kieranlavin

The 2009 track season is getting closer. Have you thought about taking your car to a real racetrack to "see what it can do?" Forget about street racing; that's dangerous and stupid (and for those that argue that track events are expensive, what about tickets, lawyers fees, insurance surcharges, and possible jail time if you get caught street racing; is it really worth less than a track event?) Personally drag racing and autox have nothing on doing track events. I'm not going to comment on the claims that it's better or close to sex but it's definitely the most fun you can possibly have on four wheels.

For those who have never been to a track event before, you will be paired up with an instructor who will drive your car around for the first few laps at reduced speed just to show you the layout of the track so you're a little more comfortable when you get behind the wheel. The instructor will be with you in the car for the entire day helping you become a faster driver and giving you pointers. There will also be 1 or 2 classroom sessions where you will discuss how your day is going and learn about theoretical situations. While it is a lot of fun it is a very educational event as well. You will come away with better car control and a better understanding of what your car is doing as you drive on the street every day. You'll even find yourself applying some of the methods from the track on the street both everyday and in emergency situations.

You can either bring your own car or rent one. No, I'm not talking about Hertz or Avis; there is a dedicated track car rental program affiliated with PDA/NASA Northeast. Whichever way you chose, you are guaranteed to have fun and guaranteed to learn a lot. There is a wide range of prices from $240 and up depending on which track and how many days you'd like to do. For this you will get (4) 20-30 minute sessions on the track as well as 1 or 2 classroom sessions. You do not have to worry about the type of car you bring to the track. Generally a typical SUV would not be acceptable but I have seen a Porsche Cayenne, a Jeep SRT8, a Dodge Ram, and a Toyota Tundra. I've also instructed and driven a few Infiniti FX35/45's. There have been Cadillac STS's, CTS's, Toyota Avalons, Lexus LS's, Miatas with 80WHP, Chevy Malibus, Mazda 5's, etc, etc, etc. You get the idea - you can bring whatever you like and learn to drive it fast. And you'd be surprised how fast you could get some of these cars moving around the track!

Here is a schedule for the year:

* April 4 - Limerock (CT) half-day from 1PM - 5PM but less run groups so the same amount of track time
* May 2 - Pocono East Course (PA)
May 4-5 Watkins Glen (NY)
* May 15 - Monticello (NY)
* May 30-31 - Pocono North Course (PA)
* June 20-21 - NJMP Lightning Course (NJ)
* July 17-19 - Pocono Grand Slam Weekend (PA) on Friday they alternate run groups on all three of the courses. I believe you do each course twice for the day resulting in 6 track sessions for the day. On Saturday they open up and do the double infield resulting in some high speeds. Sunday they do the single infield for even faster (scary) speeds
August 7-8 - Limerock (CT) two half-days. Not sure which day will be beginners and which will be advanced yet
* September 5-6 - Pocono North Course (PA)
* September 18 - Monticello (NY)
* October 3-4 - Watkins Glen (NY)
* October 31-November 1 - NJMP Thunderbolt Course (NJ)

The starred dates I plan on being at. If you'd like more information about track events or any of the particular tracks, please PM me or e-mail me at kieranalavin at gmail dot com. If you plan on doing an event, please let me know because I get recognition for bringing new people to these events.

Right now they are only accepting registration up to their May 15th date.