I had thought of joining them for their karting event but if that's their attitude towards safety I will be sure to warn Ken that they have some loose cannons heading their way and will have to be watched closely. He's not above kicking people off the track for being yahoo's.

I'm on the fence about shorts/tshirts on a track, but I can't believe anyone would even think about going on a track in flip flops. Simply shocking.

I'd ask what kind of insurance Touge has, but I'm pretty sure they don't have any based on what I've read in here. If they do, I'm sure it would be dropped in a huge hurry if the carrier found this out.

It's too bad this thread degraded into an argument about safety. The event that this thread is ACTUALLY about was fun, and I felt reasonably safe. I have some feedback to that effect, but I'l save it for the organizers. I'd like to come back next year if I can make it.

I agree, I was thinking the same thing, but it also serves to illustrate the quality of the organization that is running the event.

My bad for taking part in the derailment.

On topic, I'm a little sad I missed this. But I couldn't justify it as I was already booked to go to the DDT on Friday, which was more expensive to boot. I'm definitely going to try to hit up one of these next year! I've heard nothing but great things about this group, here and elsewhere!

My sentiments exactly.

I must say, that when Joe was riding along with me, his advice the first couple laps really made some of the turns a lot smoother and faster. :bonk:

Hopefully next year I will be quick enough to run in intermediate

Atleast touge has driver meetings, explain the flags and passing zones. Kplayground literally has none. Just go out, no rules.

If you're confident and able to consistently hit the turn in and apex lap after lap, you're ready for intermediate. If you're still struggling (not suggesting you are) with where you should be on the track, and not smooth with inputs then more coached time would be good.

Also remember that most instructors/coaches are more than willing to come for some laps to give more advice, even if you're not in a beginner group. You'll just have to ask. Same goes for riding along with them, if my passenger seat is empty, come fill it!

Shoot me a PM about that if you want, I'll make sure it gets brought up before the next event.

Fair enough, Joe said I'd have no problem in intermediate based on our session (second last of the day)

I was thinking along the lines of being too slow around the track to be a hindrance to the intermediate group (like the Veloster in our group who got black flagged)

don't worry about "speed", being an intermediate/advanced driver is all about awareness and etiquette.


like two weeks ago at the Sigma event at TMP, I was out in the rain shaking the rust off (haven't been to TMP, let alone a wet TMP in over 5 years). There were some quick guys with more grip and skill pushing their cars around at a considerably faster pace than me


but I saw them coming many turns ahead, I knew by the time I'd complete corner 1 whether they'd catch me fore the turn in for 2 or not, and going in through the infield, I knew where to concede and let them pass and not hold them up longer than I have to.


this ability to judge distance coverage of those behind you vs your own pace is what makes one an intermediate + lapper.

and what makes an advanced lapping session "smooth"


although there will always be that asshole in a fast car who just wants to ram you off the track.

You'll NEVER get black flagged for being slow, you'll only get black flagged if you're not pointing faster cars by. *edit* - They'll also give you a blue flag before a black. Black is a last resort.

I'm sure you'll be fine in an intermediate group!

Was really impressed w this lapping day. I had no issues lapping in advanced and must say it was a very well organized event. They may seem strict and serious at first, but there is a reason for it and it became very relaxed afterwards. I came to talk to most of the twins owners and I found most of them to be beginners. Which was great! I didn't get a chance to talk to the grey one w the plate. "Nopwr". Had a blast. Was able to set a lap time of 1m46 sec by the end of the day.