Time to step up...

[bret]

I know there is a section for this but this section gets more attention...

Time to step up boys and girls. Several companies have gone to a large amount of time and expense to product the various track day events such as Run to the Coast, Face Off at Road America, the Midwest Musclecar Challenge and the Morostate event at GingerMan raceway.

I understand that humans tend to wait until the last minute to committ to anything [I know I do]. I also understand that many are a bit timid about exposing their car and themselves to the perceived rigors of a track day event. Humans [especially males] are allergic to appearing anything less than profecient at any given activity.
In reality, the only way to get profecient is to practice. The only was to practice is to get on the track. The only way to find out what is going to fall off your car first is to...get on the track and see what falls off first. Beleive me, you WILL NOT be the first person to:
a. have a component failure at the track
b. not know the proper track "etiquette"
c. appear as slow as your wifes mini van
d. have so much fun that you become forever hooked on going to the track

Signing up early is important...these people have to PLAN to make sure everyone gets there moneys worth of fun at these things.
It also takes a fair amount of financial committment to put these event together.

As for the entry fee...at $300 for the weekend...that $150 a day...$10 bucks an hour if you include the social time in the evenings. Compare that to going to the mall!

Its not hard...the equipment needed is minimal:

1. A vehicle. We don't care what it looks like.
2. You. We don't care what you look like either.
3. A helmet. Ditto on the looks but check each event's rules for certification label requirements

Each event has some specific rules on safety equipment and such, but common sense will get you 95% there...functioning brakes, functioning seat belts, battery tied down, all wheel studs and wheel bearings intact, no leaking fluids, no loose items in the car while you are on the track.

The absolute best part of any of these events is the socializing that is done at the track and at the motels. You are talking about a group of like minded people that you will not find anywhere else. It's not competition, it's comraderie x10.

For you guys who have not participated in a track day...come on out. You AND your car will be improved because of it. And bring your family...what kid doesnt like to watch a car go fast!

For you veterans...you already know how much fun it is...get signed up!

See you all there!

http://www.midwestmusclecarchallenge.com/

http://www.optimainvitational.com/faceoff/

https://www.pro-touring.com/events/msc/2010/

[Vegas69]

We need more out West...hint hint. 58 cars at RTTC. That event was the time of my life. I agree with Bret, get signed up for these so the sponsors don't quit forking up the money to put on these great events.

[Gitter Dun]

We need more out West...hint hint. 58 cars at RTTC. That event was the time of my life. I agree with Bret, get signed up for these so the sponsors don't quit forking up the money to put on these great events.

I agree 1000 biliion%!!!!! Lets see some west coast action, preferably in between north and south west so the commute is even for each side.

[Krazed]

Throw something in near Alaska and i'll damn sure get there!

[6'9"Witha69]

Its not hard...the equipment needed is minimal:

1. A vehicle. We don't care what it looks like.
2. You. We don't care what you look like either.
3. A helmet. Ditto on the looks but check each event's rules for certification label requirementsThis had me ROLLING!

[406 Q-ship]

1. A vehicle. We don't care what it looks like.
2. You. We don't care what you look like either.
3. A helmet. Ditto on the looks but check each event's rules for certification label requirements



To add to #2.......anyone can look good in a pink cowboy hat.....right Kyle and Larry? :enguard:

[jknight16]

Right on the money Bret. I can say that I've been guilty of the "my car's not 'ready'" for the track syndrome. While I agonize over the fact that it's not going to be bulletproof or the fastest thing out there, it doesn't matter. Case in point, Scottsdale Goodguys Autocross I was slow, pushed my way around the entire course, and broke a shock. But it was fun and now I know what I need to fix!

Now I need to get on a big track and see what the car does with a little more room to run!

[Rod]

the gauntlet has been tossed

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

:squint:

[Bishop73]

I want to have my car on the track once the motor is back in, but I've yet to find any events close enough to justify the trip. There is a club out of Austin that does some autocross but after looking at their classes, I'd have to do more to my car than I already have.

[JEFFTATE]

I'm there with you Bret .
I couldn't agree more.
I'm a guy that has stuck his hand into trying to plan and organize an event ,and I know the feeling.
(I'm very concerned about the turn-out for the Peach State Musclecar Challenge . )

It takes a tremendous amount of time to plan these events and find the money to finance them.

We just all hope that a good crowd turns out and everyone has a good time.
The important thing is that everyone has a good time hanging out , driving the cars on a track , and learning to be a better person.
It's just nice when you plan something , if people turn out.

[zbugger]

I want to have my car on the track once the motor is back in, but I've yet to find any events close enough to justify the trip. There is a club out of Austin that does some autocross but after looking at their classes, I'd have to do more to my car than I already have.
Don't worry about that. Go out and have fun. You really should grab a copy of the latest Camaro Performers with an article on autocrossing by Mary Pozzi. There's some GREAT advice in there. Once I fix a safety issue (in my mind) on my daily, it'll be ready to run on the track. That and I really have to start waking up earlier to get to the course on time...

[tazzz25906112]

There is most likely no worse driver that attends than me and I can tell anyone sitting on the fence that you will have the best dam time you ever had in that car of yours doing these events....

Guys this way more than a driving event,,,, it is an opportunity to learn your car, meet other fellow enthusiasts, and when the lies start and the drinks come out around 9pm you'll laugh like never before!!!!!!!

It doesn't matter what you have, it doesn't matter how well you drive,,,,,,, it does matter that you are there so pickup your socks and sign up for the best dam fun on 4 wheels out there!!!!

For those of you wanting something near home,,,, I can tell you the long drives and farthest away events are the best....... I went from Toronto to Pigeon Forge Tennessee, then on to Vegas and back to Toronto. That trip was the best darn trip and I have new friends and experienced a week of my life that will never be forgotten......

This little group had more fun than you can begin to imagine,,,, and you can be a part of it too because we created a movement called the RatPack and 2,000 miles makes you a member. We did it and you can too,,, if you want.....

In the 50's and 60's driving holidays were the rage and we all look back on route 66 and stories about the car trips and call it Americana..... Well the marketing guru's have us all thinking we need more,,,, more this ,,,, more than.... The fact is we need to step back and get off this crazy circus wheel to start enjoying our life, and our beloved cars,,, even if it's only for an extended weekend... step out of the box, drive the distance and see new places and faces,,,, trust me you'll be glad you did!!!!

[mpozzi]

I want to have my car on the track once the motor is back in, but I've yet to find any events close enough to justify the trip. There is a club out of Austin that does some autocross but after looking at their classes, I'd have to do more to my car than I already have.

Actually, just get out there and run. If there's one thing I hear, it's about the classing and how the car (or you) will suck. Yes, you'll be outclassed but use this time to get familiar with your car and learn how to autocross well with what you have. I guarantee that the people will help you get better and will be encouraging as they want you to come back.

Mary Pozzi

[Steve1968LS2]

I agree.. it's time to get out there and HAVE FUN...

Will you win? Who cares.. that's not the point.

The point is to just have fun using your car as intented.. Hell, drive at 7/10ths and grin from ear to ear..

After a few events you can work at getting faster or just continue in the glory of hearing your car wind out.

Will you break parts? Maybe.. but that could happen going down the road and to be honest it's better for it to happen on a track.

Could you crash? Yea, but it's more likely you'll have an accident on the highways driving with "joe public".. the track is way safer. (ask me how I know)

Autocrossing is addictive fun and as safe as can be.. the road track can be a bit more intimidating, but just drive at your comfort level and develop you skills over time.

Many of you said you wanted events.. now you have the best events in the history of our hobby. But their continued existance depends on YOU.. if you stay stuck to your lawn chairs these events will cease to exist.

So buckle up buttercup and come play!

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

Bret... do you know why im pushing the Streetfighter thing so hard?

exactly.

and i would be out there NOW if my car was finished.. so in the meantime(since i finished Storm) im going out there with her.

so..

**** a lawnchair... ill sit on a burnt out tire.

see yall at the Mitty..

[no bags]

..............get in your car and go! Believe me ,if anyone can be classified as "track clutter", that would be me. I am not totally familiar with track etiquette ,rules and protocol. I have never had my car on a road course, or have a car I feel can run with the "big guns" of the Pro-Touring world. You WILL find a great bunch of people that are willing to help you, answer any questions, and even give you a lap or five to give you a feel for the track and how to run it. There are no big egos anywhere to be found. You will see grins from ear to ear after you ride shot gun with a proficient driver.All the sponsors are EASILY approachable. See their rides and wares up close, ask them questions, or just talk about your last oil change!!!!! They all are regular people like the rest of us. They depend on our support and participation. Read all the comments about any of these sponsored events , and you will not find anyone that regretted participating . Thank you Bret, Kyle, Stacey, Neil , Phil, Jeromey, Steve , Bill, Jeff, ...........etc,etc, etc,

Regards,

Bob (signed up for Gingerman, hope to ride a shotgun lap with someone at Road America..............anyone?)

[shmoov69]

Now Brett, why did you have to go and call me out?!? Lol.
I've never been to an event, so I guess I'm faux-touring! Now I have done plenty of straight line in the car!

Now to decide to get back in the closet, or drop em down and go to one to see what breaks first! Lol

[Steve1968LS2]

Now Brett, why did you have to go and call me out?!? Lol.
I've never been to an event, so I guess I'm faux-touring! Now I have done plenty of straight line in the car!

Now to decide to get back in the closet, or drop em down and go to one to see what breaks first! Lol

Think of stuff breaking as a blessing.. it's God's way of telling you that you need a nicer (or newer) part..

Heck, my car was nearly totaled and look at it now.. metal and mechanics can always be fixed.. living a life where you said "Man, I wish I would have..." can't be.

Come on out and have fun.. hell, even if you put around the course you'll still have a blast and get to hang out with a great group of people.

It's safe.. we don't even allow bump drafting.. lol

[wmhjr]

Distance is the main factor for me as well. Any of these make attending at least a 3 day event even if I push it, and time is the problem. I am looking into trying to put something together for a local road course here (Beaver Run) but the interest from others may not be enough to cover the track costs. If anyone else on here is familiar enough with Beaver Run that they might be interested, let me know.....

[Finch]

I am in a place I could have never imagined 15, 10 hell even 5 years ago. The people I have met and the friends I have made in just the past 5 years is all due to events like these.

For those on the fence I ask that you just sign up for 1 of the upcoming events and at least try it out. I know life, family, and work always seems to be taking priority but just give it a shot so you can at least know the answer to the what if question.

There are alot of great drivers and people at these event who will be more than happy to give advice, ride along, or even beat on your junk for you. Take advantage of this opportunity as I know your will not regret it.

[Finch]

For those who the distance or traveling to the events is the issue just give us a shout and hook up with the Rat Pack road trip. That in itself is an adventure you will not forget.

We will be heading North for the Faceoff event so look for details on when and where we will be coming through.

[tazzz25906112]

Brian is right on the money,,, I'll be leaving Toronto cutting through Detroit and across lower Michigan into Illinois and co-coordinating our timing to meet up with the rest of the RatPack most likely around the Chicago area by the sound of things...... Join the adventure and drive west with me to hook up with the gang on the way into Road America....

Come on don't let me be the only crazy Canadian in the group LOL....

[Scott Parkhurst]

If I can bring my 4-door wagon to Road America, what's anyone else's excuse?

(...and yes, I drove it there- it's already in Milwaukee for the event...got 19.8 mpg on the way too!)

[tazzz25906112]

Cool Scott

[bret]

For the guys who think they can't drive...I have to tell you a story.

In 2003 I gave myself a present. I went to the Bondurant Driving school in Phoenix. In 3 days they were able to make me as good a driver as what I THOUGHT I was when I arrived. I proceeded to feed my new lust for driving by creating the Air Ride Technologies Street Challenge track day in 2004 to demonstrate the merit of air suspension on the track. There I received another lesson in how average my driving was when I was passed not once, but twice within 10 laps by Boris Said and Steve GRissom. I was driving a 630 hp 69 Mustang. They were driving my 62 Buick Invicta Wagon. [I'm not making this up].
In 2006 we brought the Street Challenge autocross to Goodguys in Nashville. It became popular and was integrated into 6 GG events in 2007. Since I had some seat time under my belt I was always the fastest car there, usually by a half second or so.

There was a guy that was competing at every event and was trying like hell to beat me. Every event he got closer and closer. After about a year and a half he succeeded in beating my time. He has continued to work on his car and himself to continue to get faster. Now I've been chasing him for the last 2 years.
The point is during all this, it has been a large amount of fun for both of us. I can't speak for him, but as for me...there are few people I'd rather beat than this guy. It is a friendly rivalry that has made me a better driver, and my companies parts better as well. I can only suspect that it has done the same for him. Did I mention that it has been great fun? It is slightly more fun to win, but the fun is truly in the trying...the struggle to acheive. If it was easy, anyone could do it. What would be the point?

Oh, yeah...the guy I was talking about...Kyle Tucker.:)

[JEFFTATE]

Since I had some seat time under my belt I was always the fastest car there, usually by a half second or so.

There was a guy that was competing at every event and was trying like hell to beat me. Every event he got closer and closer. After about a year and a half he succeeded in beating my time. He has continued to work on his car and himself to continue to get faster. Now I've been chasing him for the last 2 years.
The point is during all this, it has been a large amount of fun for both of us. I can't speak for him, but as for me...there are few people I'd rather beat than this guy. It is a friendly rivalry that has made me a better driver, and my companies parts better as well. I can only suspect that it has done the same for him. Did I mention that it has been great fun? It is slightly more fun to win, but the fun is truly in the trying...the struggle to acheive. If it was easy, anyone could do it. What would be the point?

Oh, yeah...the guy I was talking about...Kyle Tucker.:)

That's a great story Bret ..
In years to come , You and Kyle will remember these days , just like Connie Kalitta and Don Garlitts remember the dragracing of the late 50's and early 60's.

[bret]

Jeff...I think your comparison of us to Garlits and Kalitta is a bit optimistic...but I get your point.

Another thought...

For those who are concerned about appearing slow or incompetent, please consider the fact that the only people who will [negatively] criticize your skills or your ride are the people who are slower than you are. If you have ever been to a drag race you know what I am talking about:)

[JEFFTATE]

There is no such thing as being too slow or incompetent.
It's all about having fun , and self improvement , and improving your car..

[Gitter Dun]

There is no such thing as being too slow or incompetent.
It's all about having fun , and self improvement , and improving your car..

Definitely, there no place anywhere for negative criticism!!

[shmoov69]

Can I criticize myself?! I'm pretty good at that! Lol!

[Gitter Dun]

Can I criticize myself?! I'm pretty good at that! Lol!

LOL. thats true. I'm usually my worst critic.

[DFRESH]

For the guys who think they can't drive...I have to tell you a story.

In 2003 I gave myself a present. I went to the Bondurant Driving school in Phoenix. In 3 days they were able to make me as good a driver as what I THOUGHT I was when I arrived. I proceeded to feed my new lust for driving by creating the Air Ride Technologies Street Challenge track day in 2004 to demonstrate the merit of air suspension on the track. There I received another lesson in how average my driving was when I was passed not once, but twice within 10 laps by Boris Said and Steve GRissom. I was driving a 630 hp 69 Mustang. They were driving my 62 Buick Invicta Wagon. [I'm not making this up].
In 2006 we brought the Street Challenge autocross to Goodguys in Nashville. It became popular and was integrated into 6 GG events in 2007. Since I had some seat time under my belt I was always the fastest car there, usually by a half second or so.

There was a guy that was competing at every event and was trying like hell to beat me. Every event he got closer and closer. After about a year and a half he succeeded in beating my time. He has continued to work on his car and himself to continue to get faster. Now I've been chasing him for the last 2 years.
The point is during all this, it has been a large amount of fun for both of us. I can't speak for him, but as for me...there are few people I'd rather beat than this guy. It is a friendly rivalry that has made me a better driver, and my companies parts better as well. I can only suspect that it has done the same for him. Did I mention that it has been great fun? It is slightly more fun to win, but the fun is truly in the trying...the struggle to acheive. If it was easy, anyone could do it. What would be the point?

Oh, yeah...the guy I was talking about...Kyle Tucker.:)

That is truly awesome man--thanks for sharing. I'm glad to be able to say that I have attended the RTTH event here in So Cal, and even though I had no chance of winning (driver & car cannot be considered competitive) I would go again. The experience is everything I hoped it would be---great people-and I mean that--lots of very down to earth fun people--it would have sucked if they were arrogant/ego driven folks, but not even a hint of that. Made great memories and got to meet even more great people in this hobby. For me it's about the relationships and the cars---it was great to meet many others just like myself who haven't vested much time at a track day event like this and were learning their way through it, and having a ball doing so. Great memories to have--and the older I get, the more I appreciate that. By the way Bret, Jimi made you guys look good almost the entire day in Velocity---until he too fell to the Pink Hat. Thanks for being a big part in these events---after attending one, I have a much greater appreciation for those involved.

Doug

[trapin]

I envy the hell out of you guys who have finished cars and can take them to all these great events. I would love to throw a fist in the air and give out a, HELL YEAH! but without a finished car I'm stuck being a Pro-Touring Groupie (actually that's not such a bad thing, I've had fun with that). However, after 9 years I am ready to step away from the sidelines and make a fool of myself in front of y'all...all in the name of fun of course. And believe me, I know I will fall flat on my face the first few times out but I'll get up grinning. It's the kind of guy I am.

You have my word I'll be there, just as soon as time and money see eye-to-eye with me.

[Taman]

I went to my first auto cross event. Not only was I last in my class, but I was dead last in every class. If my TA is ready this week there is an auto cross event at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates,IL. I should do considerably better. Just remember for every moron complaining because you are a new guy there are twenty waiting to help you.
I would love to try a road course but, I have no top end. My TA was setup for drag racing.

[69fbodyproject]

I would love to get out to these types of events, but the drive distance to even get out of Canada to head to an event is 6 hours. For example Pheonix is a 28 hour run to get to. Its just a touch far to go for a weekend.