Race tracks around LA

My wife is looking for present ideas.

Last year she got me a dog fight with fighter pilots. (actually very cool, check it out: www.aircombatusa.com)
This year she is thinking of something a little more grounded.

Does anyone have information on race tracks in the LA area.

Taking the F car for a spin would be fun.

Thanks,

Phil

 

Ferrari Club of America does events at Willow Springs Raceway twice a year. Very fast track with lots of runoff room and no walls to tag. Instructors are provided and the events are safe and VERY fun. There is a 2 day event this weekend, and another in March (I will be at both) Jim Saxton, the organizer, also does events at Buttonwillow raceway.

Read this thread for pics and info http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=124209

For more in depth track instruction Fastlane does instruction days at Willow, in their track cars or you can use your own.
http://www.raceschool.com/
I have heard good things about Skip Barber driving school also, but have no experience with them.

See you at the track !!

 

Thank you very much for the info... I'll definitely check it out!

 

Willow Springs
California Speedway
Irwindale speedway
Button Willow race way
Laguna Seca

 

cool thanx!

 

do you have any track time ?


if not I would sugggest a beginer track day such as bondurant and then brush up with some 100cc go-karting.

 

No track time at all! I'm the rookiest rooky!

 

I guess to do it right, it's more of a project than a one time thing!

I think I'll look into it as a Hobby and redirect Robyn's effort towards a more down to earth X-mas present!

 

Come to Willow Springs for the March event ! Its perfect for first timers, alot of theory and classroom chalkboard time, as well as in car track time with instructors to help with your brakeing, turn in, apexs etc. The run groups (and the track rules governing them) are seperated by track experience and skill level, so you won't be out there holding back experienced hotshoes or getting passed in the corners. You'll spend alot of time at or above 100mph, and really get to see what your QV can do in the corners. It's about the most fun you can have with your pants on !!

PS: you should fill out your profile.

 

Profile Filled!

Thank you.

Any info on the willow springs March event (dates). I'd love to participate.

 

Take it from The Lou (where's FBB?) - this Willow event is fantastic.

There are really good driving coaches and there is also a classroom session as well. There are four groups based on experience – you'd be in the "Green" group. Passing is only allowed on the two straightaways and these are long straights, which makes it easy to stay out of people's way if you're being passed, and also makes it pretty easy to pass someone slower than you.

Great vibe at this event; great people. If you can, go this weekend on Sat or Sun as a spectator, even if all you have is an hour or two. It would give you a chance to see the track, the pit layout, what to bring, how people set up their little pit areas, how long it takes to get there, meet some people, etc. – that way you'll be a little more comfortable when you go in March. Lou's a great guy and can show you around. I'd be happy to do it myself - but I'll be feverishly working on my cars for a vintage race at Willow the following weekend.

A lot of people did their first-ever track day at this event. It was my second time, but since my 1st time had no driving instructors (the FCA National at Laguna in '04), this was a lot more educational (but, damn, Laguna is a great track!).

This event is hosted by the Pantera Club of Southern California, but a few car clubs have this on their schedule as a sort of "co-sponsored" event. So, if you are a member, you can sign up through the Ferrari Club of America's Southwest Region or you can sign up directly through the Pantera Club. To keep it simple, I would recommened just applying directly:

Pantera Owners Club of So Cal, Jim Saxton - 626-285-2024.

AND...it's just about the best bargin for a track-day-on-a-weekend-with-pro-instructors. Definately more of a labor of love than some big money-making scheme.

Equipment-wise, you'll need at least a car-spec helmet (no motorcycle helmets) and a long sleeve shirt, but lots of people wear the whole race kit. And there are some other notes, like to remove your spare tire and jacks, etc, from the trunks. And also remove the floor carpet!

Oh, and there is a full safety crew, first-rate corner workers, and tack-sharp event organizers, so your wife can know you'll be in good hands. And there is a lunchtime track tour behind a pace car that allows passengers, so you can give her a feel for the track if you think she'd like that (sounds like a great lady!).

Best,

Pen

 

Thank you, I'll try to go tomorrow to check it out.

 

I'd like to take my car to the track, but I've never done it. What is required?

Do you need a helmet? If so, what type? Will a motorcycle helmet suffice? Closed or open faced?
Do you have to have a roll bar / roll cage?
Do you have to have special tires / wheels?

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks DL

 

You need a car, a helmet and a heartbeat to run with most groups....

Some of the groups say you have to have an SA2005 spec helmet but nobody has ever checked if mine was or wasn't... You jsut can't use one of those graphic'd up motorcycle looking helmets, it has to be at least a auto racing helmet looking thing... Plus most groups have helmets you can borrow or rent...

If you have a roof, you don't need a rollbar

You don't need any special tires or wheels, especially for your first time or two, then after that you can decide whether you like it enough to get a set of R comp tires...

PM me if you need any more info... I'm glad to help..