Feeler: NorCal track event!

[dsb]

^^^^^^ you can still join us! Exactly what car do you have?

To remove this ad, register today or login if you already are registered!

[dsb]

Okay, we are only 3 weeks away! Thunderhill Oct 22nd. It's the best course/deal in NorCal. Let's start the list!

There are only 49 spots available! Sign up today: http://www.thunderhillhpds.com/category.cfm?category=1

1) dsb
2) Jobrien

[egxpimp]

I'm in for sure!

I'ma try to rent a BMW !

[SLK55R]

NOTE: All convertibles must be equipped with a "roll bar" that is above the drivers and passengers head. Vehicles with factory hoops, or pop up rollover systems are not allowed.

[dsb]

Originally Posted by SLK55R

NOTE: All convertibles must be equipped with a "roll bar" that is above the drivers and passengers head. Vehicles with factory hoops, or pop up rollover systems are not allowed.

I understand your concern. However, it is allowed. I have already run twice there without any problems. Here's a copy of the response from David Ray after speaking to Shannon Ell.

"Daniel - One question - what year Merc is it? Does it have the roll hoops behind the head? Unfortunately Shannon is out til Monday morning, but I'll try to reach him - if I can't to be certain of the policy on this car, my cell number is 925-683-xxxx - let's talk first thing Monday -
Regards,
David Ray"

I called him and spoke again to both of them. They approved and I've been happy ever since! For more proof, here's a copy of my online receipt:

> Order Number 5638
>
>
> Bill/Ship To:
> Daniel Bxxxx
> xxx xxxxxxxxx
> lincoln, ca, CA 95648
> Phone: 916-408-xxxx
> dsbxxxxxxxxx@gmail.com
>
>
>
> Items Ordered
> -----------------
> June 6 2006: 1
> Item Total: $225.00
>
> ====================
>
> Subtotal: $225.00
> Shipping (Normal): $0.00
> Total: $225.00

[sick430]

my car is a 2000 clk 430 cabrio. How far away is the track from L.A., sounds like a blast a would love to join everyone. What are the cars requirements tires, brakes, safety equipment needed.

thanks Liran

[dsb]

Originally Posted by sick430

my car is a 2000 clk 430 cabrio. How far away is the track from L.A., sounds like a blast a would love to join everyone. What are the cars requirements tires, brakes, safety equipment needed.

thanks Liran

I would love to have you there. Thunderhill is located in Willows, CA. It is a little northwest of Sacramento. However, I do not think you can track the CLK cabrio. From what I understand, you do not have any roll bars. In addition, it is a soft-top. I think they allowed the SLK because it has both roll hoops and it's a hardtop too... well at least sort of.

Anyways, you can be 100% certain by contacting TH at:
http://www.thunderhill.com/html/contact_us.html

[dsb]

Only 42 spots available now! Sign up!

1) dsb
2) Jobrien
3) egxpimp
4) JoeyP

[dsb]

Two weeks left. Now there's only 33 spots available. They're going quick now!

1) dsb
2) Jobrien
3) egxpimp
4) JoeyP
5) Marciga

[dsb]

23 spots left! Going fast.

[lennyr]

dsb,

I just checked with my insurance company (CSAA) and they said I would not be covered for the event. Do you know if they sell insurance at the track, and if so, what it costs and covers?

[dsb]

Originally Posted by lennyr

dsb,

I just checked with my insurance company (CSAA) and they said I would not be covered for the event. Do you know if they sell insurance at the track, and if so, what it costs and covers?

I called my insurance before and made the mistake of stating it was a 'high performance driving event.' That doesn't sound as good as a 'driving school.'
Whoops, Live and Learn.

Anyways, I don't know about insurance at the track. I would guess that you can purchase it. Also, I understand your concern regarding insurance. I can tell you that I had the same concern. That is why I was pleasantly surprised once I attended the event.

There are several factors that maintain the safety of you and your vehicle. For example:
1)1.5 hours of lecture before any track time
2)Inspection of your vehicle for safety
3)Inspection of your helmet
4)Mandatory instructor as passenger
5)Only wall on this track is along the straightaway, everywhere else has plenty of runoff.
6)Very limited passing areas (only on straights and the passer must first get a hand signal from the passee)

There's other precautions too, but those are some of the big ones. I can tell you that you are not the only one concerned with your vehicle. Fact is, whether you're the owner of a $15k or $120k car, you still want to drive it home. Everyone out there feels the same.

Lastly, this is presented and managed as a driving school. This is not a race. Anyone that treats it as such will get the boot. However, racing is highly unlikely as you have an instructor sitting next to you that will disallow any stupid moves.

[lennyr]

Thanks for the detailed reply. Even though there's a lot of safety built into the event, the idea of trashing my car while uninsured is pretty much a killer for me. I can't imagine that I'm the only person in this position, and lots of people track their cars, so I'm hoping for somebody to suggest a good purchasable track day insurance option. Otherwise, I guess it'll be the AMG Challenge or Skip Barber or something for me.

[dsb]

Lenny,

I haven't tried Skip Barber or the AMG challenge. However, I do know that they cost alot. I think the AMG challenge starts at $1000 and Skip Barber starts at $1595. BTW, Skip Barber still has insurance that you CAN buy for their event. So, not all is covered. Look closely at the "prerequisite" in this link:
http://www.skipbarber.com/driving_sc...hp_school.aspx

I think THDS is a much better deal considering the cost, what's included, and the fact that you really learn your car, not just how to drive fast, but how to handle YOUR car. If insurance is still a concern, just call Thunderhill on Monday. Ask them. I'm sure it's been asked before.

Although I understand your concern with insurance, I disagree with the term "trashing." Since you are the driver of the car, you can determine exactly how hard you drive. I never trash my car. I drive it a little hard, but it's quite capable.

Look, the weather is good. Sunny conditions. It's a perfect time to track, not too hot or cold. You are not abusing your car at all. This thing was built to handle this sort of stuff. At most, it's 20 minutes at a time. So, it's not just going to fall apart.

Lastly, why spend thousands more with Skip Barber when you have a capable car and means to do it safely? I hope you don't take this wrong, but I sometimes question why people get a car like this if they never plan to fully utilize it. I guess it's similiar to someone buying a Hummer (H1) and never leaving the pavement.

Lenny, just give it a try... at least once.