New Track Driver, need advice.

[MisterSheep]

Hey all,

Just wanted to do a super quick introduction, I just picked up my FR-S as of 7/23/15 and I am looking into doing some AutoX and track days with it as I track/autox it stock I can see where the car's weak points are and modify it from there. I did a quick search online for acouple of Tracks in the NorCal area and the closest track to me is Sonoma Raceway. I know there is already an AutoX thread for norcal and I have been on 86drive.com to look for group track days. Anyways just wanted to get some thoughts on Sonoma Raceway vs Thunderhill/Leguna Seca (They're both about 2 hours away from me.)

Oh! Forgot to mention I've never actually driven on a legitimate track. Are there any special requirements/ training needed before someone can drive on a specific track?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[MyRx]

Norcal's next 86Cup even is next weekend Aug 8,9 at Thunderhill. Get introduced to tracking during this time with a handful of experienced drivers! Bring a helmet!!

[AyJay]

Arguably, the most popular organization around NorCal is NCRC. http://www.ncracing.org/

Since it's your 1st time with them you'll have to pick a day with a "driving school" group and go thru the necessary on-track drills and classroom sessions they put you thru. Usually students get signed off to go out on their own by the end of the day.

As far as tracks go, Thunderhill is an excellent track to learn on since it is feature rich with many different types of turns, elevation changes, and a decent length. Also, in the worst case scenario of an off track incident, most of the space around the track is open field w/o walls or other obstacles. I wouldn't recommend starting at Sonoma for this reason. The racing line takes you very close to walls on the back end of the track. Not saying it can't be done, I just wouldn't recommend it to a 1st timer.

Your approach to modifying is a good one. Start stock and learn the car that way. You can get a feel for what you like and what you would like to improve on. Much better than throwing [insert tuning shop here]'s parts catalog at it before you truly have the ability as a driver to evaluate.

[MisterSheep]

Originally Posted by MyRx

Norcal's next 86Cup even is next weekend Aug 8,9 at Thunderhill. Get introduced to tracking during this time with a handful of experienced drivers! Bring a helmet!!

I'm actually going to be out of town on that date!

Which brings me to my next point. Helmets. Is there a special standard ie (glasses have to have a certain rating to beable to use at the range) for helmets?

[jvincent]

Most organizations will require either a Snell certified M2010 (motorcyle) or SA2010 (automotive) helmet. Some will still let you go with a 2005.

[MyRx]

Originally Posted by MisterSheep

I'm actually going to be out of town on that date!

Which brings me to my next point. Helmets. Is there a special standard ie (glasses have to have a certain rating to beable to use at the range) for helmets?

Glasses, couple of our participants do wear glasses under their helmets. At this stage, glasses under your helmet is not a issue. Comfort has to be your #1 concern with helmet. Bring your glasses when you test fit helmets.

[The Racers Line]

@MisterSheep Shoot me a PM with any and all the questions you have. I lately have really ramped up on getting beginners/first timers ready, and out on the track. Car set up, safety tips. I do a lot of events and welcome rides as well.

[MisterSheep]

Originally Posted by MyRx

Glasses, couple of our participants do wear glasses under their helmets. At this stage, glasses under your helmet is not a issue. Comfort has to be your #1 concern with helmet. Bring your glasses when you test fit helmets.

I was just using a comparable thing glasses for shooting safety = Helmets for driving safety. I dont wear glasses

[hpde_addict]

I started out at Sonoma Raceway with the Simraceway Performance Driving Center and would recommend the same. I did the Stage 1 program and will return later for the other two. Still recommend after running with Hooked on Driving and TrackMasters. I think the smaller class size (8 in ours, 12 maximum) and availability of professional racing school instructors (not the volunteers that you will encounter at HPDE) makes it a good starting point for first time drivers.

[AyJay]

Originally Posted by hpde_addict

I started out at Sonoma Raceway with the Simraceway Performance Driving Center and would recommend the same. I did the Stage 1 program and will return later for the other two. Still recommend after running with Hooked on Driving and TrackMasters. I think the smaller class size (8 in ours, 12 maximum) and availability of professional racing school instructors (not the volunteers that you will encounter at HPDE) makes it a good starting point for first time drivers.

Ballerific way to break in to the sport
The normal learning curve would likely be shorter under pro instruction. SIM, HOD, TM, and Sonoma in general can get pricey. TM is a good way to do Sonoma since NCRC doesn't offer.

[Krispeee]

My first track day was @ Sonoma Raceway through NASA. I highly recommend their novice school as they pair you up with an instructor on your first time out for the entire day. Not only will you go at your own pace, but you'll have proper instructions on how to handle yourself (and you car) on the track.

It's a bit pricey in terms of up front cost, but it's a great way to get your feet wet in what might become an addiction.

http://nasanorcal.com/index.php?/site/section_schedule/
Sign up for HDPE 1

If you're more price conscious, NCRC has a great program for first time track drivers. Look up for "driving school" and register!

http://www.ncracing.org/events.php

Good luck & see you soon at the track!

[PMok]

pretty much agree with what @AyJay has already said above.

But for even more reading, check out this track preparation thread

There is a lot of info there but it's a good resource, nobody expects you to know it all by the time you arrive at a track the first time, but keep reading, keep talking to others who've done it before, and keep learning.

[WORKS]

Good info in here from the other members.

One more option to consider is a program called Hyperdrive that NASA offers. You get one "parade lap" session to drive the track at low speeds and then one 20-minute hot-lap session with an instructor and only other hyperdrive participants on the track. Not much driving, but it is only $99 (no membership required). It is a very low commitment/low pressure way to experience your first time driving on a track.

They don't offer Hyperdrive very often, but watch their schedule and Facebook, sometimes they are added late in the game.

Let us know if you do a track event at Sonoma Raceway. We are located on the property and can assist you with air for tire pressures and a torque wrench for wheels.

Cheers.

[BRZChix]

I started out with Hooked On Driving (HOD) last year at Thunderhill then tracking with NCRC from there on.

HOD: You will have one-on-one instructor (this might not apply for Sonoma)
- First, there are some classroom and pre-track exercises
- First session, with your consent, the intructor will drive your car (moderate pace) for several laps to show you around.
- All remaining session, you will be driving with instructor as passenger, who will communicate with you via microphone for any guides/feedbacks.

NCRC: no one-on-one instructor (you can request one at $99/day)
There are classroom time, lead and follow, passing exercise then the rest is open track.

Though HOD was double the price, one-on-one instructor made a huge difference.

For helmet, you should get helmet SA2010.

In term of track, NCRC does driving school mostly for Thunderhill. They only have 1 driving school at Laguna this year. HOD has driving school at all tracks.

Sonoma vs. Thunderhill/Laguna
I've never been to Sonoma but the track is known to be very technical with tight turns and close walls.

I would start at either Thunderhill or Laguna or Thunderhill West (its a fun track).

Good luck and see you out there!