Looking for cars- Lime Rock Track day - Pro touring meet

[joe440]

From what ive seen (or havn't seen) there arent many pro touring cars around the north east. I was wondering if anyone on here would be up for a meet some weekend in later summer, i was thinking around late july early august. Also i thought maybe somewhere in western ct would be a good spot, kinda in the middle of everything. If anyone would be up for this and knows any cool parks or some place we could meet, shoot out some names!:cheers:

[nicks67camaro]

I would think Marcus Dairy in Danbury CT. They have an established car show on saturday evenings and its right off the highway.

[f1shman]

Id be up for it. I don't know if I can piece the Firebird back together sufficiently to get it registered by mid summer, but I'm sure I could find something else to drive to a meet.

[toxicz28]

I would think Marcus Dairy in Danbury CT.
Could be wrong, but last I heard, the dairy is closed. It came from a rumball biker I used to work with. I haven"t been to Danbury since he told me so, I'm not 100% sure.

[joe440]

ya i also think so, i went to their website and there were a bunch of pictures titled "last show"???

[nicks67camaro]

Could be wrong, but last I heard, the dairy is closed. It came from a rumball biker I used to work with. I haven"t been to Danbury since he told me so, I'm not 100% sure.

The super sunday which is the Marcus Dairy Bike Ralley has been closed for a few years now but I am still sure the car ralley still take place.

[The Stickman]

I would be up for it but you're a bit far north for me.

[ponchopwr70]

I would be up for something, maybe we can set-up a autocross at fort devens on some weekend. We could all just show up there when there is an event

[68sixspeed]

I just heard Marcus Dairy is moving to Newtown, CT, and the lot is not as big, no more cruise!

Another one with Autocross- www.cartct.com - They do some regular auto-x in Bristol, CT and also Hartford.

Monday night cruises in the summer at Mark's in E. Granby can't be beat either, 600-800 cars on a good night. www.markscruisenight.com (site is down at this time of course)

[joe440]

marks is an awsome show, i go almost every week around 700 cars isnt bad for a monday night haha

[NOT A TA]

Lebanon Valley dragstrip might be a good place. try to get in on one of the track rental days with a group. Then everyone could run their cars if they wanted to.

[NOT A TA]

Or do the same thing on a rental day at Lime Rock Park. Some of the rental groups would be glad to have a few extra guys to help defray costs. Anyone not running their car on track can just get in as a spectator for free. One of the members here at PT is part of the volunteer right handers group there. He could probably find out which clubs/groups would want a few extra cars on track.

[ponchopwr70]

Im down with any of them I think we need to rent a track for a day it will be fun. Lebanon valley is about 2.5 hours from me. How far is limerock from northern ri ct line?

[68sixspeed]

If Lebanon takes you 2.5 hrs, Lime rock would be 2 to 2-1/4 hrs I'm guessing. (I'm 1/2 hr from Lime Rock and it takes me 2 hrs to the RI airport) SCDA might be able to help us get a run group on a rental day, I could check with them, I did a few events with them at LRP last year. The problem is some of the rental days are tight now with the 'club' at lime rock members getting track time- but that's ok, it's there $100k memberships that paved the track last year too.

Here's a big IF... could we get enough serious interest to do a rental. I'm saying big IF because of how few cars signed up for the road course event in Michigan for June. I know I'd be in, ProBell would do it in a heart beat. Possiblly joining up with the corvette guys would give enough cars to keep the cost down somewhat, make a couple muscle car run groups for different levels of experience and give the other club equal time too??

Getting a Saturday at LRP would be almost impossible. They don't allow cars on track on Sunday due to some old town ordinances.

-Dan

[ponchopwr70]

We should look into this. I have no experience but would love to go with my car. Im in the process of installing my overdrive, in case I can't use my friends flatbed I could still drive there. I don't have a cage but Im thinking of buying schroth belts to replace mine and I have a sa05 helmet. What else would I need? Also I can take time out of work during the week, I save all my vaca so thats not a problem.

[nicks67camaro]

What about Englishtown? Its in New England. I have heard little about this road couse. From their website

"While there are no sanctioned car racing events at this time, the track is available to be rented"

http://www.etownraceway.com/

I am down. Just depends on Where, When, and $$.

Lets keep this ideal alive!!!!

**from a BMW board***

"We currently have 7 people and need 10 total. The cost is going to be $300 per car and that includes helmet rental" (April 2008) Looks like a weekday event.

[68sixspeed]

Yeah, the e-town thing is not a full road course, it's actually pretty old, it's kind of a bigger than autocross, smaller than road course track, stuck in the middle, not enough width, etc. Not to say it wouldn't be fun, but just not the same as a 'real' road course like Lime Rock, Glenn, or NJMP (new jersey motorsports park, southern NJ, 2 tracks)

I did a run over to the new one in NY at Monticello last fall - beautiful new track, they are doing limited rentals, I know PDA has one, SCDA too.

[ponchopwr70]

Englishtown is far for me lol. I've been there it took about 4hrs. I know there is an autocross/driving school for either $200 or $250 for the day with a class then 5hrs worth of driving. Its at Quonset Point in RI and its sponsored by Karls East Coast Speed. I agree lets keep this alive, Limerock sounds like fun. If anyones up for meeting at New England Dragway in April i'll be going.

[nicks67camaro]

Another ideal Mohegan not a driving event but located in new england. They did this in 08

http://www.mohegansun.com/sitelet/2008/hot-summer-fun/wild-wednesdays.html

[68sixspeed]

Ok guys, if we want a track day, it's doable. I talked with Ian that runs SCDA www.scda1.com - if there is enough interest they will work with us to have our own run group at a track day. SCDA does a good job with class and track time, with instructors for those who are new/novice. Typical track days are 3-4 class sessions and 4 - 20 minute track sessions so you get lots of laps. Last year at LRP I was getting 100 miles on track per day.

So... who's serious? I'll get my chromed and shiny piece of junk out there for a beating.... just to show it's not bling.

If we can get enough interest maybe Larry will move this from regional to an event! Maybe we can be lucky enough to time it as a weekend, one day on track, another day at Autocross or a show or ??

-Dan

[skeeters65]

Sounds like fun.. WOuld like to meet some of you guys..

[ponchopwr70]

Dan im serious about going. When do you think we will be able to do this? I'll be ready to go in April. My car should be able run there right? Is there anything specific that I would need? I think I can prove my car is not just another pretty face. I been down the dragstrip about 40 times in the past 2 years so I think its reliable enough to take it to a track. This would be an perfect for some pro-touring cars to show what they got. I'm in.

[68sixspeed]

Suprisingly I find drag racing tech more intense than road race, for some reason roll bars are not needed unless it's a convertible. So, 3 point belts or properly installed harnesses (i.e. harness bar or cage), safety check on the brakes, lug nuts, etc. Brake fluid must have been bled before the event, fluid not over 6 months old. One big thing, passenger must have the same safety as the driver for the instructors sake. (i.e. if you do 5 point belts and a race seat for yourself, give him the same benefit!)

Brake upgrades are a must if you have napa pads, go to a Hawk HPS or HP+ or equiv and you should be fine. Randy (probell) can holler in, he has a lot more experience than I.

-Dan

[ponchopwr70]

Im thinking of getting schroth 4-points ment for a car with no cage. I researched everything about a harness with no cage and they are the only answer. You think they will let me in with those? I do have factory lap and shoulder belts now its just the shoulder belt isn't to comfortable. Everything else I'm good with. Im running wilwood brakes which a like new 13" front and 12" rear.

[nicks67camaro]

I am interested....Its about time I beat on the car where I am supposed to.....

I would really like to upgrade the front brakes before. (Still have OEM 4 pot)

[ProBell]

I am in for all and any thing you guys come up with. I love running at LRP so that would be my first choice. SCDA runs a good event. He would provide a instructor in each car so you can learn a lot and not get yourself or others in trouble. You do not have to push your car past what you are comfortable with. If some one is faster, you just let them buy. Just pick up speed as you are ready, the instructor are a big help. I would recommend anyone try one event to see if they like it.
Randy

[NOT A TA]

Im thinking of getting schroth 4-points ment for a car with no cage. I researched everything about a harness with no cage and they are the only answer. You think they will let me in with those? I do have factory lap and shoulder belts now its just the shoulder belt isn't to comfortable. Everything else I'm good with. Im running wilwood brakes which a like new 13" front and 12" rear.


I ran a couple years with the Schroth ASM 4 point harness belts in my Firebird on several East coast tracks including Lime Rock Park with N.A.S.A. and SCDA PDA. They were OK with them then but I didn't run anywhere in 2008 so things may have changed. I had to "educate" tech officials at NHRA tracks a few times but was always allowed to run at them. The E.C.T.A. also let me run with the Schroths but I was limited to 135 MPH due to no roll bar.

"like new" doesn't count for the brake fluid. Change it within a month before the track event. Try to do it on a low humidity day with fluid from a brand new bottle. During even "spirited" street driving the brakes never get hot enough for it to matter but on track they will and the moisture absorbed over time (even in a sealed system) lowers the boiling point.

XV motorsports had a track day at Pocono last year for Pro Touring cars and had a hard time getting enough guys to sign up. In the end they let other guys with non PT cars run which I presumed was to help cover the costs. Sign ups were 500.00 per car. I signed up and went out there but it rained heavily and I felt the DOT R tires I had on the car would be dangerous to run at speed through the deep puddles so I never even took my car out of the trailer. XV provided sandwiches for lunch. 500.00 entry fee, 100.00 travel expense = most expensive lunch I'll ever eat. Road course events are run rain or shine and no refunds.

I'd think if some guys want to run a road track and others just want to meet up and hang out an event with SCDA NASA etc would work out good because spectators are usually free or really cheap and you get to watch the races "spec Miata, American Iron, 944 etc)as well as hang out. The guys that sign up for the HPDE could run in whatever group they normally run in if they've been before and the 1st timers can sign up for HPDE 1. There's plenty of parking at track days so all the PT guys could pit together reguardless if they're running on the track or spectating/hanging out.

The new surface at Lime Rock is really nice! I was out on it in the Skip Barber cars right after it was laid down in the fall and it's smooth! The sink into the suspension uphill and weightless crest of the hill out in back is gone but it's safer now with more run off areas.

All that said, I realized/remembered while writing this that I won't live in New England anymore by the spring since I'm almost finished moving to Florida. While I'd love to go with you guys the chances are slim unless something changes.

If you guys go to Lime Rock don't miss the Photo op on the rear entrance road you use for track days. It's a great place for a pic!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/The14CaratLimeRockPark1-1.jpg

[68sixspeed]

John- delay the move, you're one of the die-hards I was counting on!!! Besides, I wanted to see that car run.

good mention on the brake fluid, for the money I recommend ATE Super (or super-blue) they make it clear and blue so you can tell when you've flushed properly. Castrol SRF is real good, but expensive. For most people attending good brake fluid, and a decent brake pad like Hawk HPS will be enough changes. (and HPS are great for the street too, HP+ or some of there other compounds are a better track pad, but not great cold on the street.)

So we have at least 3... come on guys....

-Dan

[68sixspeed]

Ok, we started a chat in the regional section, thought I'd put a note here, trying to get some interest in a pro-touring track day at Lime Rock in CT this year--

more info-- https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=90

We need some interest to make this work.

[joe440]

when do you think this would be because my car is not even done yet haha.

[GMachineDartGT]

I'm up for a cruise, or track day thats reasonable and close, NJ or CT is fine.

[NOT A TA]

Here's a schedule for the NASA events in the area.
http://www.nasanortheast.org/schedule.html

[ponchopwr70]

Dan and Randy it seems that you guys go to LRP a few times in a year. If we don't end up setting up an event do you think it would be possible for me to meet up with you guys when or if you go? I really want to try a road course.

[68sixspeed]

Dan and Randy it seems that you guys go to LRP a few times in a year. If we don't end up setting up an event do you think it would be possible for me to meet up with you guys when or if you go? I really want to try a road course.

Sure thing. Best bet is to check with us on dates, but the BMW Ct-valley club dates and/or SCDA. You may want to join the BMW club too, you don't need a beemer (or bimmer to be correct) but you have to join the club to take advantage of the driving schools. It's not too bad though, I think $60 or 65 for the year.

As far as this event, I'd like to see a summer date for weather and to get the cars right. Mine has the motor out, Randy's is a bit taken apart too. Sounds like some more time might help get cars too. Ian with SCDA is very accomidating but we will have to give enough notice then he can get us a run group. The have Lime rock for: 4/7; 4/20; 6/15; and 10/31; I'll bet they also get another event between 6/15 and 10/31 if history repeats. (last year they had one in mid August and late September too) I'd prefer either of those as 6/15 is close to the event at Gingerman that this site is putting on.

So who's up? Based on replies so far, I think we only have 5?

68sixspeed (me)
ProBell (Randy)
Ponchopwr70 (Frank)
Nicks67camaro (Nick)
Skeeter65 ???

If I have anyone down who wouldn't do it 'on track', let me know. We need a bunch more to make this work, a typical run group is 20-25 cars. Less would work, but it will cost more per car. thanks-

Maybe XV or Twist care to join us?? hint hint...

-Dan

[ProBell]

BMW dates at LRP are 4-10, 6-26, 10-16. I will be at all three dates as long as the car is good. Hope we can get something put together.

Thanks Randy

[ponchopwr70]

Good idea Dan we should get some of the bigger names to come out. Randy thanks for letting me know when your going. If I join the bimmer club how much is it to race for the day? The April date might be a little early for me, but the June date looks good for me though.

[nicks67camaro]

I know April would be out for me. The car may not be track ready by then. I'm also going to Vegas. Which ever date is picked I will make every effort to get there. I've seen some mention of clubs like BMW should we join these clubs sooner than later to be eligible for a track day?

[Steve Chryssos]

I'm in. In fact you can pretty much count on all of the Twisted Idiots, so that's four to five cars. Plus you can probably count on Dirk and Ken.

[68sixspeed]

I'm in. In fact you can pretty much count on all of the Twisted Idiots, so that's four to five cars. Plus you can probably count on Dirk and Ken.

who-hoo! thanks Steve... this might just happen, and maybe for next year we can have more of an 'event' too!

Talking with Ian at SCDA, looks like the schedule is pretty well set-- so our choices for Lime Rock are: April 7 (Tues); April 20 (Mon); June 15 (Mon); Oct 31 (Sat)

[ponchopwr70]

This is great! April 20 or June 15 would be best for me but I'm in any day. Also if there is anything I can do to help I can do that too.

[joe440]

just ordered my 3point seat belts from xv, june 15th would be my only possible day, do you know about the price this would be if all works out?

[68sixspeed]

ok, lets try for June 15th, price will depend on the # of cars, we're basically buying the run group-- I'll get more details from SCDA. -Dan

[ponchopwr70]

This works for me. So this will most likely happen. I'm also going to update the thread in the racing section.

[ponchopwr70]

Looks like we decided on June 15 for a track day, we could use some more cars to keep costs down. Maybe we can start a list or something like Dan already started in the other thread.

[gtoroadracer]

Does anyone know what their noise regualtions would be on that date June 15th?? The last time I was there over 10 years ago I kept getting kicked off the track because I was too loud. Their noise regulations was 91 decibels and I even had a full exhaust system. If there are no noise limits then I would like to go. Thanks, Don

[68sixspeed]

89dB for most events, they do have an April event for unmuffled cars though-- www.scda1.com

I need to hear more from others on June-15-- one potential problem, it's real close to the motorsports challenge, might be better to do another date? Anyone?

[gtoroadracer]

Thanks for the info, if I can add my .02 cents I would try for a unmuffled day or maybe another track. Take it from me 89 dbs is not loud at all and they test the cars coming down the front straightaway. I would think most of the cars that are on this message forum would be over the 89 db. A track day in April in Limerock is sometimes sketchy. I have been there in April and there was still snow on the ground. If you need any help please let me know.

[68sixspeed]

Don- all good thoughts. Mine might tweak the DB meter even with mufflers. Usually the check at LRP is on the inside just coming on to the front straight, I know some 'louder' cars run rear exit and drivers side exit exhausts to get by. I think the motorsports challenge on the 19th in Michigan is going to force some more thoughts on dates too. I know a few cars going out for that, I was thinking of bringing the z06 out for a run too.

The other date for LRP not in April is 10/31 (halloween), it is a Saturday which is good, not sure if it's a muffler day? Getting a bit cold by then but it would give some guys more time to get cars ready.

Monticello is a very nice place too, even though it would only be south course, it is 7/31 (Fri) with SCDA. I don't think they have a dB limit at least. A bit more of a haul for the guys coming from RI/Boston area though.

Ideas?

[68sixspeed]

ok, one potential conflict on 6/15... only 4 days before the motorsports deal in Michigan.

[gtoroadracer]

My suggestions would be Monticello with PDA driving school http://www.pdadrivingschool.com/ they are running there on May 15th. Rather than tryiing to get a bunch of people to rent the whole track they already have a track date and possible we can get enough together so maybe they will allow us to have a seperate run group. My other suggestions would be Pocono speedway. But that is getting farther away from the area where you are at.

[ponchopwr70]

We can pick another day. It looks like its going to be hard to get enough cars. So my thinking is maybe a few of us just get together on a bimmer day?

[ponchopwr70]

Monticello isa bit of a ride for me. I don't know if my car will pass the db test, my car is kind of loud. Im sure we can figure out something. I stated in the other thread maybe a bunch of us could just meet up a bimmer day.

[joe440]

if worst comes to worst im still up for a meet and maybe we could map out a cruise through some nice backroads

[gtoroadracer]

I posted in the other thread so I will post here as well. I would be down for a track event. However Limerock has noise regulation which I know I will not even come close to passing as well as many of the cars on this website would not pass as well. I suggested Monticello no noise regulation and I believe it is a bigger track. Limerock is a nice track but believe it or not it is a tight track and when you start getting into it you are already into the next turn. Just my .02 cents with some background knowledge

[Gtrpunk23]

I'd be in depending on the date and if costs arent crazy.

[Takid455]

I'm in, but not sure if the car will be ready. My bicycle works well, though.:2nd:

[MrAngry]

Hey Guys -

Just caught this thread. I am an instructor with PDA in the North East and may be able to help out. The Monticello Day will be sold out very quickly. Other options are New Jersey MotorSports park. We have June 19th, 20th & 21st on the Lightning Course as well a bunch of other dates scheduled.

Take a look at the schedule and let me know what you think. If ya'll want to set up a pro-touring only day, that is going to be a bit more expensive... anyway take a look at the schedule here:

http://www.pdadrivingschool.com/article.php?id=36

I'll help out with this in anyway I can.

Cheers - Mike

[MrAngry]

I'm in as well. I'm a NASA/PDA instructor so please let me know if I can help out in any way coordinating this event.

[RobM]

if my camaro isnt track worthy can i run my mini cooper?

[Takid455]

I like the Monticello w/ PDA Idea. Thats no too far from me. maybe 1.5 hrs. I assume its for cars only, no bikes?

[gmachinedart1]

ok, one potential conflict on 6/15... only 4 days before the motorsports deal in Michigan.

always up for a track day in tri state area,car is not ready yet but trying for Mich. event.Sorry ,I cant commit to anything else yet.

[ponchopwr70]

Im in if its at limerock. I don't have a trailer and I'll be driving my car down from RI. But by all means don't let my decision get in the way of this. If I had a way to tow my car I would go anywhere, but if I break the car on the track I hate to see my tow bill from NJ to RI! Mr.Angry I noticed your from Astoria, I worked on a job down there for a few years on and off, it was on the corner of 19th and 42nd st.

[ponchopwr70]

This two threads thing is getting confusing! I posted in the other thread about which track I want to go to. Day does not matter to me if its LRP. I think we might have to just go to an event thats already going to be happening to keep cost down, it looks like we don't have a real lot of people going. Maybe we should or I could come up with a list of people who want to do this and which track they would go to, then we could figure out what will be the biggest turnout? Then from there we would be able to figure out if we could have a pro-touring event or just go to a current event.

[68sixspeed]

Ok, I'm back... (went snowmobiling for a few days) Monticello is really nice, but getting a run group may be harder as it's a new track - also the distance thing for anyone from RI/Boston, etc. NJMP is to far south IMO for a day run too, so I tend to agree on Lime Rock as a good central location for anyone in the New England/NY area. (NJ, you can come too!)

Mr-Angry- thanks for the ideas- for the Aug LRP date, do you know if it's muffled cars only? August would be ideal. We're not after the whole event, just one run group for the day. I think trying to get 20-25 cars on this site is going to be tough enough.

[68sixspeed]

if my camaro isnt track worthy can i run my mini cooper?

I can't speak for everyone, but ideally I'd like to see all pro-touring cars, but my gut feel is that we are going to get stuck at 15-18 cars, so we might just need a few others to fill out the group and keep costs down. I know of a few vettes I can get to help fill it out too if needed.

[ponchopwr70]

I agree with you Dan hopefully that day is a non-muffled day. I might be able to get a 05 gto to come but other than that I don't know of anyone that I can get to come.

[68sixspeed]

Hey Guys -

Just caught this thread. I am an instructor with PDA in the North East and may be able to help out. The Monticello Day will be sold out very quickly. Other options are New Jersey MotorSports park. We have June 19th, 20th & 21st on the Lightning Course as well a bunch of other dates scheduled.

Take a look at the schedule and let me know what you think. If ya'll want to set up a pro-touring only day, that is going to be a bit more expensive... anyway take a look at the schedule here:

http://www.pdadrivingschool.com/article.php?id=36

I'll help out with this in anyway I can.

Cheers - Mike

try #2... Mr-Angry- for the Aug LRP date, do you know if it's muffled cars only? August would be ideal. We're not after the whole event, just one run group for the day. I think trying to get 20-25 cars on this site is going to be tough enough.

[68sixspeed]

Any more interest? Looks like this is not going to happen unless some more people step up. I'm not seeing more than 10-12 or so cars??

It's kind of hard, we need cars to get a date/run group, but without a firm date that's hard too.

Or could it be there are way too many talkers and not enough drivers?? (reverse psychology!)

[ponchopwr70]

Yea guys come on! Im almost ready the overdrive is in.

[68sixspeed]

Frank- I think some of our thoughts are being confirmed... too many posers on here... talk a lot, but won't DRIVE the cars! :enguard: :box2:

[ProBell]

Just got back from LRP. Had a good day. Dan lets just pick a event and run in their goops. At least this way a few of us can get together. Randy

[ponchopwr70]

So Anybody still want to do this?? I'll have some autocrosses under my belt, and paddle shifter hopefully in another month.

[nicks67camaro]

I am down......I am replacing a blown transmission but I think I can make it happen. Just need a date and cost.