So, is it standard for everyone to gas up with race fuel from the track (or a mixture)? It's not leaded, is it? I don't want to F-up my cats

 

There is a gas station close by for those that do not want to pay $10 per gallon.
I recommend you arrive with a full tank of gas.

 

Anyone have an extra helmet I can rent or can anyone recommend a place to buy one? Thanks...

 

They rent helmets for $10... with a free headsock.
I'll just rent it again.

 

Cool. I'll end up doing that too.

 

I just read on their website, they have a 100 octane unleaded fuel for $5/gal, not too expensive considering ordinary gas prices today. I think if it doesn't make me seem like a complete tool or poser-idiot raceboi, I will probably fill up with at least 1/4 tank of the 100 octane, which would raise overall octane to like 93. Because 91 octane California gas sucks...

 

Is this a track event or does most of the instruction take place on a skid pad?

 

track.
last time we went, skid pad was closed.

 

Hey Sho, do you think that if we get like 10-15 or more people signed up, we could get a bigger discount? A friend of mine from a Volvo site has like 5 people lined up. We could add them to the list if that's the case.

 

I might be getting in on this too. Helmet has been ordered.

 

How much did you pay? I was thinking about just renting =\

 

http://www.simpsonraceproducts.com/p...7&prod_id=1150

Yeah.. I know, kinda pricey but I will be getting a lot of use out of it. I have my first clinic in Oct. (audi/vw performance clinic) then with you guys in Dec. and drift practice. So this helmet will see some abuse.
I'd rather go all out for a helmet since its one of those times where "you get what you paid for" type deals

 

anyone have any input about something like this?

helmet

its snell and dot approved

 

i don't see anything about SA2000 or SA2005

 

It's a great clinic to learn how to attack corners on a road course. I can't stress how valuable the experience is (even for people who just drive their Z as a daily driver). Why drive a sports car when you have no clue to its limits? People who think they are "good" drivers will find out how fast they really suck. Better yet, bring have your friend who brags soo much about how good he is in driving and have a few laughs at the track (assuming the friend doesn't do any roadcourses).

I would recommend strongly (if not required, IMO) to have an instructor for a ride along and also demonstrate the potential of your Z. No matter how much GT games I played, its not the same experience. I learned alot from Scott (instructor) on which corners I needed to improve on.

I believe they only had 2 types of groups running the last event: Beginners and Intermediate level drivers. In the beginner group you will only be allowed to pass other cars at certain straight aways, there is no passing on turns. The first few sessions is to get familiar with the track and passing procedures, so it creates a safer environment when everyone is learning to attack corners (and brake at the appropriate times).

Some preparations I would recommend is a good set of brake pads and have the braking fluid changed to a higher grade. I would recommend SS brakelines, but for the 1st time out its not really needed. I believe you can pretty much survive on the stock stuff, but by the end of the day it may be a little squishy and soft on the brake pedal. Because December is a cooler month, it shouldn't be as bad as the middle of summer. To my experience first time out, I had Hawk HPS, SS brake lines, and Motul braking fluid. Those items gave consistent stopping distances and solid braking feel, however, by the end of the day it was getting tougher to stop (maybe, because it was 120 degress #&&%^^%$&^%).

At this point, I'm unsure if I will be able to attend. Most likely I'll be bringing my Supra if I can get the engine rebuilt and a rollcage slapped in. If not, I'm a little hesistant to be using my Z (I need a daily car that is running!!!).

In anycase, I hope you all have a great time at the clinic.

 

Do you feel you wore out your Z at the clinic?
My Z is perfectly fine... just racked up a few more miles at the track and used a lot of gas. Maybe tires wore out a bit faster than I usually would b/c I slid thru the first corner everytime. Other than that, I don't see any noticeable wear/tear.

 

Their original reply was to give us $20 discount on 5+ group. So I don't think they will give higher $ discount for having more people in the group. If they have 5 ppl already, they should be able to get the $20 discount themselves already.

 

For those of you who've never gone on a road course, it is an enlightening experience. You'll have a completely new appreciation of your car and racing. But just be careful, because once the track bug bites you, it's hard not to go back! I started going a year and a half ago, and I've already been to 10+ events. I might go to this one as well, since I've never been to Buttonwillow.

 

+1 to the addiction. I've gone with BMW groups (b/c I have a friend who's an instructor) and they got me started on track stickers. I just have 2, Willow Springs and Cal Speedway. I think I'm going this weekend to Buttonwillow (still 50-50) with them. Normally I wouldn't b/c I just did one last month so I don't have a great urge, BUT I want my 3rd sticker. Argghhh...

FYI Wired 24/7, I just called Motel 6 and it's $34 a night with the BMW group discount. My BMW friend told me the Super 8 is better; and "Willow Inn & Suites is ok, but you have to get a room away from the freeway. The rooms in the back are about 20 yards from the slow lane, and the trucks going by can make you a little crazy around 3 a.m." If I do it in December I'll stay with you, I don't feel like getting up at 4 am to do a 120 mile drive before I hit the track at 7-8 am.

 

Do you actually put the stickers on your car, or just collect them?

In any case, I doubt the motels will be completely booked up, so when it comes a little closer to day zero, let's work it out. Any place would be fine with me, so you can choose if you want.