Because I want to start seeing how many Z/G's will be there, I started the Sandia thread.

NASA (National Auto Sport ***'n) will be having a a race/HPDE weekend at Sandia, NM on October 20-21. If it follows the same schedule as the rest of the track weekends, there will be 4 20 minute sessions each day for each HPDE group. Usually HPDE 3 and 4 get combined on Sunday.

Costs are usually 150/day, or 250 for the weekend. And of course whatever lodging, and gas, etc...

Here is the forums on NASA Rocky Mountain Region for the weekend

Here is an aerial/satellite view of the track

Here is the website for Sandia Motor Sports Park

You of course have to be a NASA member; that costs $40. Also, if you have never been to the track before, you will start in HPDE 1, which means an instructor will ride with you each session. However, based on previous track experience, you can talk with Dave Balinget (NASA RM coordinator) about what level HPDE you think you should be in. I went to one of David Muramoto's PMP track/instruction days, and that, cobined with som autocross experience, was enough for me to feel comfortable in HPDE 3, which is passing with point-bys on the majority of the track. I'll probably try to get signed off on HPDE 4 this weekend (or if not then, then Nov 10-11 at PMP).

I will be driving down Friday, and leaving on Monday, pulling my trailer behind my G with my race tires. Anyone interested in caravaning, let me know!

Dave

 

Hmmm, I will see if I can make this. I guess we will see how the HPDE event goes on the 2 goes first.

 

Thanks for posting the thread, Dave. It's great to have another dedicated track junkie in the group!

Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend the Sandia NASA event. Good luck on the group 4 sign-off - I'm sure you'll do fine. It'll be great to have another Z/G in that group!

 

Anyone going to make this besides me?

 

I am going to see how things go on Oct 2 (If at all). If things go well, I will definitely try to attend.

 

Cool! I would love to see someone else get hit with the track bug.

 

Registration is open for Sandia now.

Dave

 

I really want to make this, but taking off from work put me behind. I could probably make the drive out, but the drive back, I would need to take a day off. There will be more events to attend. I plan on joining NASA soon. Just want to get a couple of things done to my car.

-Joe

 

hey, I understand. One thing to keep in mind is that many of the HPDE drivers bring their completely stock streetcars, so a stock Z is no problem at all!

I would recommend the November 10-11 NASA event in Pueblo, since the drive is much shorter.

Dave

 

I should be able to make it depending on the weather.

 

Good luck guys! I'll be racing at PMP that weekend in a SCCA event (otherwise I'd consider Sandia).

 

Sorry to report that the NASA RM site says the Sandia event is cancelled. They needed 65 entries and only had 20 this weekend, so the potential of making up that margin was poor.

I'd like to suggest you consider coming down to Pueblo for the SCCA event that weekend. SCCA offers a Performance Driving Experience (PDX) group that weekend. I think it's relatively inexpensive ($125/day?) and you don't need an SCCA membership to get four on-track sessions. Instructional format similar to NASA and we could all pit together!

Check it out at: coloradoscca.org

 

Yeah, I knew about the Sandia cancellation.

I'll think about PMP. I had taken vacation to go to Sandia, and I just cancelled it yesterday, so now I have to check my schedule. If I am free, I will be there!

Given HPDE 3 certification with NASA, what would I be running with SCCA? Hopefully not restricted, no passing, instructor in car driving...

Dave

 

did you guys post this on Milehighz.com?

 

As I understand PDX, they are a separate run group and their requirements are to have instructors who will need to check you out. Let Grant Barclay (NZ solo racer whose the head of the PDX program) know your background at PMP and that will help. I'd be happy to vouch for you!

BTW- at the LaJunta PDX, a STi driver was checked out and seemed to do OK. He was given the green light to lap at speed and promptly went out and flipped the car several times! Luckily, the driver was OK, but the car looked like a write-off.

As I've said, give PDX a try (if you can get the time off) and be patient. They have certain restrictions designed to keep the novice driver safe. There's only nine cars signed up presently and give me a shout if you have any problems registering.

 

David, What with the increase of accidents at these track events? Seriously! I'm in no way blaming NASA, SCCA or the track owners, but I seriously think we (event drivers) need to look into this before ALL Colorado track are shut down for good.

 

I'm not David, but I have an opinion on this: I don't really think there's a recent increase of accidents...there have ALWAYS been accidents at these types of events. We've just been fortunate to avoid them (thus far) at the events that David puts on, since he does such a great job of keeping us safe that we've been blissfully free of these incidents (hopefully I didn't just jinx our record).

Of the major non-racing accidents that I can quickly think of that resulted in major body damage or physical injury (RX-8 at PMI, Porsche at PMI, STi at LaJunta, Audi at Second Creek, BMW at Second Creek, motorcycles at La Junta), the damage could have been avoided or dramatically reduced by following some of the teaching points that are presented at David's events:

- look ahead on track
- don't try to jerk the car back on track if you think you might go off
- stay off the curbs
- if you must go off, do it in a straight line, and slow down/regain control before attempting to re-join
- know how to enter/exit the track
- know how to respond around traffic
- keep a cool head at ALL times
- know the warning signs of driver fatigue & red mist, and be prepared to end the session early if these signs become noticeable (in yourself or others)

Of course, there will always be risks of mechanical failure ruining somebody's day when a crucial part breaks at the right (i.e. wrong) time, but the majority of the incidents that I can quickly recall seeing or hearing about are things that could have been avoided (or at least lessened) by the nut behind the wheel.

This isn't to say that your concern isn't valid (accidents like these are the reason why La Junta is now only available to large groups like SCCA, NASA, etc)...it's just to say that accidents at these events are not a recent occurence.

EDIT: One more thought to end this post on an up-beat note, since I didn't intend for it to sound as dismissive as I think it might: as these incidents continue to happen over time, I don't think the tracks will shut down over them, but I think it is likely that we'll see more tracks require certification (such as PMI) or only allow attendance with groups (such as LaJunta)...that, to me, is as good a reason as any for some of the more hard-core folks here to get involved with NASA, SCCA, etc.

Joel and Dave90TT have signed up and are quickly moving up the NASA ranks, and I think some of the other track junkies (or soon-to-be track junkies who haven't managed to make it out to an event yet) would have a great time experiencing what these groups have to offer.

 

Will we see the 350Z GT make it's racing debut?

 

I'm not sure there's much to add to GaryM05's comprehensive post on this. He's correct in saying that there have always been accidents on Colorado tracks- they may not have been as well publicized as today. The tracks will not shut down, but they won't take increased risk or insurance premiums down the road, either. And if you think Colorado tracks have more accidents, I could tell you about the fatal shunt involving an experienced NASA driver at Mid-Ohio or the multi-car shunt at Sandia this past summer.

That's why it's CRITICAL to look ahead and be aware of what is going around you at the racetrack. Ultimately, the only one that is really responsible for your safety is YOU.

 

The GT3 car is actually in the trailer NOW. It passed its' 2007 SCCA annual tech inspection last weekend. Now I'm working on tuning it this week with the goal of getting it out there!