track lessons in mid atlantic region??

[Voltron8000]

Anyone know of a track around the mid atlantic region that provides track lessons or atleast allows newbies to go out onto tracks? I bought this car with occasional tracking in mind. i think its about time i give it a go. Thanks in advance for any information

[swift996]

SCCA PDX - Summit Point (Shenandoah Circuit) 6/29
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39044

I'd check VIR too, I'm hoping to get there for an event before the fall.

[ja1217]

Originally Posted by Voltron8000

Anyone know of a track around the mid atlantic region that provides track lessons or atleast allows newbies to go out onto tracks? I bought this car with occasional tracking in mind. i think its about time i give it a go. Thanks in advance for any information

Instead of looking at what individual tracks have to offer, you should probably look for HPDE (High Performance Driving Event) organizers that operate in the Mid Atlantic region. They will hold events at tracks in the area, primarily at Summit Point, Virginia International Raceway, and New Jersey Motorsports Park. Some may include Watkins Glen although thats more north east. Here's a list of some HPDE groups in the area:

www.trackdaze.com
http://www.nasaracing.net/
http://www.scca.com/clubracing/conte...d=44464&tag=53

There are more if you search around, but those are the ones I know off the top of my head. I actually just got back from a New Jersey Motorsports Park with TrackDaze this weekend. It was my first time on a track and I had a blast. As far as I know, all of these groups will provide an instructor to ride along with you and also have class time to go over rules of the track, flags, safety stuff, as well as taking correct lines, late apexing, etc.

I am probably going to go to the rest of the TrackDaze events (already registered for all but the last one). I'd also recommend taking a look at this as far as what you may want to do to prepare your car:

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25485

[joop1987]

NJMSP has track days. No experience needed. Just a snell helmet. They have rooms to rent on site if you're far away.

http://www.njmp.com/

I went with a group called Track Time 4 Cars. $250/day (guest member)

http://www.tracktime4cars.com/index.html

[sastexan]

FATT at Summit Point. I've been doing their sessions for many years. BSR does a great job and get a lot of track and instruction time. However, novice slots go two months or so in advance and it requires a lot of planning. Other nice thing about FATT is they provide a loaner helmet for you (most require you to bring one; a $250 investment).

[Voltron8000]

Thanks guys!!!!!! im going to look into all of these! have any of you gone on the stock tires?

[sastexan]

Originally Posted by Voltron8000

Thanks guys!!!!!! im going to look into all of these! have any of you gone on the stock tires?

I was planning to do TrackDaze this coming weekend but instead, I'll be moving my mother-in-law into a condo...

Probably will still have the stock Michelins whenever I get out to FATT in the fall. I'm aiming for October.

[swift996]

Originally Posted by Voltron8000

Thanks guys!!!!!! im going to look into all of these! have any of you gone on the stock tires?

Stock tires are fine but they will reach their limit quick. They're probably good to learn on but if you plan on going with something more aggressive, you might as well do it before you go to the track.

I just got back from Summit Point's Shenandoah Circuit and it is set up incredibly for our cars. I had such a blast. It's a little technical (about 18-20 turns in 2.1 miles) so it might take a while to learn if you're new to tracking. Some people find their line quick and it's easy to work on the inputs but others it takes all day.

All the things mentioned above are great, just get out there. I've seen all types of experienced drivers, don't be timid, it will probably come easy.