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Posted by: Hornswoggler Jan 4 2009, 04:53 PM

OK, so this is a looooong ways out...

This gives 4+ months notice to take that weekend off work or get the project car all buttoned-up! Mark your calendars for May 16-17, 2009.

So what do you guys think? Group trip? Who is game? I think Kazz is considering it.

Is four months enough time to get a DSM running? (I kid! I kid!)

http://www.nasamidwest.com/

Track map of Putnam:



How does that not look like fun?

Posted by: Hornswoggler Jan 4 2009, 04:59 PM

some additional info:

You'll need a helmet. Snell SA2000 will work. If buying new, I recommend SA2005. If you have a motorcycle helmet (snell M2000 or newer), check with NASA to make sure its allowed at Putnam Park (track rule says no, but I hear NASA has an exception? its a gray area, for sure).

Entry fee for the weekend should be around $325. This is two days of high performance driving, about 80 minutes of track time per day. If this is your first event, register for HPDE 1 and you'll get classroom time and an in-car instructor assigned all weekend.

Vehicle should be in excellent mechanical shape (up-to-date maintenance, etc) and brakes should be the #1 area to focus in if you want to be best prepared. Don't worry about adding any horsepower, you probably have too much already. Cooling, reliability, and safety are always a great idea. Brake pads should have atleast 50% material left, preferrably a track or race compound. Need fresh brake fluid, flush with something good closer to the event.

I recommend booking your hotel early and registering as soon as its available (will be a thread bump once registration opens). This event fills fast!!

This is a great opportunity to develop some disciplined driving skills, and experience your vehicle at its limits in a safer setting than the streets. Hone your skills, have a blast, and be safe! This weekend will be a riot, you don't want to miss it.

Posted by: Hornswoggler Jan 11 2009, 04:45 PM

Don't let another year slip away... its great fun out there!

Who all is interested? What are you waiting for?

If you dont have a car, we can find you one.
Don't have money for the entry fee? You can volunteer and get free track time.
Need a helmet? Maybe somebody can loan one.
We can tackle some of these excuses!!
Too scared? Guess I can't really help that one.

Posted by: awd4kicks Jan 11 2009, 08:09 PM

Can I ride the Harley on the circuit? That would be a blast!

Posted by: 93dsmowner Jan 11 2009, 10:42 PM

Volunteering for track time would be sweet!

I have a couple helmets from my motocross days but I don't know if they are qualified... nor do I know if my big head still fits in them.

Now I just need to get older. :/

Posted by: Hornswoggler Jan 12 2009, 06:18 PM

There are some organizations that do bike days. Check the motorcycle entries on the track schedule:

http://www.putnampark.com/schedule.htm

Posted by: Hornswoggler Jan 12 2009, 06:23 PM

Here is link to the volunteer program:
http://www.nasamidwest.com/pages/volunteer.asp

Every two days of volunteering gets you 1 day of on-track driving. Figure this is a $175 value (like being paid $90 a day). I don't think the work is hard.

Then again, by the time you factor in travel expenses to go volunteer, you really aren't saving much. Makes more sense if you have a free place to stay near the track. (or tag along with friends for the weekend.. see if you can get a sympathy spot on the floor). Hmm, once you get to the track, you'll be kicking yourself for not driving!

Posted by: 93dsmowner Jan 12 2009, 10:28 PM

When I turn 18 I'll look into it. Hopefully I have something worthy of the track by then.

Posted by: dualdj1 Jan 13 2009, 10:17 AM

We'll have to go out riding sometime after it gets nice. The Buell is getting bored sitting in the garage

Posted by: Hornswoggler Feb 14 2009, 05:43 PM

Three months out. Don't say you didn't have enough advance notice!

Posted by: Dan Boles Feb 14 2009, 09:17 PM

These 65 degree days really made me miss my cbr.

Posted by: Hornswoggler Apr 20 2009, 09:34 PM

Registration is open. Event is less than a month away. If serious about going, I would register immediately as this event fills fast.