Figured you guys would be interested in this as AMS does some tuning of Mitsubishi products. Would be a great event for Mitsu fans to hang out with others of similar taste. Good networking opportunity to get a feel for what works best in going ultra fast around the road course.

AMS is running Autobahn Full course coming up on April 28th. This is on a Monday. Autobahn country club is in Joliet, IL and their full course is one heck of a track! Imagine 21 turns over 3.5 miles... driving that at full tilt for 100 minutes! That is my idea of a day well spent.

Cost is $245, which is typical for full course. If we have 5+ going, we can get a group rate of 10% off!

Who all wants to go? We could do a caravan up there and back, get a big Central IL corral in the pits, etc. I *believe* that spectating passengers are allowed for ride-alongs, assuming proper helmet. Even just going to hang out, its almost like a circus of highly modified EVO's (including their time attack cars) and other sports/tuner cars. Should be a good time.

April 28: Autobahn Country Club Full Course with AMS

Anybody with first time track event newb questions, can see my guide How to get your car on the racetrack. AMS is putting on three of these events in 2008, master thread with more specifics found HERE

Post up if you are going: (even if spectating or tentative)
1. Collin (Horns)
2. jleez (from cicenet)
3. spyonu2007

I'M IN!

Post up if you are going: (even if spectating or tentative)
1. Collin (Horns)
2. jleez (from cicenet)
3. spyonu2007
4. awd4kicks

sweet!

I knew you guys would be up for this.

1. Collin (Horns)
2. jleez (from cicenet)
3. spyonu2007
4. awd4kicks
5. wortdog (really tentative)

1. Collin (Horns)
2. jleez (tentative)
3. spyonu2007
4. awd4kicks
5. wortdog (really tentative)
6. black92_tsi_awd (lurking for now, but will eventually choose this over a cordova day )

1. Collin (Horns)
2. jleez (tentative)
3. spyonu2007
4. awd4kicks
5. wortdog (really tentative)
6. black92_tsi_awd (lurking for now, but will eventually choose this over a cordova day )
7. natedogg (tentative)

-IF- I have a serviceable ride...

1. Collin (Horns)
2. jleez (tentative)
3. spyonu2007
4. awd4kicks
5. wortdog (really tentative)
6. black92_tsi_awd (lurking for now, but will eventually choose this over a cordova day )
7. natedogg (tentative)
8. Kazz5 (pending vehicle)
9. Leroy (EvoIX_MR2006, tentative)

THis is going to be quite a party!!!

Even if coming to spectate, all are welcome. Bring a helmet and hitch a ride!

What about the Celica as a back-up vehicle? You can actually learn a lot more in a slower vehicle. I bet you could have one of the two ready... you got like THREE months!!!

. Collin (Horns)
2. jleez (tentative)
3. spyonu2007
4. awd4kicks
5. wortdog (really tentative)
6. black92_tsi_awd (lurking for now, but will eventually choose this over a cordova day )
7. natedogg (tentative)
8. Kazz5 (pending vehicle)
9. Leroy (EvoIX_MR2006, tentative)
10. Kapoosh1 (tentative)


although i guess i have 2 cars now so i should be able to go either way.

I'd want sways, wheels, and tires for the Celica before tracking it. That means I'd need a DD while it's down. The Evo's not tuned for DD yet, AND it's soft rubber ain't gonna handle our illustrious sub-zero temps and above-average snowfall.

I'll make progress. Where I am by then is the question.

With shifting being a bear and unsure whether the fucker's going to die when I lift my foot I can't think I'm going to be doing much concentrating on driving well going around the track.

I should be getting the tune straightened out w/in a month barring mechanical issue, if one is uncovered.

Shifting? Think that front diff's gonna go, being replaced by an LSD, but someone qualified is still going to have to look at the entire shifting drivetrain in order to convince me that's the only real problem. Hell, if it's not the front diff creating the problem or making it worse, well ... *Shrugs*

So, as you can see, cash and professional-level-mechanic talent (definitely NOT itsu) is required... The car can't get to Chicago (AMS), for instance, on the summer rubber. And I'm not liquid enough for any eventuality for a couple more months.

But, trust me. If it can get there it WILL.

Forgot to mention the bent shift-fork. Had it when I bought it. It's lovely driving it and grinding it every day. *Laugh* But I can deal with it, clearly. And it WOULD be a blast to drive, period! I may have to take it to the strip with the Evo so I can run 4cyl FI and 4cyl NA later this year!

1. Collin (Horns)
2. jleez (tentative)
3. spyonu2007
4. awd4kicks
5. wortdog (really tentative)
6. black92_tsi_awd (lurking for now, but will eventually choose this over a cordova day )
7. natedogg (tentative)
8. Kazz5 (pending vehicle)
9. Leroy (EvoIX_MR2006, tentative)
10. Kapoosh1 (tentative)
11.mitsu90 (if I get a 2nd gear)

I would be up for this as a spectator, unless I get the car done and get a decent suspension on it.

Steve

i'll swap you wheels/tires for a bit (i have all seasons) if you want to drive your car to ams. My car mostly sits in this weather anyway now that i have another car.

I know I don't need the most kickass setup, I am more worried about getting the car funtional, right now awd is not hooked up, I need to put in the new fuel pump, get the new head on the car and get a decent tune. I have never done a road course in the car but have on the bike. I will try to get it ready for the track though.

lol spy, you should be a motivational speaker!!!

If Spy can drive Putnam on a stock 15-year old Transmarobird suspension, worn all-season tires, and have an absolute BLAST, the last thing some of you would even think about is not having those sway bars or some other small tweak you find critical to even going. Just getting out there and driving, be it a daily driver beater or whatever, is an absolute hoot. First event and you guys won't be worried about who's faster or slower, will be more about the learning experience.

This event will make you MUCH faster than any $220 mod you could throw at the car. To be fast around the road course is like, 90% driver, 10% car... why be so focused on the 10% when the opportunity to improve the driver (90%) is right under your nose??

I encourage everybody reading this to atleast spectate... then again once you are there, you'll REALLY hate yourself for not bringing a car.

Current list:
1. Collin (Horns)
2. jleez (tentative)
3. spyonu2007
4. awd4kicks
5. wortdog (really tentative)
6. black92_tsi_awd (lurking for now, but will eventually choose this over a cordova day)
7. natedogg (tentative)
8. Kazz5 (pending vehicle)
9. Leroy (EvoIX_MR2006, tentative)
10. Slacker83 (spectating, unless car is done)
11. maglito (schedule conflict, but hopeful!)
12. Kapoosh1 (tentative)
13. mitsu90 (if I get a 2nd gear)

oh, and mitsu90, you probably won't need a second gear anyways. If 3rd gear can accelerate at 40 mph, you'll be fine. I never use 2nd gear, except when starting from the pits.

Great turn-out on the list of participants so far! I encourage you all to put any needed effort into making this event. The more of us that make it the more of a party it will be!

HELLA GREAT speach spy! Here Here

Intermediate and advanced drivers are allowed to take passengers!

Beginner and novice groups are limited to taking instructors.

You're a gentleman and a scholar. I'll know prelim funding soon and will keep that in mind. You can hold my 17x9s w/Kumho Ecstas for collateral should the timing and all work out. Really, one hell of an offer. Thanks!

I've always wanted to try an HPDE event so an AMS open track day is definitely enticing. Plus this is right after my birthday.. might make a good b-day present.


1. Collin (Horns)
2. jleez (tentative)
3. spyonu2007
4. awd4kicks
5. wortdog (really tentative)
6. black92_tsi_awd (lurking for now, but will eventually choose this over a cordova day)
7. natedogg (tentative)
8. Kazz5 (pending vehicle)
9. Leroy (EvoIX_MR2006, tentative)
10. Slacker83 (spectating, unless car is done)
11. maglito (schedule conflict, but hopeful!)
12. Kapoosh1 (tentative)
13. mitsu90 (if I get a 2nd gear)
14. Zmann42087 (tentative)

1. Collin (Horns)
2. jleez (tentative)
3. spyonu2007
4. awd4kicks
5. wortdog (really tentative)
6. black92_tsi_awd (lurking for now, but will eventually choose this over a cordova day)
7. natedogg (tentative)
8. Kazz5 (pending vehicle)
9. Leroy (EvoIX_MR2006, tentative)
10. Slacker83 (spectating, unless car is done)
11. maglito (schedule conflict, but hopeful!)
12. Kapoosh1 (tentative)
13. mitsu90 (if I get a 2nd gear)
14. NOPIS10 (tentative)
15. Zmann42087 (tentative)

Hopefully this motivates some of you to get those project cars whipped into shape!!! Having a target deadline should help keep things moving.

I have some people at work that would be interested. How many people are allowed to go.

Until it fills up. AMS has room for 150 registrants.

I doubt there is any danger of filling up this month, but we should probably firm up the list by late February and make the group purchase. If a tentative is still not ready to register in a month, they can always try registering later (assuming still spots available, else one of the other AMS dates this year).

Here is the post from frankthetank: (from another forum)

This year we are trying something a little more conventional. We are going to announce all three track days at once and give those die hards out there a chance to sign up for all three at a discounted Rate.

The Schedule will go as follows

Monday April 28th Full Course - $245.00 (150 Total spots)
Tuesday June 17th South Course- $200.00 (90Total spots)
Sunday September 14th South Course - $225.00 (90 total spots)

Register for all three events for $595.00

THIS IS OPEN FOR ALL CARS

Some nice things about the AMS track days:
• We will have over 15 instructors on site to help you polish your skills
• There will be a FREE Driving school for the beginner and Novice groups
• AMS will be supplying a free on site technician for any small repairs / diagnosis
• All registrants will receive a free AMS T-shirt at the track.
• You will receive a track day packet in the mail outlining the flag descriptions, Schedule and course overview
• Above all AMS track days are fun and safe. We offer sessions ranging from First timers to dedicated lap dogs

To sign up for the event please call Frank here at the shop. He will place you in your run group and take your track day payment. He can be reached at 847 709-0530 Extension 2017


With that said let’s get down to the Safety and equipment points:

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE GOOD BRAKES!!!

A quick note to everyone that signs up. we are placing you in a run group based on your experience not how fast your car is or how fast you THINK you are. This is a fun track day. Just because someone is faster than you in the straights does not mean that you are a faster driver.... it simply means your car is quicker. Getting put in a class that is too high for you will only slow down the other drivers in that class or worse...push you beyond your limits. Please trust us in our decision on what run group to put you in.


Basic AMS Track day rules
• four wheels off will END YOUR DAY ON THE TRACK!
• two wheels off will end that Session
• the second time you go two wheels off will END YOUR DAY ON THE TRACK
• The first session for beginner and novice will be a parade group/ on track classroom session
• there will be a ZERO TOLLERANCE RULE on ALL RECKLESS DRIVING


THIS IS NOT A RACE!!!!!!!!!

This is how each day’s schedule will go:

7:00AM: Gates Open
7:15AM: Tech Inspection Begins
8:30AM: Drivers meeting ** MANDATORY FOR ALL DRIVERS**
9:00AM: Parade/Surveillance Lap for Advanced and Intermediate run groups
9:00AM: Drivers school for Beginner and novice run groups (45 Minutes)


1st Session

9:20AM: Advanced Run Group Goes out
9:40AM: Intermediate Run Group Goes out
10:00AM: Novice Parade run Group Goes out
10:20AM: Beginner Parade Run Group Goes out
10:45AM: Beginner and Novice Drivers School (20 Minutes)

2nd Session


10:40AM:Advanced Run Group Goes out
11:00AM:Intermediate Run Group Goes out
11:20AM:Novice Run Group Goes out
11:40AM:Beginner Run Group Goes out


12:00PM: Lunch for one hour
1:00PM: Classroom Refresher course for Beginner and Novice Groups
(15 Minutes Long)


3rd Session


1:00PM: Advanced Run Group Goes out
1:20PM: Intermediate Run Group Goes out
1:40PM: Novice Run Group Goes out
2:00PM: Beginner Run Group Goes out


4th Session


2:20PM: Advanced Run Group Goes out
2:40PM: Intermediate Run Group Goes out
3:00PM: Novice Run Group Goes out
3:20PM: Beginner Run Group Goes out


5th Session


3:40PM: Advanced Run Group Goes out
4:00PM: Intermediate Run Group Goes out
4:20PM: Novice Run Group Goes out
4:40PM: Beginner Run Group Goes out


5:00PM: Track is CLOSED!

1. Collin (Horns)
2. jleez (tentative)
3. spyonu2007
4. awd4kicks
5. wortdog (really tentative)
6. black92_tsi_awd (lurking for now, but will eventually choose this over a cordova day)
7. natedogg (tentative)
8. Kazz5 (pending vehicle)
9. Leroy (EvoIX_MR2006, tentative)
10. Slacker83 (spectating, unless car is done)
11. maglito (schedule conflict, but hopeful!)
12. Kapoosh1 (tentative)
13. mitsu90 (if I get a 2nd gear)
14. NOPIS10 (tentative)
15. Zmann42087 (tentative)
16. Ben (gsxracer80 - tentative)


my attendance is tentative depending on $$$ situation come april.... as far as the car is concerned, I am not going to do anything different that I wouldn't already do for autocross, maybe less boost for dependability... mostly gonna focus on technique....

not really a cop out... just that I might have better places to put that money for now..... new baby, new house... more important than a track day in my opinion...

there will always be another opportunity to go racing....

not at all saying that I am backing out.... I still plan to go and hope to go, but if push comes to shove, racing is not number 1 priority in my book.

Those are very true points Ben, but there's also another theory.

This is for everyone:

You need to enjoy the things that you can while you can. If I could have started road racing before I was 20, maybe I could have actually lived out my dream as a race driver. I still have a lot of life and energy, but there is no mistaking that these days will not last forever. Sooner or later 'another opportunity' stops making it's self available.

GET ON IT!

You can always come spectate for this one, get a feel for the events and what all is involved, then start saving for one of their events later this year.

For the group discount, we would probably want to get registered and PAID by March 1st... that is my suggestion so we get the group in before it fills up.

To look at it as just $220 can be a bit deceptive. There is sometimes maintenance that needs done before the event (brakes, especially pads) which costs money, gas (there, back, and on track), and your tires will experience some wear and tear. All this assuming you can make a day trip out of it and not need a hotel the night before. For gas, I get about 9-10 mpg while on track, and 100 minutes of track time will be around 10 gallons ($30 in gas, while at the track). Throw in another $8 for lunch (or bring your own).

and to add to what awd4kicks is saying: Attending a driving event like this (technically not "racing" but drivers education) is the absolute BEST way you can enjoy these cars at their limits. I mean, why bother upgrading suspension parts if you are only going to drive it on the streets?!? Doing an event like this really ties the whole hobby all together and really gives these project cars a sense of purpose. You could make the same case for drag racing, except HPDE events on road course will exercise your chassis dynamics as well.

Plus you will become a much faster/better/safer driver. Way faster than any $300 part you could throw at the car.

just in case... what is the spectator/ride along cost... at very least I want to do that.

sometimes there is a track entry fee of $5. You'll need a helmet, non-synthetic clothing (jeans/dockers and cotton shirt are fine), and close-toed shoes (non-synthetic or nonflammable)

The reason for most this apparel is fire resistance. A polyester shirt would just melt and stick to your ribs in case of cabin fire. Same with like, adidas workout pants, etc.

Do you have a helmet? If not, might look into borrowing one.

Spy, your peer pressure skills are legendary.

Guys, I'd like to second that there shouldn't be any excuse to miss this day. Having driven the full course before, I know it's an experience you'll never forget. $250 for a day of driving (with instructors) is a deal.

When I went, I mostly stayed in 3rd gear through the entire course, so it doesn't have to be an abusive day on the transmission either. The biggest things for a track day like this is the cooling and brakes. Unlike a day at the dragstrip, where my usual worry is the clutch / transmission / engine. Don't get me wrong, it's tough on the car and tires, but if you don't overdrive the car, you'll be glad.

ok so I don't need 2nd gear.....let hope I can come up with the cash for this..I have other debts I need to pay off first.

gotta see whats left after paying off debts with my part of the tax money..I do need to get the tranny fixed aswell..

I may have to sit this one out

it might come down to getting the tranny fixed or going

Well I made some progress on mine last night, new shifter, bushings, and cable bushings. Also took care of some wiring and started on the gauges. I am going to try and get the fuel pump in and do the rewire tonight.

I got some word on the helmets:

Snell 2000 or better, M2000/SA2000 are both fine.

Looks like I'm out...I just got Cordova's schedule. May 3, 10 and 17th are bracket races. That's way too much cash outlay for me in a month (if you factor in a April 28 track day). I'll want to hit at least two of those races.

Looks like DSM Central day is scheduled for May 18 also....

Gonna be a busy month

I'll try to go and watch/support, and try to get a track ride

Do you think there is any contest which would be more fun? How will you know until giving it a try?

[quote=Hornswoggler,Jan 28 2008, 06:24 PM] [/QUOTE]
Do you think there is any contest which would be more fun? How will you know until giving it a try? [/quote]
I'm not doubting it has it's pull...that's why I want to try and at least go and watch. I'll probably get hooked from there!

But I do find drag racing (for points) challenging in it's own right:
-The need to be consistent (at least in brackets)
-To have your car prepared
-The challenge of the perfect light and the perfect run, knowing one miss shift and your junk. There is no "I'll get him next lap"
-The one on one battle with the other driver
-Each round win still gets me charged! (at least for now)

I'm am NOT saying road course is none of the above, it is another kind of challenge. Especially the fact your car has got to run long durations at high speed with extreme concentration.

Someone's had a sip of the road-course kool-aid!

babysteps. lets start with this one and see how many convert from tentative to paid and registered. its MUCH easier to attend an event somebody else is hosting than to put your own $$ on the line to host your own event.

Ok guys, we have had about a week to kick this around a bit. A few people have expressed committed interest so I figured it was time to separate the list into confirmed (ready to pay, dead serious) from the tire kickers. Of course, anybody and everybody is encouraged to either sign up or spectate, but for the sake of our 10% discount and getting registered before its full, lets firm this up and make it happen.

I am already registered as an instructor so will omit myself from the list.

Ready to register:
1. spyonu2007
2. awd4kicks
3. Slacker83
4. Z3papa

Tentative list:
jleez (tentative)
wortdog (really tentative)
natedogg (tentative)
Kazz5 (pending vehicle)
Lee (EvoIX_MR2006, tentative)
Kapoosh1 (tentative)
mitsu90 (if I get a 2nd gear)
NOPIS10 (tentative)
Zmann42087 (tentative)
spak339 (tentative)
Ben (gsxracer80 - tentative)

Spectator list:
possibly dnace and digitalseance? (you guys will kick yourself in the butt for not having a car there!!!)

Once we get the confirmed attendees list firmed up and ready to pay, I'll contact AMS about how to get the discount. I am assuming you just let them know you want the CICENet 10% off when you call to register. Instructions for registering are in the master AMS 2008 thread.

If anybody wants to change their status (from tentative to ready or spectator, etc), feel free to copy/paste the list and make corrections in a new post.

Ready to register:
1. spyonu2007
2. awd4kicks
3. Slacker83
4. Z3papa

Tentative list:
jleez (tentative)
wortdog (really tentative)
natedogg (tentative)
Kazz5 (pending vehicle)
Lee (EvoIX_MR2006, tentative)
Kapoosh1 (tentative)
mitsu90 (if I get a 2nd gear)
NOPIS10 (tentative)
Zmann42087 (tentative)
spak339 (tentative)
Ben (gsxracer80 - tentative)

Spectator list:
possibly dnace and digitalseance?
black92_tsi_awd

It's probably about time to start signups on the group discount. How many of y'all are ready to register and pay? If we have five, I'll establish the deal with AMS.

I will need a few weeks to make the funds available.

Being two months out, its time to either get on with this group discount, or if we don't have five people ready to pay right now, we can start signing up on our own (without the discount).

If anybody going wants to see this group discount (10% off) happen, please post up with your status and if you are ready to pay.

I'll have to sign-up on my own. It will still be two weeks before I have the rest of the money.

Step-up guys.

I will be attending as pit support/spectator. I plan on bringing my open 20' car trailer and can provide a ride back to Bloomington/Normal, Peoria or anywhere in between if someone's car cannot make it back. I will also be bringing an assortment of tools and will provide as much assistance as I can. Anyone know if I can pay to park in the pits?