South FL Tracks and AutoX

[raul]

I've been searching the Internet for information on tracking my car and essentially how enjoy my car while avoiding public roads to do so. It seems like none of the Florida tracks have open track days and the only option is to enroll in events that cost $300 (hookedondriving.com) or more. I don't mind getting educated so I will be paying for some sessions, but I want to be able to at some point go by myself and spend less than $300 per trip. I know I'm already going to be going through wear and tear items much quicker the more I take the car to the track, so I'd like to find out what's the most cost efficient way to drive our cars with the venues available in Florida.

[Kido1986]

SCCA runs PDX events at Daytona and Sebring but it may be a while before another. They are $90 (plus $30 if you're not a member which is $70/year). Ive done 3 of these and will be doing more.

Autocross is the best starting point IMO as what you learn there will transition better to the track than vice versa. Autocross is cheaper, more often and translates more to street driving also (learning control for bad situations, etc). Also, you want to learn the limits slowly <60 around cones is much safer than 90+ mph turns on Sebring.

Autocross also doesn't turn anything other than tires. Road course cooks brakes, tires, brake fluid and much harder on your car. Again, when you get to that point, it's often worth the effort to expand but start autocrossing if you haven't before.

[raul]

Sounds like good advice. AutoX it is. I would drive to Sebring for events for sure. It's only 2 hours away. Maybe a SCCA membership wouldn't be that bad then once I get enough AutoX experience.

[javifl]

Equipe Rapide holds autocross events roughly once a month. Usually they are in homestead, but occasionally they do it at PBIR or Miami. Check out erscc.com
The events are $45 if you register online before the event, $50 at the event.
They're actually having one today in Homestead.