Anyone take their car to the track? This may be a stupid question, but I just want a place to see what my car can do. I know its no viper or corvette, but it seems like it would be fun anyway. If anyone has done it what was your experience.
Josh

 

Yeah a couple of the peeps do

Always fun to take the car to its limits sometimes and see its potential

 

Do you mean the drags? there are many threads with times posted and mods suggested to perform before you go- see Off Topic -Racing
If you mean RoadRace track-High Performance Driving Schools/ aka- track days, those should be mandatory!!! Having a pro race driver ride with you giving instant feedback and correction- in your own car! you cant beat that for fun!

 

Definitely not drags - I can do that whenever on the back roads. I mean track/ driving schools. Anyone, know anything good in atlanta? Whats it like - how long does it last? Do you destroy your car?

 

Look up the track near atl, Road Atlanta is the name - and try scca.org for help finding one near you. On the tracks website will be links to private clubs and schools that use the facility, and check the schedule list of users, not all the car clubs run an ad. I just found another group that accepts all makes at my track- though they are mostly miatas. Full day with lunch usually 250$, some as low as 150, but those the instructor rides in his car at the front of a group of 5 cars and you try to follow correctly. With a pro race driver as your passenger, giving instruction as you go, its awesome. The first day you barely put any wear on the car as you learn the line and how to drive it. Brakes get some wear as do tires- but thats later in your new addiction. Most people drive to the track, and expect to drive it home! Once you have it bad, a set or rims/sticky tires just for the track, and your own $300 helmet instead of a loaner, shocks, brake upgrades.....at least its a safe place to test your mods.
Most 1 day schools have 1.5 hrs ground school- broken into breifing sessions, and 5- 20 minute on track sessions-these numbers vary, but 20 minutes of flat out driving will leave you sweating and 4-5 laps is all you can remember what you did different and what worked- you talk with your instructor before and after each session. Take Notes!!
Average day is 7 am arrive- empty car-register-8am class starts. Most places have 3 or 4 groups based on experience, so you wont be passed by a vette going into the corner-until later in your career
Cars run single file with a wave to tell you where to pass or be passed- its very organized because accidents slow the schedule- and everyone is there for track time!!!
There are many in car camera videos online- just search track day
Have a fun and safe time!!

 

Road Atlanta
Carolina Motorsports Park - Near Kershaw
Virgina International Raceway - Near Danville/South Boston

Also check SCCA and NASA for AutoCross events.

http://www.carolinamotorsportspark.com/
http://www.myautoevents.com/pls/mae/frmMain.Show

I think aznbo87 has tracked his TL. There are some posts with pics.

Not a dumb idea at all. A tad pricey, but for a couple times a year, I'd say worth it.

 

Road Atlanta, Jennings, Tally, and Barber

 

a bit pricey?
The wife was casually going to the grocery store and got clocked at 52 in a 35
Net cost $200+ frustration

Track day where 50-120 mph is the norm---a total bargain

Thanks to those who provided links for your area!! Make a local azine group trip to the track!