Autobahn Track Day, race like you're rich! Options

[BudmannG]

it's defianately june. I probably wouldn't have been able to do april either.

I won't even be able to go watch ! My daughters have a dance recital that weekend. I would like to know how everyone does though.
Good luck guys and gods speed with you all!!!!

[akamiami]

Well, it's been a little over 24 hrs since I first ran my Evo at the track (aNAlUBé was unable to attend ) and I'm still on edge.

I'm not sure how many of you have had an opportunity to run a car at an open road course track, but it's an experience that leaves an impression, for sure.

The course consisted of 21 turns extending over 3.5 miles. We ran the full course, not the abbreviated North section that was posted initially.

It was simply amazing. I've done two very limited autocrosses, and compared to this, it's like splashing in a plastic kiddie pool bought from the front of Wal-mart compared to deep-sea diving in the ocean.... with sharks.... at night. Don't get me wrong, there are definite skills and abilities that can be transitioned, but apexing a turn at 30mph doesn't really prepare a driver for diving into corners at 90+ and speeds topping 140 on the straights.

I could go on commenting about how great of an experience this was till my fingers are bloody, but suffice it to say that I ran all 5 novice sessions till my brakes were so faded I couldn't drive with confidence any longer, and I used an entire tank of fuel in the cumulative span of approximately 45 minutes. I got my money's worth to be sure, and I now know just how much more fun it is for me to road race a car than drag or autocross it.

I wish some of you had been there with me as there is no doubt that you would have a great time as well.

[akamiami]

honestly, the story is one of those things that's much better told in person.

I'm sure there are a few that may say something like, 'yeah, sounds like fun, wish I had been able to go' and still be thinking in the back of their minds something like, 'sure, it would have been fun, but if you add up the hassle of driving to Joliet, paying for all the expenses (gas, brakes, entry fee, tires, etc...) I didn't really miss much'. Well, you're WRONG! If the entry fee had been 500 and I'd have used an entire set of pads and tires on that single event, I'd still not even come close to feeling dissatisfied.

Let's be clear gentlemen. There were more vipers and Vettes (most of which were z06's, and yes, there were C6 Z06's in attendence) than I cared to count. There were many Lotus Elises, many S2K's, a single turbo Supra with a very cool owner who brought 2 sets of spare tires, a 150K+ Porsche GT3 Cup Car, multiple other porshes of various years and induction methods, several Lotus Esprit's, and a slew of other very well prepared track cars, of which my Evo was probably not even worth of note. These cars ran the track in 3 divisions based on driver experience, not the car's capabilities. So basically, I ran the track with some incredibly fit cars....at speed. If the rush of running a course as amazing as Autobahn doesn't quite do it for you, then perhaps passing some incredible machinery would, or even seeing some high dollar automobiles tailing your vehicle, holding them off, putting distance on them, and of course conceding defeat and waving them by when appropriate. June 5th was simply put, the pinnacle of my motorsports involvement to date, without question. Nothing else has come close.

[Kazz5]

bitch.

[awd4kicks]

Congrats Kris. I have always speculated that road racing would be the best, but I've never made the step to take action. I'm glad to see you were inspired to say the least.

[Kazz5]

I'm just jealous as hell ... this vacation trashed my shot at Slo Pny day and this track event. Oh well, somebody decided it wasn't time for me just yet.

Sounds like a damn blast ... I'm damn happy for you - and that update on the car sounds great also.

Now get your ass down here again soon.

[SCCA Stang]

wow... I am sure that I would have enjoyed it to the fullest had two things gone right. a: the mutant wasn't sitting dormant with a smoked wheel bearing b: I had the $$$ to attend.

however I will experience a similar event on June 25th as I will be trailering my GSX to road america, WI to race it on a road coarse.... trailering it is only so that if it breaks there, I can still bring it home.

congrats on the experience.... hope I have as much fun on the 25th

[akamiami]

I'm sure you will Ben.

Here's some pics...



I forgot to mention that they allowed passengers so I was able to give one of my buddies a ride around the track several times. He's grabbing the OH-SHIT handle in the second pic obviously.