track events: Gingerman raceway | FerrariChat
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track events: Gingerman raceway

Discussion in 'Chicago' started by Manuel NSX1164, Aug 5, 2004.

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  1. Manuel NSX1164

    Manuel NSX1164 Karting

    Jul 9, 2004
    58
    Chicago, IL
    #1 Manuel NSX1164, Aug 5, 2004
    I drive/instruct with CGI Motorsports, a group that has been holding fun, safe track events at Gingerman Raceway in South Haven, MI (Southwest Michigan, approx 120 miles from Chicago).

    CGI MOTORSPORTS offers a series of driving schools where you can enjoy driving your car in the company of other enthusiasts such as yourself. Each day offers up to 4 hours of on-track time for you and your car. Classroom sessions and in-car instructors are available to help you learn the dynamics of driving. These events are held at Gingerman Raceway, South Haven, MI.

    Gingerman is an interesting and challenging track and is extremely safe. The cost is only $175.00 per day. Most other schools offer a total of only 2 - 3 hours track time over a two day period and costs range anywhere from two to four times as much.

    Remaining event dates this season are:
    - August 23
    - September 13 & 27
    - October 4

    Note: all these dates are MONDAYs.

    The recent August 2 event had several Ferraris in attendance, including a yellow 308, red Mondial and a silver 360 Challenge car. Other cool cars were also there, including several older Alfas, and a mix of BMWs, Porsches, Acura NSX, ITR and RSX, Audis, Corvettes, Vipers as well as some of the newer pocket-rockets (Subaru WRX, Mitsu Lancer EVO, etc). I posted some pictures in the "North Midwest" Forum as well -- http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10933

    See the event organizers' website at http://www.cgimotorsports.com/drivingschedule.html

    Ferraris and other performance cars are all welcome -- and they provide a LOT of track time.
     
  2. F355Berlinetta

    F355Berlinetta Formula Junior

    Nov 3, 2003
    250
    South Barrington, IL
    #2 F355Berlinetta, Aug 6, 2004
    Thanks to Phil I will never attend another CGI event again. You guys took my
    money and did not let me drive for showing up a little late. ***SPIT***

    Hopefully no one here ever attends a CGI event as well.
     
  3. F355Berlinetta

    F355Berlinetta Formula Junior

    Nov 3, 2003
    250
    South Barrington, IL
    #3 F355Berlinetta, Aug 6, 2004
    I forgot to mention the guys at www.speedtrialusa.com are much better and
    they only charge $135. You'll get more track time than you'll ever need
    in a day.
     
  4. drgek

    drgek Formula 3

    Jun 21, 2004
    1,142
    Full Name:
    Gary
    #4 drgek, Aug 6, 2004
    I have attended several CGI Motorsports events and in terms of track time for dollar value, they are exceptional, and exceptionally well run. I must respectfully disagree with the previous poster.
     
  5. Manuel NSX1164

    Manuel NSX1164 Karting

    Jul 9, 2004
    58
    Chicago, IL
    #5 Manuel NSX1164, Aug 6, 2004
    I've been to over a dozen of these over the years, and tend to agree with drgek. Its a pretty good deal, and they're pretty laid back with their policies.

    I've run/instructed with SpeedtrialUSA at Gingerman as well, and they have a fine program as well.

    re: F355s experience, I've seen several folks get penalized for missing registration or drivers meeting. Typical penalty for this is a talking-to, and possibly the loss of 1 session -- in the CGI / Speedtrial / etc model, there's still PLENTY of track time to go around. I do hope you come by and try them out again :)
     
  6. pma1010

    pma1010 F1 Rookie

    Jul 21, 2002
    2,559
    Chicago
    Full Name:
    Philip
    #6 pma1010, Aug 6, 2004
    I have run with Phil Mirenda/CGI several times. Fun and plenty of time. Reasonably priced.

    The issue of "penalty" for not-attending drivers' meeting is a tough one and clubs vary in their practice - some kick you out, some will provide a one on one briefing etc. The insurance issue is buried in here too.

    To be denied to run was clearly frustrating -- it would be for any one of us. As an organizer, you tend to want to be a bit more accomodating, but there are risks. For example, the organizers are typically making covenants with the insurers to ensure that participants are informed of the risks from participating in the event (and, I think, most participants have some understanding of the risks involved). One of the purposes of a drivers' meeting is to convey the risks and protocols. Should a (serious) accident occur, an attorney appointed by the estate of a permanently disabled driver, for example, will try to establish liability and damages as a result. As an organizer, it is likely you'll be named in any action. One of the issues will be third party testimony of whether the injured party was informed of the risks. At a DM there's a roll call (or video tape or both) for that reason.

    Separately, Manuel, thanks for posting the event pics.

    Philip
     
  7. Erik330

    Erik330 Formula Junior

    May 8, 2004
    711
    Ohio
    #7 Erik330, Aug 7, 2004
    Uh, just show up for the meetings you were told to show up for. Grow up.
     
  8. Manuel NSX1164

    Manuel NSX1164 Karting

    Jul 9, 2004
    58
    Chicago, IL
    #8 Manuel NSX1164, Aug 8, 2004
    Speaking of showing up, anyone interested in any of the coming dates?

    I'm planning on being there on 8/23 and 9/13.
    There will be several NSXs at the 9/13 event, and it should be a fun time.

    Philip ? Martin/Patrick ??
     

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