MSR dead on Saturday...

Why, because of shattering glass or the possible need for a rescue...?

 

Alota, I mean Dave, they let people do that, especially if there is any chance of rain. I've had a guy do that on a hot day, I guess he had the A/C on. Needless to say, he never gave a passing signal, you just had to pass him. BTW, there are no corner workers on a memeber day.

Your one and only,
George

 

I had to see where you were hiding when not looking at porn. BTW, I got dread locks instead. I'm off to drink something called beer, I'll let you know what it's like.

George

 

MSR rules do not call for windows down on members or lapping/DE days. Only for races and then the prevailing regulators rules apply. There is nothing to hit at MSR, nor Armco or walls, the only risk is crossing the grass after turn 4 or 5 ( I think) and t boning someone on the back staright.

But since opening no cars have hit eachother in DE or even managed to cross part of the grass hinterland as its quite soft. Lots of spins and incidents and some roles which if you think about it are probably less dangerous than on the interstate where no one travels with windows down.

Realistic I think.

 

If it's wet, I do run windows up in a street car. BTW, there has been contact during at least one DE and there has been open-wheel contact on a couple of occasions. I guess the lack of stationary objects to hit gets people aiming for each other.

As for broken glass; when exactly was the last time any glass got broken at any DE? - I've sure never heard of it happening. I always took it as a necessity to be able to signal properly.

'Course I rarely need to signal ;-)

The guy in the Murci was back on Sunday and it was a busier day and quite nice. For once I picked the good day.

 

Question for you MSR members. Is it worth it?

Thx, Dale

 

Yer Honor, I refuse to answer that question...

Actually, I'm just curious, because as you know, they are trying to start one here in Houston.

What a minute! Hold the freakin phone! How come you have never even offered to take me? Ain't I a good enuf VIP Mr. Hoity Toity?

 

Odd to hear hear Rob say not worth it. I'd say it depends on what you want to do. With my schedule, it's not unusual that I can't make a particular DE event, so I'd get no track time until the next DE, were in not for MSR. With MSR, you get at least 3 weekends/month to come & go as you please. For example, with afternoon plans on a weekend, you can still get 3 30 minute sessions in at MSR and be home by 1 pm.

Dollar for dollar, it also depends on how much you drive. If you only want to do 2-3DEs a year, then MSR is not for you. You'd spend only $750 or so at the DEs and pay over that just for dues at MSR.

Go to over 6 DEs and the equation starts to change, with $1500 in DE fees and only a little more for equal track time at MSR (not counting the initial initiation fee).

Then add the convenience of having garage space. On a weekend morning I can blast out in the Ferrari or whatever, no screwing with trailer loading and towing. I open my garage door, check the basics on my track car, and go out on track. If I feel like doing one session in the Ferrari, I can do that, too.

I go to MSR at least 20 days per year, and need the flexibility, so MSR it is.

Then there is the last benefit.

The track staff knows I am "safe" but a little nutty. As long as I stay clear of everyone else, I get to experiment a little with racing lines and an off here and there does not get me chewed out or ejected.

Priceless.

 

I'm like Keith, its about flexibility. If I thought I could attend each of the Porsche DEs and Driver's Edge DEs, I'd have planty of track time without joining. Unfortunately, with work the stars don't align frequently enough for me to make the dates. Additionally, there are few DEs in the heat of the summer and during the winter. I don't like such long dry spells.

The spin factor is also important. While I am not in the same ballpark as Keith from a skill standpoint, I still like to push and try new things. Knowing I can spin and learn from the mistake allows me to experiment and push myself harder than I could in a DE. From a safety standpoint, besides the fact that the guys there know I am safe (although slow), the fact that the track may have only 5-7 cars on it versus 25 in a DE makes the environment safer as well.

Lastly, its great to head out to the track when friends or family are in town. In July my brother came out to visit and I was able to give him one of my cars, pair him up with an instructor friend of mine and give him his first experience on a track. That sort of thing is priceless.

 

Ok, I'll throw my opinion in this. I get to do DE's for free basically (instructing but don’t think I’m good). I do about 8 or more DE a year, without any fees. Guess what, I just joined after over four years of driving there.

It doesn't really make financial sense, but neither does driving a sports car, doing DE's, or just about any other hobby. It's actually pretty inexpensive from a country club standpoint.

I'm on the verge of cutting down on DE's significantly and just going out there when I want to.

George

 

Shhh... wouldn't want to broadcast this to the whole world...

I got shanghai'd into a membership by 4 other guys that needed a fifth. I guess having the convenience of going out whenever I want (w/in reason) and doing as many sessions as I want (w/in reason) is worth it. Also having little track traffic is nice -- then again, I'm a speed bump for the more "permanent fixtures" to the track.

And... as an added bonus, the membership will also work at MSR Houston and MSR Atlanta when those tracks are open.

Michael.

 

Perhaps it would be worth having some "Fchat days" out at msr?

 

Couldn't agree more.

Although I don't like track days with the BMW crowd.

We were there two or three weeks ago and I just watch when the Bimmers are running. lol

They don't like it when you pass them, they get down right agitated.