HOLIDAY LAPS @ VIR DEC. 7TH!!

[KillerKar]

Hey guys! Gary and I are going. Anyone else going? We went last year and THIS year, *I* get to drive! (I didn't last year 'cause I'd just gotten Killer & still wasn't 100% sure of my use of the stickshift!)

It was still a blast (and if they do like last year, you will be able to get a complimentary photo of your car/MINI on the track) even if I was only a passenger!

It'd be great to get a bunch of us out there! The Mustang club was out "en force" as were the Porsche guys ... let's make a showing!!!!

Laura :cool:

*******************

DANVILLE, VA. ? VIRginia International Raceway, ?America?s Motorsports Resort,? is once again hosting the track?s annual Holiday Laps charity event on Friday, December 7. Benefiting the Salvation Army and area children?s charities, the event allows donors to drive around one of America?s best race tracks and benefit local charities at the same time.

?This sixth Holiday Laps day is one of our favorite events every year,? said track Managing Partner Connie Nyholm. ?We always look for ways we can repay the communities around us and this is just one of those ways. The looks on faces as people pull into the pits after their laps tell a lot about how big a thrill this track is to drive.

?There are a lot of great modern and vintage race cars that we get to see at VIR every year, but to watch these street cars come out for the VIR Holiday Laps is just as special. The program means a lot to us because we can give fans a taste of life on the other side of the rail and help others at the same time. We invite everyone to come out and see VIR from the other side of the fence.

For a donation of only $25, or the equivalent in toys or non-perishable foods, drivers of any road car, truck or van are eligible to lap VIR and experience, at least partially, the thrill of driving on the same track that some of the world?s best race drivers and motorcycle riders compete on all year long. The generous donors who participated last year had a great time and helped the communities? needy at the same time.

VIR?s Oak Tree Tavern, the restaurant in the 1840s era Plantation Club House, will be open to the public that evening as it is every week Thursday through Sunday, with hours to expand next year. The Plantation features fun dining in the full-service restaurant along with Connie?s Pub. Reservations are accepted but not required by calling 434.822.7700, ext. 330.

Last year?s Holiday Laps attracted hundreds of cars, many from Raleigh-area Miata and Mustang clubs, earning $6610 in cash and approximately $2,000 in food and toys at the track, plus $3450 from two auctions for race tickets and other VIR-related amenities broadcast on WAKG and WBTM, for a total of $12,060, more than a 203-percent increase over 2005 and surpassing the year?s goal by nearly 60 percent.

An auction by WAKG and WBTM for prizes including race weekend tickets and nights in the Lodge at VIR is being held also, with the proceeds going to the charities.

The Plantation Valley Kart Track will be open all day, allowing guests who want to try something a little faster the opportunity to drive the karts on our 5/8ths mile kart track.

[TWISTER]

I'll try and be there!

[BlimeyCabrio]

Yummy... cabrios welcome?

[TWISTER]

Its just parade laps so yes they should be allowed

[N2MINI]

Sounds like fun, but I'll be working.

[wildcrazy442000]

Same Here, Working unless I hit the lotto.

[BlimeyCabrio]

Its just parade laps so yes they should be allowed

For us VIR newbies - please define "Parade Laps"... just curious...

[TWISTER]

PL are laps with a pace car on the track.
This however does not mean you can not get up some speed.
I hit 97 on the back stretch the last time I was up there.

There is no passing during PL's

[BlimeyCabrio]

Works for me. :)

[BlimeyCabrio]

Anybody have any ideas on the schedule for this? Didn't see any details at the VIR site... I'm wondering what time it starts, if one could be done by mid afternoon, etc... have plans that night back in the Raleigh area...

[MidnightDave]

Hmmm...just might play hookie from work and join in the fun! PL are of course "slow" compared to HPDEs and open track days, and can be just as fun as long as you keep the right frame of mind and don't stage behind a slow car. (Hint hint, Paul, get behind a Mustang Cobra, not a stock Miata -0). PLs also let Cabrios, vintage cars, the timid and the like have fun on the track without hot shoes breathing down their neck.

VIR is such a fabulous track, (as is Road Atlanta if you get the oppty there), that anybody should get on it whenever they can!

Thanks, Laura for posting this...

[Sgt Pepper]

I hit 97 on the back stretch the last time I was up there.

Okay, I'm in. :D

Seriously, that sounds like great fun. I might be able to swing a Friday off, unless there's some great network catastrophe... (and even then it could probably wait 'til Monday). ;)

[minimark]

Depending on the track schedule, we will attend!:D

[TWISTER]

Lets get a group drive up there!
Suggestions on meeting spot?

[wildcrazy442000]

Blimey,
I've followed you, VA to NC should not be a Problem. NY to NC in time for Dinner maybe.

[BlimeyCabrio]

I max out at 11mph on the street. You must be thinkin of somebody else.

[wildcrazy442000]

You really should have that speedo checked

[Sgt Pepper]

Lets get a group drive up there!
Suggestions on meeting spot?

This will be my first trip to VIR, so I'm not entirely sure how to get there. A caravan sounds like a great idea. Just let me know where and when and I'll be there. :D

[TWISTER]

This is the route I'll be taking
GOOGLE MAP (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&saddr=winston-salem,+nc&daddr=36.332828,-79.502563+to:1245+Pine+Tree+Rd,+Alton,+VA+24520,+USA&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=9&via=1&sll=36.30737,-79.716265&sspn=1.626779,2.018738&ie=UTF8&z=9&om=1)

We can meet anywhere along that route

[MasterBlaster]

Unfortunately, I have to work in Charlotte that day, so I will not be able to go. :(

[wildcrazy442000]

I would have to have sudden illness to make it. What time do I need to be sick?

[Vango]

I gonna try to go Me Lov track time

[minianni]

I may go if the boss lets me use her car.

[wildcrazy442000]

Is anyone going to snitch if I put a Hendricks car on the track? Oh I know I can put 48 on the side and say I am doing testing.

[Max Headroom]

Hello all! My first post with my own membership as in the past I've been a member through my wife Laura (KillerKar). The reason I've established my own membership is because I will be closing the deal on my on Mini (FINALLY!) sometime next week. It's a Pepper White '06 S Cabrio and I can't wait to get it into the driveway!

As to the VIR Holiday Laps, the event is an absolute blast! Laura graciously let me drive KillerKar last year. I seem to remember the event started at either 10am or noon (we'll have to check on that). Also be aware that the $25 cash or equivalent donation only buys you one session (last year it averaged five laps of the full track). So for multiple sessions (and believe me, you WILL want to do multiple sessions) bring sufficient funds or donation material. Like Mark said in an earlier post, you are behind a pace car. But they only take 30 cars max out at a time and by lap three you're usually doing some decent speeds. Last year we were in the middle of some fast company, with three Corvette C6s in front of us and an '87 Porsche 911 behind us. On lap 4 we gave KillerKar his first taste of 100 MPH on the back straight (with the Porsche closing up on us fast at 125 MPH!).

So for those who have to work that day, I'm in no way suggesting you should play hooky, but I've heard there's a severe outbreak of "trackitis" going round! ;)

Gary

[MidnightDave]

I'll meet you at step 7, exit 39, I'll be coming up 85 and heading W instead of E and we'll intersect there. Once you post a departure time I'll know when to be there. ;-)

[Sgt Pepper]

I'll meet you at step 7, exit 39, I'll be coming up 85 and heading W instead of E and we'll intersect there. Once you post a departure time I'll know when to be there. ;-)

Dave, I'll be coming up 220 through Asheboro, I can meet you there as well. I'll have my radio with me on 20-20.

[wildcrazy442000]

I am going to try and tag along. With the car situation, I don't know what sort of Cooper I may be in. If I am in the loaner, I'll ask first, if parade laps are allowed. A base model 07 is not a bad car, the auto tranny would be better in a "S" though.

[Max Headroom]

Laura and I will be ready with KillerKar and Max Headroom at the hwy 29 and 150 off ramp intersection waiting for you guys. We'll have our handy-talkies on 20/20 as well, so just give us a general ETA on when you guys think you might be arriving at that intersection. I'll email VIR sometime today to find out the official start time of the event. Should have their reply posted by tomorrow.

Gary

[kiwigould]

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/gallery/data/500/image066.jpgNew To the Mini Club but not to the VIR, Would love to take a blast around the track and meet some new people. Post a time that you will all be meeting and I'll be there. I'll be coming from Durham so if any one wants to meet on the way up let me know. If not I'll just meet you all there.

[minimark]

Do we know what time we are to be at VIR?

[TWISTER]

By 11 is what I've been told.

On another note, I will not be able to attend now. A NEW job has gotten in the way of FUN.

[BlimeyCabrio]

By 11 is what I've been told.

On another note, I will not be able to attend now. A NEW job has gotten in the way of FUN.

CONGRATS! Hope it's a good one. I'll have enough fun for both of us... (unless MY job gets in the way of fun, which is always possible...)

[minimark]

By 11 is what I've been told.

On another note, I will not be able to attend now. A NEW job has gotten in the way of FUN.
Darn good reason to back out..;) Congrats Mark, I'm really happy for you and looking forward to hearing all about it!:D

[MidnightDave]

<off topic> FANTASTIC, MARK! Congrats! That's just great--you are such a great guy you deserve good things like this..

<on topic> Let's all still meet as planned, and back into a timeframe. Watching football so can't do math right now, will let somebody else determine TSD to calculate meeting time.

[minimark]

If it is 11:00, I'm going to leave by 9:00 from the W-S area....:cool:

[wildcrazy442000]

By 11 is what I've been told.

On another note, I will not be able to attend now. A NEW job has gotten in the way of FUN.


That's Great, I hope it goes well.

[MasterBlaster]

By 11 is what I've been told.

On another note, I will not be able to attend now. A NEW job has gotten in the way of FUN.

Mark, Congrats! That's great news!

[Max Headroom]

Congrats on the job Mark, but sorry to hear you won't be there! If memory serves correctly the route from the intersection at Hwy. 29 and Freeway drive to Milton takes somewhere around 45 minutes or so. If I'm correct on that then the caravan may want to be at that Hwy. 29 and Freeway drive (to 87) off ramp outside of Reidsville at around 9:45 am. That would place the group at VIR at around 10:30, plenty of time to get in line and chat with the other drivers there. Laura and I could meet up with you guys just after you turn right at that exit (handy-talkies on 20/20). If my time calculations are off please let me know because Laura and I have gone that route only once, and that was coming back from Milton outside of VIR.

Gary

[wildcrazy442000]

Not going to make it, I will miss you guys. Maybe I will have thing sorted out in time for next year.

[minimark]

Can motorcycle's do the laps too?

[Max Headroom]

As far as I know it's cars only.

[minimark]

Thanks, my brother was wanting to know if he could take his Goldwing....

[kiwigould]

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/gallery/data/500/image065.jpghttp://www.northamericanmotoring.com/gallery/data/500/image066.jpg
I spoke to the VIR and they will start letting cars in the gate at 11.30-11.45. Hope to see you all there.

[minimark]

11:30 to get in the gate and actual lapping sometime after that?

[Max Headroom]

Sounds about right. I seem to remember last year they started lapping around noon.

Gary

[HotRodPilot]

I'm going to try and make it

[minianni]

Minimark, the VIR website says motorcycles are welcome

DANVILLE, VA. – Here’s your chance to drive one of America’s finest road racing tracks – VIRginia International Raceway, and help others at the same time.

Next Friday, December 7, anyone who donates $25 or the equivalent in toys or non-perishable food items can drive their own car around VIR’s history-filled twists, turns and hills. Motorcycles are welcome and will be grouped separately if there enough, or will be grouped together in a regular session. “Once people see how big a challenge VIR can be at pace car speeds, they appreciate the skills needed to drive it even more,” said track Managing Partner Connie Nyholm. “We are always looking for ways we can contribute to the communities around us and ‘Holiday Laps’ is one way. The experience of driving the same track that challenged Carroll Shelby and the other great drivers who raced here is one bonus that we can give the donors.

[minimark]

Thanks Steve, I'll let him know.. If your going next Friday, what time are you going to roll out?

[MidnightDave]

Well...it's like this. The good folks at Hendrick's gave me a loaner '07 MINI Cooper and would turn the other way if it were to go on the track, the only problem is--(apologies to Cooper owners and don't get mad, just see the next paragraph), it seems to me it can't get out of its own way, let alone anybody else's!

I'm not a "momentum" guy, remember. I grew up saying there's no replacement for displacement and most of my cars had the equivalent of 5-7 liters--that really makes up for not knowing how to drive "smoothly"! ;-)

So...I won't be up Friday, you guys have fun and remember, rubber side down!

[minianni]

Mark, I don't think I'm going as of now. I'll holler at ya if I change my mind.

[BlimeyCabrio]

If anyone else from the Triangle area is planning to go up - we can plan a rendezvous - let me know!

[kiwigould]

Ill be heading up from the Triangle, I would love to meet up if your interested, Its a shame we can't get more interest for this event from the Triangle. I'm a new member and I'm itching to get involved in any events I can get my hands on and I've done this one before and its a blast.

[Max Headroom]

If anyone from the Triad or Charlotte area is still planning to come up and you're going to use Twisters Google map directions from his previous post and you want to caravan to VIR please let me know. Laura (KillerKar) and I can wait to link up with anyone coming from that direction at exit 147 at the Hwy 29/Hwy 87 intersection outside of Reidsville. We'll have our FRS handie-talkies on 20/20. If you would like to caravan on that route please let me know you're approximate ETA for exit 147 (for arrival at VIR planned for 11 or 11:15 am). I can also send you our cell phone numbers via private message. Yesterday I drove Max from that point to the gates of VIR at 60 mph and it took 45 minutes. It's a nice twisty road, although I'd make one small correction to the Google map directions. On step 14 of the directions it says to "turn left on Kimbro Rd.". Turns out this road is a short but rather lousy link road to NC-62. Better to continue on Hwy 158 east a tenth of a mile further until you get to the "T" intersection, where you turn left to continue on 158 east. The left turn for NC-62 is only about 100 yards or so from the "T" intersection, adding probably less than two tenths of a mile to the distance and you don't have to suffer through Kimbro Road (which probably hasn't been repaved in 30 years!).

Once at VIR we can get the whole group together somehow so we can take our laps together. I don't know if they would allow us to form up as a separate group in the paddock area like they did the Triangle Mustang club last year, since the 'Stangs had about 30 members out there and I don't think we're going to approach that number. I guess we'll just play it by ear. Any suggestions?

Laura and I are looking forward to a good day of driving with the group!

Gary

[minimark]

I'm planning on leaving W-S by 9:00, not sure yet who else from here is going. Def hook up with you guy's there or at the track, PM'd you my cell, please send me yours!:cool:

[Eepers]

I wish I was, Blimey, but I've got out of town visitors :(

[BlimeyCabrio]

I'll be leaving my house in Holly Springs around 9AM and taking this route:

Google Map (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&saddr=406+Crossway+Ln,+Holly+Springs,+NC+27540&daddr=1245+Pine+Tree+Road,+alton+va&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=27.781434,58.886719&ie=UTF8&z=8&om=1)

If kiwi or anyone else wants to meet up - let me know!

[Sgt Pepper]

Unless things change later this week I'm afraid I might have to bow out of this event after all. I'll know for sure by Wednesday one way or the other.

[Max Headroom]

I hope you can make it, so we'll be crossing our fingers!

Gary

[BlimeyCabrio]

Anyone know what VIR's policy is regarding in-car camera mounts for this kind of event? I'm bringing my cruisecam and wondering if I'll be able to use it...

[Max Headroom]

I saw several out there last year, both bonnet mounted and cab mounted cameras. I haven't seen anything on their web site suggesting you can't run with one.

Gary

[BlimeyCabrio]

Awesome - I'll keep my fingers crossed. :cool:

[minimark]

How about we do a tire count... Who is going? I am!:D

[wildcrazy442000]

I am not going this Flow loaner has been badly wrecked at sometime in the past. It would be stupid to put it on the track even for parade laps.

[BlimeyCabrio]

I am - that's 2

[Max Headroom]

KillerKar (Laura) and Max Headroom (Gary) will be there, so that's four! Minimark, I have your cell number, and we'll be waiting for you at the Hwy. 29/ 87 intersection (exit) at 10am tomorrow. We'll also have our FRS radios monitoring 20/20. Blimey, weren't there some more members coming from the Triangle area?

Gary

[kiwigould]

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/gallery/data/500/image066.jpgIll be there, cant wait, thats (5)

[BlimeyCabrio]

Everybody be CAREFUL on the way this morning - some slick spots out there... Summer tires + ice = trouble... :eek:

[N2MINI]

Ok ok, someone tell me what all I missed out on!!! Some of us had to work today!!!!

[minimark]

Nuttin much.....:p:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[BlimeyCabrio]

It was completely and totally sucky. Nobody missed anything. :rolleyes:

[MidnightDave]

Rat Bastawds! ;-)

[BlimeyCabrio]

Just posted pics and commentary on my blog (http://blimey.gomotoring.com/?p=220) - processing the video now - I'll have it up tomorrow.

[Sgt Pepper]

Cool pics, Paul! Can't wait to see the video! Sounds like you all had a great time!

Now I REALLY, REALLY hate I couldn't go... :mad:

[minimark]

Great pics and commentary Paul and a DARN good time!!! After you guy's headed down to the photo trailer the guy with the Audi Quattro came back and he told me that that Car had been tuned and it dyno'd at 520 HORSEPOWER!:eek: Can't wait to see the video and a big thanks to Laura and Gary for the heads up on this event!:D

[kiwigould]

Got my fuel cosumption down to 10 miles to the gallon, awesome day. Next year we want twice as many minis so book your day off. :D

[BlimeyCabrio]

OK - finally got all the video processed and uploaded - it's now available from my blog (http://blimey.gomotoring.com/?p=220).

I think session one was the fastest overall, chasing the Goats. But most folks will like the session two segments :)

[Max Headroom]

What an absolute blast! Max performed beautifully, topping out at 105 MPH on the back straight at one point (ran out of straightaway). The understeer in the MCS Cabrio was so manageable I was able to perform some very nice drifts coming out of a lot of the corners, and I've never done that in ANY car! Drove one session with the top down and Paul was right, with the heat full blast and the heated seats on their "molten lead" setting it was quite bearable. Highlight of the day for me was session two when I was on the tail of a "track day" vintage Dodge Charger the entire session. He probably wasn't expecting that! This was Laura's first time on the full VIR course with KillerKar (she had driven him on the smaller Patriot course this past summer) and she did a fantastic job!

For those who could not make it this year: have no doubts, the Holiday Laps at VIR are WELL worth setting aside a day of vacation, and the donations go to a good cause! Plan now on setting aside a day for it next year. We will try to send out notification of the next date on this site when VIR makes the permanent 2008 schedule available. For those worried about risking themselves and their cars: the people at VIR will let you form at the back of the group (usually 30-35 cars) and you can drive the track at the pace you're comfortable with. The group is led by a pace car, but the rear is bought up by their chase car so if you run into problems on track they are there to help you, along with the track marshals that are stationed all along the course.

The Triangle Mustang Club manages to bring out around 30 of their members to this event every year, and accordingly VIR takes them out on the track as a single group. It would be great if next year THM could bring out enough of its members to warrant track sessions with nothing but Minis!

Let's motor at VIR! :D

Gary

[MidnightDave]

Great blog and vid' Paul! Thanks for sharing.

No expert here and follow this advice at your own risk, just sharing advice from experts, like Chris, who KNOW how to do this.

You pay for the whole track, so you might as well use it. You can just play connect the dots between the rumble strips and get a "decent" line. If you want to see where the fast cars apex, look for the dirt patches fore and aft, that's where the REALLY fast cars go.

One word of caution, the rumble strips at VIR and other tracks can be really hard on your car and your vehicle dynamics at speed, so don't get on them if you're a newbie, just point your car at them and don't quite drive up on them.

If they seem to be coming up too fast, or it's taking forever for them to get here, that's the whole point! Drive to them and you'll be amazed at how you'll gain on the guy in front of you, like Paul did with the MINIs and "that guy", with no more speed, just a better line.

If you're already carving a good line, time to let the car drift to use more track, as you feel the car start to slip on those big sweeping curves, just let it, use a little more or less gas to control your trajectory and again, use the whole track, there's no yellow line down the middle.

You can also brake later, especially in these cars. Remember the part with 5-4-3-2-1, you're braking where it's comfortable now, next time around, go halfway to the next number before breaking. Again, don't dive in from 4 to 1, just take it gradually, hit the brakes HARDER, if you don't feel the antilocking kick in, it's not hard enough, then allow the car to turn. Slow hard, then turn.

Caution on this one, if you wait too long, you're going for an off course excursion, that's why you ratchet it up slowly. Finally, remember the rule, slow in, fast out. It's better to enter the curve in complete control, even if you feel you could come in faster, b/c then you can hit the rumble strip and really hammer it coming out. (This is the momentum thing I was talking about in another thread, and my downfall, you have to slow down to go faster, smooth is good all that--I know it, I just don't do it! ;-0 ).

Now that you're hooked on the track, see you at the next HPDE, so we can all practice!

[BlimeyCabrio]

I wasn't very kind to the young man in the RX8 in my blog post. My apologies. I've edited the post and added an apology, some clarification, and some constructive (I hope) advice at the end. I was still hopped up on adrenaline from the day when I wrote that - but it was still in poor form.

[KillerKar]

I think we ALL did a great job yesterday! I know Gary and I were quite literally mentally and physically exhausted when we got home. That was from only 20-minute sessions: I can't imagine the level of physical fitness and mental stamina required to do a 24-hour LeMans race, or a 3 hour or so F-1 race. You get a REAL appreciation for the skills of professional race car drivers getting out there on the track yourself and having fun, while seeing firsthand how much skill, and concentration, is required - you ain't just "drivin' around the block" out there!

I will admit that, sitting in line for our first session out on the track, I had butterflies in my stomach the size of bowling balls. However ... after the first complete lap, and definitely after the second lap, I wasn't the fastest thing on the track (I only got Killer up to 98 - I TRIED to hit 100 but just couldn't quite make it - Dan, how can I make him go faster this spring?!) but by God, on those "S"'s and "The Snake" just after NASCAR bend, I was hitting those curves left and right and damn near perfectly, too, if I say so myself!

I can only say for both men and women, but especially you ladies - you get out there on that course and it is SUCH a confidence-building experience. You CAN do it! And I'd encourage ALL THE LADIES of our club to come on out next year and TRY it. It's SO much fun!

I also want to say "THANK YOU" to the guys from the club behind me. I don't think they found that I "drove like a girl" (ha ha) but I sure didn't want to hold them up, either! I'm not afraid to put my foot down when I have to on that gas pedal!

So that is the 2 cents' worth from the ONLY WOMAN MINI driver to go to Holiday Laps '07. I want to see ALL the women out there next year, ok?

Laura

[BlimeyCabrio]

Congrats, Laura. I thought you did very well also - you were REALLY catapulting out of some of the corners into the straights - which was very good form. :D We were all bunched up in the middle of some of those corners - and when we came out you were flying WAY down the track. :eek:

One word of encouragement - your car can carry a LOT more speed into the tight corners than you were giving it credit for. :) I would NEVER want you to drive beyond your comfort or ability - but if you ain't sliding sideways, you haven't found the limit of what the car can do yet. :cool:

Now that you have some track experience, I think you'd get a TON out of HPDE - finding out what your car (and YOU) are really capable of - it's a lot more than you think. :cool:

[KillerKar]

HPDE? Don't know what that is - unless I missed something.

Thanks for your kind words. I knew I wasn't going *as* fast as Killer could go - and that was mainly because it was my first time around the big track, getting comfortable. I was so glad the first time out that I was "tail-end Charlie" because, even with the chase car, I could take the track the first time out at MY pace, learning the whys and wherefors of the different sections, and especially the sections like NASCAR bend where I was more than a little mentally spooked - just 'cause we've seen people wipe out there (and I *know* my insurance would NOT be happy with me if I did that! LOL) :D (Nor, for that matter, would *I* be!)

Obviously, my comfort level was high in the corners coming into the straights - and hitting those "S" curves after NASCAR bend. It's those really, really tight areas of curves (the ones after NASCAR and after the LONG straight coming off the Oak Tree) that I feel I could really use some practice on. Don't you wish you could just reserve the whole track for yourself one day (this obviously assumes you've just won the lottery :p ) so you could just have all day long to drive and learn and perfect your form?

Laura

[BlimeyCabrio]

HPDE is almost like winning the lottery, but easier. :)

High Performance Drivers Education (also called High Performance Driving Events, Driving School, Performance Driving Experience by various car clubs).

One or two day combination of classroom and on-track instruction - with opportunities to have a performance driving instructor show you what your car is capable of, then ride along with you to coach you on your technique, selection of the "right" line, etc. Offered at most tracks at least a couple of times per year as part of club-sponsored weekends (NASA, SCCA, BMWCCA, PCA, etc.)

For most events / venues, convertibles must have aftermarket roll bars installed. Coupes are good-to-go. You typically drive at least 3-4 20-30 minute sessions like we did on Friday - but some with an instructor in the car, and when you're not driving, you're in the classroom. Days start early and run long.

I'm planning on doing one or more in 2008 if I can figure out an appropriate roll bar solution (that will suffice for more than one club - rules vary) and join the right club(s).

[KillerKar]

Oh that DOES sound cool! Yes, I'd very much like to do that. Gary had mentioned someone on here was attempting to get 60 or so people (?) willing to sign up for a MINI driving school at VIR? I haven't time this morning but will look on the threads to see if I can find that and put my "YES" in! It'd be great to go to one specifically FOR MINIs.

Laura :rolleyes:

[MidnightDave]

As for the HPDE at VIR, that's the thread I posted for Daniel. It's June 1st, and these guys are great. Rich, (God rest his soul) Rob and I went with them to CMP and had a blast while we learned a LOT! There's also the Phil Wick class somebody is trying to organize.

You can also ride with the instructors to see how to do it "really right" and get beyond your fear of fast. You're doing absolutely the right thing to ratchet up your speed as you feel comfortable, just allow yourself to ratchet! ;-) These little cars can really take a lot.

BTW, I like your call for GRRLPOWER and respect you for leading the way!

[KillerKar]

Thank you, Dave! I appreciate your "solidarity"! :D

I do wish to make a small observation, while I'm here. At the risk of ticking off any women in the club - and I don't mean to because I don't mean you guys! - I see more women drivers (in general, driving an assortment of types of cars) these days doing things that make me want to strangle them while they are behind the wheel! Talking on the phone, doing their makeup, READING (yes, reading!) or God knows what else while they are driving a ... how heavy piece of machinery (?) that could kill them and/or someone else!

Since I've owned Killer, I personally feel that my own driving skills have sharpened ten-fold because, with a stick, I have to stay on top of what is going on at ALL times around me. Additionally, because of the nature of MINIs, as a driver - if I am engaged at all and enjoy what I am doing (as opposed to viewing it as "a way from Point A to Point B") I am so TOTALLY aware of the road, the steering wheel, my car's grip, etc. - the entire "motoring" experience in general becomes a physical experience, and pleasure. You don't get that feeling with a 6-cylinder automatic T'bird (like I used to own!)

I paid attention before in the T-bird when I drove, and don't think I was a careless driver at all. But since owning Killer - and since I've gotten out on the two tracks at VIR, both the big course and the Patriot track - I think it is SO important for men and women to put down the phones, books, newspapers, mascara wands while they are driving, and PAY ATTENTION to what they're doing. Not only is this safer, they will get SO much more out of the experience.

But it seems to me that a great many of the female drives I encounter are either oblivious to the road & the other cars around them, completely disengaged from the drive (their eyes kinda appear unfocused or something) or they are VERY timid and hesitant about gaining any sort of speed at all! (And don't get me started about passing! LOL)

Now ... I DO NOT advocate breaking the law, speeding or doing anything that would endanger them or others, quite the reverse. If you become more engaged w/your driving, I think it just automatically follows that you become a safer driver - you certainly become more aware, not only of what you are doing, but of what others ARE NOT doing - or SHOULD BE doing! :p

Sorry, I appear to be ranting! :) But this is something I've grown quite passionate about over the last year, and I will say now that it's not just women talking on their cell phones while they drive! :) (Lest I be accused of picking on my own sex! LOL)

My upshot is that I think women - and men! - SHOULD do things like Holiday Laps and driving schools because it is during events such as these that you realize what an awesome responsibility (and a whole lot of fun!) driving is ... can be ... or should be!

Of course ... those that don't drive MINIs are outta luck ... *giggle* They don't have HALF the fun we do!

Ok, shutting up now!

Laura

[N2MINI]

Very well written Laura. I agree completly..


As with most everything in life, you only get out of it, what your willing to put into it..

[KillerKar]

PS - Just for the record, I DON'T answer my cell phone when it rings while I'm driving. If it does ring, I pull over somewhere when I can & check it, do what I have to do THEN get back to MOTORING! :D

Again, just for the record ... :cool:

Laura

[MidnightDave]

I'm conflicted, the wifey won't use the cell in the car, however, I like to get in touch with her sometimes and can't b/c of it. Of course, I just grin and bear it b/c you, and she are right...

BTW, men are guilty of making driving a secondary process, too. Watch for the guys who sell on the road with their crackberries or day timers propped on the wheel typing away...

[BlimeyCabrio]

Hey - I didn't do email while driving at VIR... what more could you want? ;)

[KillerKar]

Blimey - I'm proud of you!

Dave - You CAN always pull over if you need to contact your wife y'know. ;)

"Crackberries"!? Oh I just LAUGHED my butt off on that one!

On another note ... Gary was looking at the VIR website yesterday to see how much money they'd raised on Friday. As he was reading, he came across their raffle results.

You could pay $10 for a raffle ticket for a chance to win 2 season passes for 2008 to VIR ... so we each entered ... and ... the winner ... was ...

MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Yes, ME, who never wins ANYTHING!!! Like, EVER! WHOOHOO!

So I told him "Merry Christmas"! LOL We now have something to do next summer!

:cool: Laura

[BIMMINI]

So how many laps on the average, did you guys do at VIR during this event? I read in the beginning of this thread that it was about 5 laps for $25, or something close to that. I'm trying to figure out how many laps most of you ran, so I can determine if I want to particiapte next time this comes around.

[kiwigould]

Each round was about twenty minutes or about 6 laps, we all went 3 times, but I think if we had had a larger turnout we might have done a forth. It would be great to have a bigger turnout than the mustang club who got the track all to themselves. It was the best $75 dollars I have spent in a long time. If you want to stay overnight there is a hotel over looking the track and a tavern for dinner and drinks. You would have no regrets if you came. Also last year at the historic races in march they also gave you an opportunity to drive on the track.

[BlimeyCabrio]

And they were pretty liberal on the "20 minute" sessions - I know the first two sessions I drove were about 25 minutes, and were 6-7 laps each. Well worth the money - which went to a great cause anyway. :)

[BIMMINI]

I spend a great deal of time at a variety of vintage races at VIR every season, and as a result, have done a number of laps in the '06 MCS on more than one occassion, as well as some laps behind the wheel of a classic Mini vintage racer. I was just trying to guage the amount of seat time you guys were able to enjoy. From the responses, it sounds like it was quite the deal. Thanks, and I hope to join you next time.

[minimark]

It's not all out lapping but a heck of a lot of fun for a good cause. I'll go back!:D

[Max Headroom]

I think Laura and I are going to be regulars at the Holiday Laps for sometime to come! I seem to remember in 2006 it was about five laps and nobody mentioned a set time allowance, so setting a 20 minute session may or may not have been a change at this years event. No matter, as the sessions were well worth it. If time had allowed I would've been willing to go out a fourth and fifth time. Since they only allow 30-35 cars on the track during the Holiday Laps that gives you more of a chance to put on some speed and push the boundaries a little, as opposed to lapping the track during one of the race events when they can have upwards of 50-60 cars out there and you end up touring the track at a blistering 45 mph! I'm telling you, go ahead and set aside one vacation day and the cash (or donations) for it next year. You will not be disappointed! :D

Gary

[kiwigould]

I'm glad there are so many others that share my interest in the VIR, I look forward to seeing you all thoughout the 08 season at all the great events they have.

[BIMMINI]

I agree wholeheartedly that some of the "parade" laps durng the lunch breaks at race weekends can be pretty lame at times, especially when you've got the occassional soccer mom, SUV and Minivan mixed in with the group. Limiting the speeds, and forbidding passing however, is a good thing considering the skill level of many of the drivers, and the condition of some of the cars they're driving. The first one I attended shortly after taking delivery of my '06 MCS however during a NASA event at VIR ended up being quite spirited for a handful of us. I was gridded behind a WRX and in front of an Rx7. Before we took the flag the WRX driver walked up to me to let me know that he was planning to slow down at the tail end of the esses and travel up to Oak Tree at a slower than normal speed in order to allow the pack of cars in front of him to pull away on the back stretch. He asked me if I wanted to get in front of him, and I told him, "no", that I would just hang with him and follow his lead. This made for a very open track in front of us every time we rounded that turn under power. We did this lap after lap and exceeded 105mph on a few of those laps, by time we caught the group going up the hill approaching the left hander. Good thing my car had just reached it's 1250 break-in mileage on my way out to the track that morning.