One word -- OMFG!!! I'M STOKED!!!

I had the great opportunity to tour the track today with the owner, Bo Rivers, and it was incredible. Although there's still a lot of work to be done to complete the facility, the track is actually ready. They're looking at around the Spring timeframe before the rest of the facility is completed.

I met Bo at the track at 11am today. There were a few prospective members also scheduled for the tour. Yes, the Harris Hill Road track is a private race track. After he gave us a quick rundown on the status of the facility, he gave us a ride in his Audi sedan to drive the track. Bo pointed out several unique features of the track, to include an artificial pond & dam in the middle of the track.

After the quick tour, Bo offered for us to take a few hot laps around the track. My Z was still prepped from last weekend's autocross, to include my r-compound tires. It was an opportunity I was looking forward to.

There were four (4) cars in our group. Bo's son, Cameron, led the pack in his BMW Z4 Coupe (beautiful car). I was 2nd and there was a BMW & the Audi in the rear. We drove around once just to get a feel for the track. After the 1st lap, Cameron picked up the pace in his Z4. I kept up with him throughout the 3-4 laps we did at a much faster pace. After our drive, Cameron informed me that he tried to shake me off but my Z was too quick. Little did he know that my Z was heavily modded for the track.

After our group finished our run, the 2nd group went out. There were three Porsches and a Lotus in that group. That group was fast, with the GT3s leading the way. I wished I was able to run with that group but our group was doing the walking portion of the tour then.

Anyway, the track is located in San Marcos, just a couple of miles east off IH-35 (Exit 210). As mentioned earlier, it is a members-only track but Bo mentioned that he will probably schedule HPDEs & autocross events if the track is available. For additional information on the track, go to their website: http://harrishillroad.com/

 

Here are some pictures of the track layout. The clubhouse will be on top of the hill overlooking the track. On top of the clubhouse, they will have an observation area where you can see the entire track. It is a beautiful view from that angle (reminds me of the clubhouse view of MSR Cresson in Forth Worth). The grid area will be directly below the clubhouse, and the pit lane in front of it. I have a picture of the pit area on my earlier post where the Porsches were parked.

 

According to Bo, the track is laid out so even the high-powered cars like the Z06s & Vipers will not be at a great advantage. There are only two straight-aways and both are fairly short (~1/4 mile). I tend to believe him since as soon as I got on 4th gear on both straight-aways, I have to shift down to 3rd gear as I approach the turns/sweepers. In time, I'm sure I'll be able to keep my speed once I get the lines down on the track. Our 350Zs will do well in this track. My Z handled well, but then again, my suspension is heavily modded and I was driving on my r-compounds.

I tell you one thing -- this is a great track and at a great location. I just have to figure out my finances so I can afford to get a membership and pay the monthly dues. If you have an opportunity, contact Bo or Eric Beverding (their contact information is on the website) to arrange an appointment to tour the facility. I guarantee you will not be disappointed with the tour. It will be an impressive track once it is completed. I can' wait . . .

 

Thanks for the invite.

Oh well, I get to see the track and run on it at the end of January.

 

Just wait till they have the deals for clubs. MSR has them and many others. Normally like $200-250 a weekend 2 day event. No need to have a membership.

 

Yeah, I'm hoping Apex Driving Academy or The Driver's Edge will schedule an HPDE at this track. That would be more affordable than buying a membership. While there today, there were two individuals from a BMW club who are interested in scheduling club events. I'm sure the Porsche club is also looking at this track. It'll be a matter of time before these events are scheduled to generate additional revenues to the facility.

BTW, the track, I believe, is 1.8 miles. It will be ran primarily clock-wise according to Bo.

 

Both the Austin and SA Z club is working to have events there at the track under a discounted rate.

 

That would be great. I informed Bo that I would be doing my best to get the word out as much as possible about the track. It really is an awesome road course and I'm looking forward to participating in future events there. Autocross is great but the 350Z was born to be on a road course.

 

Yep...After going to MSR a few times, autox feels boring, reason why I don't pursue it as much. I haven't taken the Z yet, but my G35s loved MSR.

 

Man I shoulda thought of this....360 members paying $900.00 or 324K..that should have more than covered the paving...then each paying $90.00 per month and you have an income of 32+K per month with the security deposits being invested making interest and taking care of track maintenance...VERY smart guys...and Im sure they enjoy racing as well...
Please dont get me wrong..im NOT cracking on them...just wish I'd have thought of it sooner...

 

In car video at HH:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNW47LTjEN0