Considering an FRRAX track day, Is it possible? Options

[trackbird]

Ok, some of you may have wondered why I started a post asking what tracks you attend and how far you would tow to race/play.

I've started toying with the idea of an FRRAX.com track day. I'm not sure of the exact format, it is still a new idea at this point. It could be an HPDE, or maybe a Solo1 format, etc. At this point, I just wondered who would consider attending one (if it were close enough, we'll deal with that seperately if there is interest). So, as I'm just thinking out loud right now....

Who'd come?

[GaryK]

I'd be interested, but I'm pretty limited on travel distance. Of course, if there is enough notice I might be able to work out going further.

[KeithO]

Don't forget, we can "piggy back" on a lapping day that is run by other groups (track-sanctioned, Car Guys, NASA, etc.) and dub it the "frrax track day" without exposing ourselves to costs and risks of low turnout...

As you point out, the real problem is a "central" track that people would be willing to go to interleaved with their normal points-race schedules...

[rmackintosh]

Just come out to the greatest track of all Laguna Seca.... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[trackbird]

Well, let me look at it another way.

A local message board just did a Gingerman "evening". The track was $500 for 3 hours. They were shooting for 20 people (small outing) and they did the day, the cost was $100 or less each (I didn't make it) and broke even. Fun was had by all. They have about 80 members.

We have nearly 500 members (not that all will make it). I wondered if we could come up with more than 20 people for longer than 3 hours (and a track that works for many members). The price would still be reasonable (hopefully) and fun should be had by all.

This is about as far as I've worked this through. I'm not looking for 500 cars. But, I'd like to get 50+ or more for a day. Make a good weekend out of it or something like that. If it works well, maybe look at setting up a west coast event as well (I'd be at both). Again, I'm just thinking out loud, looking for ideas, thoughts, trying to find the will of the masses.

Please talk amongst yourselves.....

[DanKeen]

Definitely, although I don't tow, so somewhere nearby (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[Mericet]

Kevin, I would defenitely consider this. Just remember our group at Gingerman had one advantage. All 80 members is (for the most part) from Central Ohio. That being said, it was a great day and we could have had more people. Gingerman's pricing seem to be very reasonable too.

[trackbird]

Neil,

I was aware of that and had considered it. We had spoke/joked about an FRRAX track day in the past. Your outing reminded me that it is not as expensive as I was thinking it might be. This got me wondering if/when/how/could we/etc. So, I thought I'd throw it out to everyone and see what the feelings were.

I don't yet know if we can find a track that is central enough to work. And, murphys law states that it will be $4000 an hour to rent if we do find one. But, without researching the location that suits everyone best (see the other thread) and finding interest, we'd never know. So, I'm open to suggestions and thoughts and if (a huge if) we can get a track with decent rates that is close enough to enough members, maybe we can do one. If we pull off one next year, maybe we can try for 2 the following year (closer to the west, or whatever we don't do the first time).

So, keep the ideas coming. Who knows what we'll learn. I was thinking spring (early shake down run/test session) as a possibility. I suspect this will take more to organize than the Gingerman trip (but I could be wrong).

keep talking....

[Dewey316]

with enought time to figure in time off work, towing, hotels, etc. I would probably drive a fair distance. (of course, from the NW, that still would probably leave it somewhere in the western US for myself.

[KeithO]

I would love to have to w-2-w with some of you guys and would strive to participate.

Location will play heavily into it. I would be willing to tow up to 10 hours maximum each way. FWIW

[John_D.]

I would be interested. I don't have any license/certification/etc. so that might be an issue... Not sure if you were thinking everybody that participated would be fully licensed or what.

[KeithO]

I would be interested. I don't have any license/certification/etc. so that might be an issue... Not sure if you were thinking everybody that participated would be fully licensed or what.

John, you don't need any sort of license to participate in a track day. You just need a car that can pass a basic safety inspection and a helmut that is reasonably current.

Beyond that, you just need to look for a run group that has similar experience levels to yourself and look to have some fun.

Track days are a blast. A track day full of f-bodies would be a dream...

[trackbird]

Still working on that. If the groups are small, I'd think you could get instruction/guidance from some of the other members (I know we have a few instructors around here). Or, we will have to work that out as well.

[Nick]

Since a lot of people would be driving a long way, we'd have to do more than a 3 hour window. The idea of piggy-backing on a larger organization with our own run session would work well. Make a weekend out of it.

[Teutonic Speedra...]

I'd go somewhere within about 6 hours or so from NJ:

Watkins Glen
Limerock
Pocono
Summit Point
Shenendoah
Jefferson Circuit
Virginia International Raceway
Beaverun
Mid-Ohio

[trackbird]

Since a lot of people would be driving a long way, we'd have to do more than a 3 hour window. The idea of piggy-backing on a larger organization with our own run session would work well. Make a weekend out of it.

I was trying to plan for a longer window. At least a full day or two.

Time to drive, hang out, tell lies, etc. And, then head home. I wasn't looking for a 3 hour block. I was looking at a 1 day minimum. Maybe 2 if there are enough f-bodies....uh...bodies.

[Nick]

(IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/thumbup.gif)

[robz71lm7]

Could we also do ride alongs at the track day? I'd be interested in going, but I'm not going to put my car on the road course (I can't afford to lose it).

[trackbird]

Could we also do ride alongs at the track day? I'd be interested in going, but I'm not going to put my car on the road course (I can't afford to lose it).

Unless their insurance says otherwise, I'd think that would be possible. That is part of phase 3 of this operation. Once we find a track and get a head count. We'll see what that track offers from there.

[Jeff94TA]

I'm in and don't mind driving a pretty good distance to attend.