| Author | Message | ||
| Sean Ruckel (Sruckel)
Junior Member Username: Sruckel Post Number: 106 Registered: 10-2001 |
The walls/tires were definitely scary for me, especially after my second session when my brake pedal started getting a little soft. I wish they did have personal instructors, but at least I got to talk to a couple of the Panoz guys and they gave some general pointers. For the most part, the track day gave me a chance to learn how my car handles at speed without having to "race" anyone, and I really was only driving at about 60% - 70%. There was no real use in pushing it really hard when I was still learning the car and track, and I wanted to try not to pick up any bad habits. Hopefully, Saturday at MSR I will have a chance to really learn since I will be bringing a two time F2000 champ as my ride along instructor. | ||
| Randy (Schatten)
Member Username: Schatten Post Number: 445 Registered: 4-2001 |
I spoke to my buddy with a black S2000 today about the event. It was his first event, so everything was new. He had lots of fun, but I hope he isn't deterred because of those walls, and the instructorless instructions. He didn't get anyone in car with him, so he didn't know how to control the car and could only estimate from other drivers in front of him in the beginning class. When inquiring with some of the instructors, he asked how he was doing or wanted some pointers. "there was a black S2000 out there?" the instructor on the sidelines commented, "I only saw a black Miata out there." That was about as much instruction as he got. He was quite complimentary about the people who organized it, despite the fact that they called his car the "Honda 2000" - you know, just like in the movie F&F? I'd love to venture to TMS one day, but not with the Panoz group. I know TDE is organizing some events up there. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 2682 Registered: 12-2000 |
What a beautiful day. Sorry I didn't get a chance to ride with you. You looked very smooth out there and looks like you had a good time. I wouldn't have much advice anyway unless you want to get technical with perfect apexs and driving lines. Looks like they had just a little better turnout than the last event and they even had more instructors, but no real personal instruction again. ECW owner Mike Weaver was out there in a Z06. Really enjoyed the drive home, if anyone wants a good driving road, try Dove Rd. that runs parallel, but down South of 114 through Keller and Southlake. This is my cycling road and there's many other cyclists, so don't kill me. However, it's a hilly curvy fairly open road. Some road conditions aren't the best. but overall I had some runs up to 100 between the tight twisties. This road can kill you, but that's part of the rush. | ||
| Sean Ruckel (Sruckel)
Junior Member Username: Sruckel Post Number: 100 Registered: 10-2001 |
Thanks to Rob for coming out, although my catalyst insides broke loose, so I had to call it a day before Rob got to ride. Had a great time while it lasted and there was a real nice 360 out there... | ||
| Sean Ruckel (Sruckel)
Junior Member Username: Sruckel Post Number: 98 Registered: 10-2001 |
Hmmm... I don't know about hitting tow trucks, but we can give them a good scare. I remember the classroom talk and the lead and follow is first, so it would probably be close to lunch time, but that would be cool if you could come out and give a few pointers. I'll definitely give you a call. Thanks. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 2651 Registered: 12-2000 |
Cool, I only live about 5 miles from the TMS track, so give me a call about an hour before you go out on your own. Depending on what group you're in, they may have you do lead and follow for awhile. I'll let you get warmed up and then show you how to spin and hit tow trucks with the best of 'em! | ||
| Sean Ruckel (Sruckel)
Junior Member Username: Sruckel Post Number: 96 Registered: 10-2001 |
Hey Rob, if you have some time on Saturday and can come out to the track and ride along, I would really appreciate it. I just confirmed with the Panoz guys that guests are welcome and ride-alongs are welcome, too. I've got new pads on, plus backups, and I even rigged up a video camera mount. Now, to clean up the car after all the rain and get a once-over by my mechanic. | ||
| Sean Ruckel (Sruckel)
Junior Member Username: Sruckel Post Number: 94 Registered: 10-2001 |
Hey Rob, I may take you up on that if you're free. I called and talked to the guys at Panoz acouple of weeks ago, and they said passengers are not a problem. I told them I wanted to bring a ride-along instructor and they said that was fine. Unfortunately, my instructor couldn't make it, but we may be going out to Motorsport Ranch the following weekend. New brakes pads are in and ready to be swapped out. Now, I just need to figure out a way to mount my video camera in my car... | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 2605 Registered: 12-2000 |
I don't mind instructing and I think I would do a good job. I just don't know what their policy is for ride alongs. I'm not driving in the event. Don't use my SRX7 video for the driving line, I was blocking someone behind me and trying to make the car ahead of me nervous. | ||
| Sean Ruckel (Sruckel)
Junior Member Username: Sruckel Post Number: 93 Registered: 10-2001 |
I'll be going out there in the Lotus, and I almost had someone lined up to ride along as an instructor, but it fell through. I was going to ask the Panoz guys if I can pay a little extra to have someone ride with me because it is so much better to have someone to give pointers and advice, especially when I have never driven this track before. If anyone here knows the track and would like to ride along and give pointers, let me know. It's always nice to have some instruction. | ||
| Randy (Schatten)
Member Username: Schatten Post Number: 439 Registered: 4-2001 |
I have a few friends going but I don't recommend it - especially since its their first time out at the track. They are doing a congo line basically to get the feel of the track, instead of in car instructions. If they'd team up with guys like TDE, they could offer a greater group of instructors in-car. But for the price - its very typical for TMS - because its a first rate race track. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 2594 Registered: 12-2000 |
Exotic Car World is partnering with them for this day too, if you want to go, I would talk with someone at ECW so they get some credit for bringing people out. Personally, I don't care too much for this event because... #1) It's the same price for one day as the others charge for an entire weekend. #2) MSR is a better driving track than TMS. TMS has a decent infield, with the exciting high speed oval, but you'll learn more and have more fun at MSR. Plus, TMS has several places where you can crunch your car and many have. MSR has better run offs. #3) The event I went to this summer with Panoz did not have any personal instruction. There were only 3 guys and they could barely keep the day running, much less give instruction. I recomend these organizations... www.thedriversedge.net www.nasatx.com www.texasworldspeedway.com local PCA events | ||
| Tillman Strahan (Tillman)
Junior Member Username: Tillman Post Number: 115 Registered: 11-2001 |
Greetings, I was asked to pass this along to the "local Ferrari club". I guess this qualifies  The organizers of the track day specifically stated that they would like to have local FCA and/or Ferrarichat.com people out to participate in the event. I don't have any other information than what's in the press release below. Looks like fun, though! *** begin press release *** Texas Motor Speedway Track Day November 9th presented by Panoz Racing School Drivers wanting a unique opportunity to hone their skills or simply looking to become familiar with the Texas Motor Speedway courses can take advantage of a special Track Day event from Panoz Racing School at the Speedway Saturday, November 9th. According to David Smith, Panoz Racing School Regional sales and marketing manager at Texas Motor Speedway, "The one-day program is designed for participants to drive street-legal cars or mildly prepared racers on the track and also to receive professional training with Panoz Racing School instructors as well as individual coaching and feedback." Owners will take to the 'roval' combined oval and infield road course, putting in a full two hours of on-track lapping time in four 30-minute sessions. Racers will be separated into three groups, selected by experience and car type. "This is a full day event," Smith stressed. "Gates open at 7:15 a.m. followed by registration, safety check, drivers' meeting, classroom sessions and then the first of the four on-track sessions. It is the between-session feedback from the Panoz world-class instructors, competitors themselves that differentiate this event from any other" Smith said. Price is $225. "This is an excellent opportunity for competitors to get experience on the Texas Motor Speedway road course." Drivers must be at least 18 years of age and in possession of a valid driver's license. Requirements include a Snell 95 or higher helmet which can be rented on-site. For more information, log on to www.panozracingschool.com or call 888 282 4872, and for reservations, ask for Scott Hartinger. NOTE: There are only 90 cars allowed on this Track Day. Reservations will be taken on a first come first served basis. Several car clubs are lining up to take the majority of the spots. So, don't wait till the last minute and miss out. Also, we have partnerships with many local hotels to provide you with discounted rates when staying near the track. Call for information. |