Laps Inc.

Yes, I have been a member and can happily speak up for the management & the quality of most of the participants. In the years I have attended I think I may recall perhaps two or three less than stellar attendees out of quite literally hundreds of good people.

My most remarkable observation is that the large percentage of the drivers actually use their mirrors. I have been with dozens of other sanctioning bodies that have nothing but inexperienced drivers who have no idea that their cars are even equipped with mirrors. LAPs drivers are instructed well and taught from the beginning that the mirrors are to be used diligently and often. I rarely have seen a better driver hung up behind some amateur.

Another giant plus are the groups. Shawn (LAPs prez) makes the new drivers come up through the ranks before allowing them to go on to the next higher level. That not only includes skill level, but car level. He wont normally allow a regular Boxster to be out with GT3's and Z06's. The speed differential is important to them.

And another plus is tech. LAPs believe that the drivers should know if their cars are safe. Like a airplane pilot - the pilot knows if the vehicle is ready for flight. LAPs believe the drivers should know that as well - and depends on them to bring a car that would pass tech anywhere. No free lunches with tech. Bring a good car or be pointed out the gate.

Speaking of free lunch... Shawn's wife Kristy provides good catered track food included in your track day. AND Kristy is a smoking fast driver too!

The machinery that shows up is impressive. I have been there with several of my cars and have always been wowed with all the others that come to join us. I have seen everything from Challenge Stradale's to Spykers to 1000HP Vipers to dozens of Spec Miatas (faster than all of the cars mentioned) Porsche GT3's, Vettes, Mustangs, Lotus, F1 cars, 333SP, Vintage iron, Atom's, whatever you can think of.

I have honestly referred over a dozen friends/members to them and consider LAPs good enough to do so (I have a reputation to think of!). Not one of my referrals has been disappointed in any way. And with the new 2010 price structure I cant see how anyone could be.

Seriously, this is a good group and Shawn & Kristy are solid good people with an excellent vision on how to make it fun for us track geeks. Do yourself a favor and join in.

P.S. Run groups are correctly sized and maybe even more importantly the safety team & corner worker groups are as well.

 

If only I had a few thousand lying around, and a car that could pass tech. Sounds like a good time!