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Track day my Ferrari in open event?

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by RobNYC, Nov 24, 2009.

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  1. RobNYC

    RobNYC Formula Junior

    Sep 22, 2009
    440
    New York City
    Full Name:
    Robert S
    #1 RobNYC, Nov 24, 2009
    I have been participating in the same track day event at Watkins Glen for about 10 years now. I run in the "open" group. There are all kinds of really fast cars in this group, modified Z06, Ford GT, Race Cars, blown mustangs, Porsches. Everybody runs track tires. Some of these cars are stripped down to be super lightweight and many have completely modified engines/suspensions. A great group of guys. They run really hard in this group, some professional race drivers are there to hone skills/equipment. Some have the trailer rigs with data systems and professional mechanics. Nobody brings a Ferrari to this event however.

    We get 4 sessions each day, 40 minutes per session, 2 day event. Therefore it is 320 minutes of track time. Over 5 hours of driving the car as hard as you can. I have seen cracked rotors, overheated transmissions, tires worn out, brakes catch fire, bearing grease turn to liquid, hoses explode, accidents.

    I just got a 360 Spider. I have a modified Porsche Boxster S for track days. I can bring either to run at this event. I have modified the Boxster to the point where I can drive it and it does not break. I am hesitant to bring the Ferrari. I don't want to beat it until it breaks and have to start wrenching it, parts will not be available and I would have to re-learn an entire car. Also the car gets covered with rubber and track debris and you really have to scrub it clean. The rims get slopped up and some of the stuff does not want to come off.

    Ferrari of NJ does Ferrari track days and as an alternative I can run the Ferrari there. I would think that it would be a little more mellow, probably less track time, and my car would probably not get as beat up. Ferrari guys would probably also not run as tight and without all the modified cars & track tires the track probably stays much cleaner and therefore the car will as well.

    Am I being a wussy about this? I am not comfortable taking the Ferrari to the open group!
     
  2. Hexnut72

    Hexnut72 Formula Junior

    Nov 22, 2006
    331
    #2 Hexnut72, Nov 24, 2009
    Last edited: Nov 24, 2009
    How deep are your pockets? :D :D :D

    Sounds like you have experience with the track day and the toll it has on cars and parts. Can you afford to do that to your car? Do you want to turn it into a track car or just see what it's like? If you are going to turn it into a track toy, then go for it. If you just want to see what it's like on the track, can you take your F-car and only run it one or two sessions and then beat on the Porsche the rest of the day?

    Sounds like you know the group that you are running with. I think that means a lot in your decision. There can always be a hot head but each track day I have been to has its own feel depending on the group. Some guys are idiots and I would not want have my toy near them. They can't handle the "red mist" and do stupid things... Again, those types can show up at any event, but if the group does not tolerate stupidity it usually helps. Is your track day group better than the F-car group?
     
  3. technom3

    technom3 F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Mar 29, 2007
    18,774
    Phoenix AZ
    Full Name:
    Justin
    #3 technom3, Nov 24, 2009
    keep your track rat your track rat. Maybe run the ferrari in a lesser group one day to enjoy it. Otherwise, I think you will deeply regret it. The experience will be fun and all but I think you will hate seeing the chips, and general wear and tear on your new found love after the event. Running in a lesser group will save quiet a bit wear and tear.
     
  4. cbstd

    cbstd Formula Junior

    Dec 24, 2003
    301
    Los Angeles
    #4 cbstd, Nov 24, 2009
    As an alternative, look for an autocross event in your area for the Ferrari.

    Scott
     
  5. amenasce

    amenasce Three Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 17, 2001
    34,507
    Full Name:
    Joe Mansion
    #5 amenasce, Nov 24, 2009
    Depending how much you have modified your Boxster S , you might be disappointed by the 360 performance on the track.

    You dont have to run it hard but since you have a track car that you do run hard, i dont think you would enjoy driving the Ferrari on easy mode.
     
  6. Cayenne06

    Cayenne06 Formula Junior

    Aug 28, 2008
    288
    God's Country, NC
    Full Name:
    David J
    #6 Cayenne06, Nov 24, 2009
    Sold my track dedicated 911 and my Aston Martin for the 430 a few years ago. Was going to consolidate, get one car to do it all. I quickly found out that there is no such thing. The Ferrari is very expensive to track, and in my case, I did not fit in the car with my helmet on. If I were going to track the 360 I would wait until an F-car club event, something not as "competitive". Club member days in the high speed groups can get intense, and you don't want to "wrinkle" your new 360 trying to beat stripped out 911 in your rear view mirror. Just my .02
     
  7. branko

    branko F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Mar 17, 2003
    3,710
    Birmingham, Alabama
    Full Name:
    Branko Medenica
    #7 branko, Nov 24, 2009
    What he said.
     

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