it has more runoff room and fewer walls than Sonoma/Infineon. I think Nasa Pro Racing group is a good way to get on track and learn. It is really important to have some good instructors ride along with you to see if you have any bad habits or things you need to work on. After you've been driving for a while, then NCRC (Norcal Racing Club) is another good group to drive with - they typically run at Thunderhill, Sonoma/Infineon, Buttonwillow, and Laguna Seca and they seem to have very good prices especially for Laguna. If you do decide to run at Laguna, make sure your car/exhaust is quiet enough (92db or maybe even 90db) with the sound shack being on the right side of the track between turn 5 & 6. - Jim

 

I'd recommend HOD (Hooked on Driving) and Laguna Seca or Thunderhill.

HOD costs a bit more than some other groups, but they run a well-controlled and safe event. I also think they tend to be more on the conservative side (especially in the less experienced run groups), which tends to favor folks who really want to take their cars home in the same condition as when they came out to the track . It also helps to have your fellow drivers in the same mindset, as I've found they typically do at HOD events. Another option is to look for a PCA event -- almost nothing more conservative than that .

Thunderhill is a nice wide open track with plenty of runoff and minimal walls. But it is out in the middle of nowhere (sorry if you're from Willows, CA) and can be roasting hot in the summer. Laguna Seca is a great track with pretty good runoff areas and not too may close in walls. It's also tough to beat the Monterey area in the summer, or any time of the year.

Your tires will be fine. I doubt you'll even notice any extra wear on them if this is your first track event. Get out there and have fun!

 

just a quick note to say Thank you for all the advice.

 

I just started doing HPDE about six months ago. I've just been running with the local PCA. Very fun, safe and well run events.
http://www.pca-ggr.org/

As someone mentioned earlier, thunderhill is a great track to start with.
Don't worry about tires. Go get the car inspected for a de. Most Independents will do it and several dealers will as well. They have a checklist that you need to get signed off on that checks fluids and brakes and what not.

I have Michellin pilot super sports and have about 8k miles and five track days on them and they're in great shape.

The only downside is kicking yourself for not doing it sooner.
That and the sudden search for a gt3 ;-)

-mark

 

It's best to start with a group like the BMW CCA or PCA so you can get some instruction.

 

i echo the great recommendations

always get an instructor with the track organizer for the whole day. you will learn plenty

get a helmet also. apexperformance is a great online resource.

lastly, here is a site that tells you what track event is going on near you. it also has other driving events too.

http://www.motorsportreg.com/