ok, so i really want to take my car to a track and see what she can do. only problem: i don't know where any are! i'm looking for a road coarse near tampa, fl (preferably one that offers a day of instruction) to improve my driving skills. i'm not really interested in 1/4 mile times, rather i want to learn the peculiarities of braking, turn-in, vision, etc. any and all info would be a great help.

thanks in advance for your assistance,
vinny

 

anybody?

 

If I were you, I would start at a karting facility and take instructions on driving a kart before you head to a track in your personal car. You would be amazed how much fun you can have throwing a shifter cart around a good track. Plus, you learn skills you can then apply to your track days should you ever feel the need.

 

You try out your local HPDE sessions. Go here and get more information. http://www.drivenasafl.com/

 

thanks guys

 

I researched Tampa, albeit briefly, for karting facilities which offer instruction. I found one....www.tampabaygp.com, I believe and they appear to offer instruction. It also appears they only have electric karts which I've never driven.

I would hate to see someone take their personal car out to a track day and make a slight error in judgment and ruin a perfectly good personal car. Plus, I'm betting your insurance company probably has a clause not allowing said activity....your mileage may vary.

 

^ you know, i've never even thought about the insurance aspect. acutally, i used to go to that kart track all the time as a kid, but it was called malibue grand prix then. it definately looks as if they've upgraded. i'll check it out when possible.

however, i really want to push my vehicle to see what it can do. i've tried (and got caught on city streets and highways) and have learned my lesson

 

Some people think karts are for kids. Trust me, hop in a 125cc shifter kart after you get properly schooled and try out some lesser karts first. Damn things will do 0-100 mph in about 6 seconds....pulling 2.5 G's in corners.

You want to learn road racing skills? Try it in a kart first and then apply what you learn on a smaller scale to a full size car on a track.

 

Totally agree! They're not gas carts and they dont go 100mph where i go, but it is fun as hell. This is where I go in St. Louis http://www.grandprixspeedways.com/ and its fun as hell. The carts are fast as hell, and you have to qualify in able to run the nice ones. Actually took me 3 trys to qualify for the turbo cars. They have 20hp electric motors that go from 0-40 mph in less than 4 seconds! and here is a pic of the braking system:

 

Contact your local SCCA. They can tell you of club events that you can participate in. There is no need to start karting. You will be better off just learning in your car. Alos find a track and go on line and see if they have a schedule up. Many of them do and show club events. Many of those offer open track time and instructors. You wont be racing against any one. and will be very safe for you and the car as you will be permitted to go at your own pace

 

scca = sports car club of america ?

 

Yes. They often hold Auto X events and track days