[killer_bluebird]

I'm starting to make arrangement and plans for my first HPDE and need help deciding on what to do. Here is the link to the event. http://www.racenasa.com/infopages/INFOPAGE...OHIOAPRIL06.htm

It's a 3 day event. I'm trying to decide whether to do 1 day, 2 days or 3 days. It seems like the 2 hotels closest to the track are already booked, so I made a reservation on the nearest one 10 miles away (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/banghead.gif) . I guess it is better than a 1 1/2 hr drive. I would be signing in for HPDE1. I've been to open track events before, but have never been to a driving school type event so I'm not sure what to expect.

So the dilemma is do I just go Friday knowing that there are not going to be as many people and learn as much as I can then and skip Saturday and Sunday? Go to the Saturday and Sunday events only or go all 3 days? Cost is a consideration $460 for a weekend of learning is certainly cheaper than a 3 Day acura course at mid Ohio but is not cheap either, I mean including lodging gas and equipment. I do understand that if you want to play you have to pay, I just want to be able to optimize my learning experience. Is it better to take one Day lesson at a time then look for open track days to practice before taking another lesson or Am I going to be able to continue learning as I practice during the 3 days. I do not want go to work on monday morning in a comatose state either. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Also is is worth it to rent a transponder on your first event? I'm hoping Nelson post some open track days dates before this so I can shakedown the car as I've been busy all winter tweaking the car. Sorry for all the questions but any and all suggestions are welcome.

[jensend]

It's both interesting and ironic that most people outside of the sport believe there is no athleticism required by people in motorsports. My brother, for example, firmly believes that drivers are not athletes. He thinks they are less conditioned than bowlers! Try to explain to someone the demands imposed by combating G-forces while expending vast amounts of mental energy in an often hot and confined environment. Few who haven't had firsthand experience can conceptualize it. Fitness and proper hydration are necessities for anyone participating in motorsports on any level. The more demanding the level, the greater the need for proper conditioning and hydration. Can't remember the exact source, but I recall being told that even mild dehydration lessens attention and concentration capacity by at least 20%. Point is, the longer the session(s), the greater the number of consecutive track days, the more critical the need for proper rest, nutrition, and conditioning. Guess I should go bowling with my brother before the track season gets here! Actually, his sport of choice is Golf, "Where the real athletes are". :drive: