2011 HPDE Schedule

[BThayer23]

Here's a list of all the HPDE's near North Carolina that I'm aware of. If I ran with the club or heard good things about them, they're on the list, but please make me aware of anything I may have missed. And the emphasis is on education - lapping days are not listed. Enjoy, and remember, shiny side up!

The events:

Feb 11-13 NASA SE - CMP
Feb 18-19-20 NASA MA - VIR Full Course
Feb 26-27 BMWCCA - VIR Full Course
Feb 28-Mar 1 TrackDaze - VIR Full Course

March 5-6 Asphalt Ventures - NCCAR CCW
March 11-13 NASA SE - Road Atlanta
March 25-26-27 NASA MA - VIR Full Course

April 2-3 THSCC - VIR North Course
April 2-3 Carolinas PCA - NCCAR
April 9-10 NASA SE - NCCAR
April 9-10 NASA MA - Summit Point Main Circuit
April 23-34 TrackDaze - VIR Full Course
April 30-May 1 NASA SE - CMP

May 14-15 THSCC - NCCAR
May 14-15 Darkside - Roebling
May 14-15 Carolinas PCA - CMP
May 14-15 TrackDaze - Summit Point Shenandoah Circuit

June 4-5 TrackDaze - VIR Full Course
June 4-5-6 CRMC - CMP
June 17-19 NASA SE - Road Atlanta
June 18-19 THSCC - CMP
June 18-19 NASA MA - Summit Point Main Circuit

July 2-3 BMWCCA - VIR North Course
July 2-3 NASA SE - Charlotte (CMS)
July 9-10 Asphalt Ventures - NCCAR CW
July 11-12 TrackDaze - Summit Point Main Circuit
July 18-19 Carolinas PCA - VIR Full Course
July 22-23-24 NASA MA - VIR Full Course

Aug 6-7 NASA SE - Road Atlanta
Aug 20-21 NASA MA - Summit Point Main Circuit
Aug 25-26 TrackDaze - VIR Full Course
Aug 27 Tarheel BMWCCA - VIR South Course Adult Car Control Clinic
Aug 27-28 Tarheel BMWCCA - VIR North/Full Course

Sep 3-4 NASA SE - Roebling
Sept 9-10-11 THSCC - VIR Full Course
Sept 10-11 Carolinas PCA - CMP
Sept 21-22 Boston BMWCCA - Watkins Glen International
Sept 24-25 Asphalt Ventures - NCCAR Both directions

Oct 1-2 BMWCCA - VIR Full Course
Oct 1-2 TrackDaze - Summit Point Shenandoah Circuit
Oct 7-8-9 NASA MA - VIR Full Course
Oct 15-16 THSCC - CMP
Oct 22-23 NASA SE - CMP
Oct 29-30 Carolinas PCA - CMP

Nov 5-6 NASA MA - Summit Point Main Circuit
Nov 5-6 Darkside - Roebling
Nov 12-13 NASA SE - NCCAR
Nov 14-15 TrackDaze - VIR Full Course (Mon) / Grand Course (Tues)
Nov 19-20 Carolinas PCA - VIR Full Course
Nov 27-28 Asphalt Ventures - VIR Patriot and Full Course (?)

Dec 2-4 NASA SE - Road Atlanta


The clubs:

http://www.tarheelbmwcca.org/
http://www.thscc.com/timetrial/index.html
http://nasa-se.com/
http://www.nasaracing.net/
http://www.ponytales.org/events/performance-driving-school.html (CRMC)
http://www.darksidede.com/Registration.html
http://www.carolinas-pca.com/
http://maarc.blogspot.com (http://maarc.blogspot.com/) (no HPDE this year)
https://www.trackdaze.com/
http://hur.pca.org/DE.php (no 2011 dates yet)
http://www.asphaltventures.com/Driver_Education.html
http://www.boston-bmwcca.org/instantforum/FindPost3726.aspx

http://www.motorsportreg.com/
http://www.clubregistration.net/

The tracks:

http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/Road_Atlanta (RA)
http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/Roebling_Road_Raceway (RRR)
http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/Atlanta_Motor_Speedway (AMP)
http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/NC_Center_for_Automotive_Research_(NCCAR) (NCCAR)
http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/Virginia_International_Raceway (VIR)
http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/Summit_Point_Raceway
http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/Carolina_Motorsports_Park (CMP)
http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/Watkins_Glen (WGI)

[blitzcat]

I don't see TrackDaze (https://www.trackdaze.com/). They have 5 dates at VIR, 3 at Summit Point. The event I attended was great.

[minimark]

Thanks Ben!!!

[DarkSideDE]

Thank you Ben. I always appreciate your DE calendar.

Please don't add this - but just make a note of it -- I'm stepping out and testing the waters at Road Atlanta. It's for Solos Only - and I'll be there Feb 19-20. What makes this one for true track junkies exciting, is we will be there when VDCA has it's club race - and Peachtree BMW is doing their Opening Season Race. Should be fun - with lots to see... Shhhhh...

[orangecrush]

I don't see TrackDaze (https://www.trackdaze.com/). They have 5 dates at VIR, 3 at Summit Point. The event I attended was great.


Ben, as usual, GREAT work!!

X2 on the Trackdaze group... definitely worth doing.


Mark

[BThayer23]

TrackDaze added. Note they're running VIR Grand Course in November. I don't think MazdaDriverS is running Grand this year, so TrackDaze may be one of the only clubs to run the 4.2 mile circuit.

The Mid Atlantic Alfa Romeo Club (MAARC)'s usual HPDE date conflicts with the Grand-Am race this year, so they're taking a year off. Shame, 'cause there aren't too many clubs running VIR North Course this year. North is one of my favorites - the twists and turns on- and off-camber really penalize heavier high-hp cars.

And I didn't add any MVP TrackTime events or Darkside's solo-only event because I consider those to be lapping days. I can count on one hand the people on this forum who are qualified to solo, and all of us could benefit from another set of eyes, so I don't bother listing lapping days.

[minimark]

Grand course in November!!!! Might have to finish the year off with that one, I've never run that one and would love too!!! Thanks for the heads up! :)

PS: Happy Birthday Ben!!

[orangecrush]

Grand course in November!!!! Might have to finish the year off with that one, I've never run that one and would love too!!! Thanks for the heads up! :)

PS: Happy Birthday Ben!!


Just watch out for turn 8... I heard you could hurt your car if you carry a passenger. :happy-smiley:

Mark

[minimark]

Just watch out for turn 8... I heard you could hurt your car if you carry a passenger. :happy-smiley:

Mark

What I've heard! Lol

But I rarely carry a passenger and when I do I back off a bit..... :)

[N2MINI]

Just a bit mind you!!! I've been in drift mode with him on a SS run once!!

[minimark]

Just a bit mind you!!! I've been in drift mode with him on a SS run once!!

Wait a second, I was having a smoke and coffee that run...;)

[N2MINI]

Yeah that's just it. Smoke in one hand and a cup of joe in the other!! driving with your knee!!!
So when we going back!!!!

[minimark]

Lol !

When ever ya want, Sunday?

[jbalfour]

I love VIR North as well. I'm going to try to find the money for Apr.2-3.

[BThayer23]

Watkins Glen with the Boston Chapter BMWCCA in September added to the list. :yes2::yes2:

[blitzcat]

Is that a fly and drive?

[minimark]

Hey maybe we could go in on a hauler, luv to run the Glen!!!

[BThayer23]

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=raleigh,+nc+to+watkins+glen,+ny

It's probably about a 10-12 hour drive, depending on traffic and stops.

[minimark]

Exactly. Get 3 or 4 guys (& gals) together and rent a hauler and take them up and back. Save the wear and tear on the cars and we could also have them ready for the track before getting there and have no worries on the way home! :)

Can ya tell I've been thinking about a trailer? Lol

[jcauseyfd]

Exactly. Get 3 or 4 guys together and rent a hauler and take them up and back. Save the wear and tear on the cars and we could also have them ready for the track before getting there and have no worries on the way home! :)

Can ya tell I've been thinking about a trailer? Lol

I might spring for some beer to watch Mark and Bryan stripe that thing. :lol:

[orangecrush]

Ya’ll need to let me know if you go... I’ve always wanted to run there. I’d like to go.

Mark

[minimark]

Ya’ll need to let me know if you go... I’ve always wanted to run there. I’d like to go.

Mark

Absolutely!

[BThayer23]

Well, that September date is on my calendar. Mark me down as going. I'll figure out the details later. Come with, tag along, and we'll make it a grand caravan. That's just one more reason why I keep my car street legal, so I can go visit all these cool tracks without having to deal with a big truck and a trailer and all that stuff.

My brother's in Connecticut, and he's an instructor with the Boston Chapter BMWCCA. He drove down to VIR last summer, so this year it's my turn to drive up.

Hauler for sale: http://www.dpcars.net/home/forsale.htm

[minimark]

LOL Have to agree with the folks with hauler for sale's last statement: "looking for a more compact $olution". Thinking more in the line of a small toy hauler to go behind the Tahoe and something I could camp/sleep in too. Maybe even just an open trailer would work.

Either way I don't have a problem driving mine up so this might just have to go on the schedule, especially if we have a group going!!! :) ......now to renew the BMWCCA membership.

[leicaguy]

Watkins Glen with the Boston Chapter BMWCCA in September added to the list. :yes2::yes2:

One of my goals this year is to drive Watkins Glen. Anyone else interested in planning a MINI invasion in Sept?

[BThayer23]

I just signed up and paid for WGI Sept 21-22. I'm staying in a cabin with my brother and some of his friends, but let me know if you're going and I can pass along accommodation information.

http://www.boston-bmwcca.org/my/login.aspx?s=4

[DarkSideDE]

Nice Ben...

And just a reminder - I still have room at Roebling Road for May 14-15 if anyone is interested.... Thanks :)

[orangecrush]

May 14 is a Darkside event???

Hmmmmmm... I love Roebling.


Mark



Nice Ben...

And just a reminder - I still have room at Roebling Road for May 14-15 if anyone is interested.... Thanks :)

[BThayer23]

I love Roebling, too. Hmmm...

[minimark]

....hmmm how far a drive is it? :)

[orangecrush]

about 4 hours... exit 106 I-95 Savanahh

[BThayer23]

Flat course, big sweepers, a couple double apex corners that make you think, and lots of run off room. Accommodations and track time are relatively cheap, too.

[minimark]

You going?

[RMW]

One of my goals this year is to drive Watkins Glen. Anyone else interested in planning a MINI invasion in Sept?

I hope to drive my Mini at the Glen before I die.............

[DarkSideDE]

Sorry you won't be there with us.... but - please try again for Nov 5-6.
Me, I love Roebling too!

[RMW]

it would be nice if we could have a showing at VIR on July 22nd for the UTCC as Ian will be driving my car there!

[orangecrush]

Sorry you won't be there with us.... but - please try again for Nov 5-6.
Me, I love Roebling too!

I missed Roebling this year for the first time in a couple of years, I always make both times that DarkSide hosts it but this is the first year I made MOTD and though I love Roebling, it was great to hang out with a bunch of mini people.

I will be at Roebling in Nov. though.


Mark

[TRACKRAT]

Instructed for the Shelby and SVT Cobra clubs at their national convention the first week-end in June. Ran the Grand East Course (4.2 mi.) on which I had instructed a few times before. Lots of fun, especially for the MINI since the twisties are a great equalizer against the muscle cars. Highly recommend it. Headed to VIR for the Tarheel event this week-end. Should be HOT, HOT, HOT!

[fleazilla]

VIR sounds like a cool idea I'll have to see how much it would cost,I've never really been over 120 in my MCS..

[TRACKRAT]

It's not so much about how fast you go as much as how well you go. Ask anyone who's done a bunch of DE's and they'll tell you that anyone can go fast on the straights...it's the curves that put the fun into it! Hope you'll sign up for one...if you do, it won't be your last.

[fleazilla]

I think there being no cops to spoil the fun around has to be awesome!

[BThayer23]

I think there being no cops to spoil the fun around has to be awesome!

Yup, there's that, and catching Porsches in the curves, and finding that sweet spot where you can finesse the car through a curve and it takes a set and just takes off like a hungry animal. I could go on and on. If you like to drive fast on the street, you'd love an HPDE.

[fleazilla]

That's it got to do it as soon as I replace my brakes need rotors and pads real bad,bills keep catching me every month..now it makes me want get a big brake kit...

[BThayer23]

New Tarheel BMWCCA HPDE and Adult Car Control Clinic announced.

More info here: http://www.tarheelminis.org/showthread.php?6614-Adult-Car-Control-clinic-announced&p=63771#post63771

and here: http://www.tarheelbmwcca.org/summerschool.htm

[Mr. Ioso]

Hey folks. Noob here. The only track time I've had was a lunchtime lap at an SCCA event at VIR. But it made me reeeeeally want to get out there and get some real track time. So I'm glad to see these dates, but since I'm a noob I have not the slightest idea what is involved in getting my car on the track. Do I just show up and pay a fee? Is it more of a driving school scenario? Are there equipment requirements other than a helmet? Any special licensing? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks fellow motorists!

[blitzcat]

Well, I recommend buying the helmet. They are hard to rent, and you sweat a lot in it.
They are also about to go on sale everywhere. I'd wait until Apex Performance had a sweet deal. They are in SC, and you will see them at many events in person.

The events are run as driving schools. You book in advance, so you get into the right skill group you need, and get your own car number.... and so the event hosts can pay the track deposit.

As for picking events, go to Motorsportsreg.com and make an account. Add some local groups to run with if you know any. Try Tar Heel Sports Car club. There is a local BMW group too that we are allowed in. Personally I like TrackDaze & THSCC events, but not NASA-SE. Every event will have a beginner group. The events are not posted for 2012 yet, but go ahead and get your calendar and account set up. There will be more events than you can attend next year.

Book a coupe events for next year (3), and try to go to your first in early spring when everyone is still sluggish from winter. You will be mind blown at the first one. Some of us will be posting our schedules again for 2012 if you want to come to the same events. It helps to talk about the track with persons driving the same car, and be able to borrow parts if things break.

[minimark]

NASA for the win!! : Fast cars, fast drivers and great instruction for those wanting to learn to race!!

SCCA, BMWCCA, etc are all good too. Try a few different ones and see which one fits for you.

[Mr. Ioso]

Thanks a million. Looking forward to some white knuckles.

[BThayer23]

NASA tends to have people who want to race, while the car clubs (THSCC, BMWCCA, PCA) tend to have people who want to instruct. Subtle difference; CC's are older, have more conservative rules, and place an emphasis on skills over seat time as you move up from novice groups to more experienced groups.

Here's a series of articles written by a driving instructor well versed in the MINI. I'm not sure if you have to join Motoring Alliance to see the articles, but it's free to join. http://www.motoringalliance.com/library/hpde---track-days-13/

I'll compile a calendar of my favorite clubs' driving schools for next year as the dates are finalized. That usually happens in the December-January timeframe.

Put a helmet on your Christmas list. The safety ratings are dated in 5-year increments, so you'd want to buy an SA-2010 helmet. SA is for cars, M is for motorcycles. SA helmets are designed for multiple impacts and have a narrower field of vision.

[minimark]

True Ben while all the in car and class room instruction one could ever want, is available and encouraged in NASA. The seat time needed on your on, developing the skills and awareness required if you ever decide to take a green flag in earnest, with a checkered flag at the end is also available.... ;)

So it's up to the individual and what they want to do and how they want to get there. For me, I want good instruction and then time on my own to make those skills mine! Can't dance with the instructor all your life.......well guess we could, but then we would never get any better than the instructor who happens to be riding with us at the time, now would we?

Ross Bentley says there is a time in a drivers progression (given that he is progressing) that he or she will need a coach instead of an instructor. When one begins to learn, say basketball, an instructor is needed to impart/teach the basic skills needed, after that, one needs a coach to help the player use those skills to the best of their ability...and neither coach nor instructor is on the floor during the game. ;)

[TRACKRAT]

All good advice above. Your best bet is to register for one of the various car club DE's, like BMW CCA, PCA, Tarheel Sports Car Club, Mustang Club, etc. Phil Wicks, down in Columbia, SC has a good MINi driving School, too, but it's somewhat more expensive than the club schoools. Once you register, detailed instructions will follow and many club web-sites have additional info. on what you should know and do ahead of time. As a novice/beginner, you will not be expected to be the best thing since Phil Hill or Dan Gurney. As mentioned above, you will need an SA rated helmet and you will need to get your car inspected by a competent shop and have your brakes bled shortly before the event. Each club has their own peculiar requirements. Do not buy any high performance, R-Comp tires for your first schools. It'll be a waste of money and, if it rains, you will not be allowed to run...and, if you did, you'd scare the poop out of yourself! Oh, yes...One other suggestion: Don't go to VIR for your first school unless it is the South Course. VIR-North and VIR-Full can be extremely frustrating for a novice unless you've had considerable autocross or motorcycle experience. Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, SC is a great technical learning track. Have fun....It's a great sport.

[Mr. Ioso]

Thanks all. Lots of great info. I've putted around at VIR behind a pace car, running a section or 2 wide open. Also did a good bit of autocross, so I'm ready for more. In the spring I'm actually signed up for a 3 hour course followed by 5 min at the wheel of an indy car...sooooo that ought to help a little experience-wise. But really I'm just looking to have a little fun, not beat the clock or anyone else. Hope to see some of you out there. Minimark... I think my mom and I ran into you downtown in Winston a couple weeks ago.

[minimark]

HPDE will be right up your alley, learn a lot and have a hoot doing it!! Another thing to note that as long as your in HPDE and not in an actual race, at many of the events there is track day insurance available. I got it the last time and it did relieve the anxiety of possibly a very expensive weekend...... worth every penny. ;)

Where at?

[Mr. Ioso]

It was a Living Social Coupon for the "Mario Andretti Experience" at Concord Motor Speedway. I'd prefer a road course but it's going to be a great time regardless.

[minimark]

Cool but where did we meet? Lol

[Mr. Ioso]

hahaha. I don't know winston well enough to say. I was leaving Foothills with my mom headed for 40 when I saw another Space Blue mini. I said hi at the light and the other mini said that 06 was the only year they made that color. So it's either you or there's an identical mini out there in W-S

[minimark]

Yep that was me, glad your here and we'll have to take to the twisties one day!!!

Good looking Mini you have! ;)