I had my first track day (Road Atlanta) about three months ago. My first time out was on a high speed, technical track driving my own car with no track insurance. I wish I could say I had the time of my life, but I didn't. It was about 30% fun and 70% terrifying.

On the other hand, I've done some indoor karting with friends and had an absolute blast, but I want something a little bit more. I've been looking into a number of local driver experience programs. They offer three different levels:

- Outdoor karting : http://www.atlantamotorsportspark.co...-rental-karts/
- Ariel Atom track time : http://www.atlantadrivingexperience.com/
- Ferrari F430 (or 911 S) track time : http://www.velocitymotorsports.com/experiences.html

Has anyone ever done anything like this? It seems a tad pricey for what you get, but it could be a cool experience.

 

I don't have any info to share but am kind of looking into something similar myself.

I hear people rave about Skip Barber but it costs a fortune.

I know someone who did Skip Barber and the race school at our local track. He said the race school at the track was better. That school, which I might attend this year, was only about $700 last year. A day of classroom, and the second day two track sessions in a single seat race car (low powered) and one session in the car you bring with an instructor. You need to get you own hotel but $700 seemed like a pretty good deal.

Otherwise, if carting is fun and cheap, sounds like you can't go wrong. Price and danger go up with speed.

 

Why was it terrifying for you? Was it due to lack of track insurance? you can purchase your own track insurance policy. You can drive as fast as you want to drive.

you'll be paying more for less with those track day programs. they probably wouldn't let you go fast, or have some sort of lead/follow thing to keep it under control.

 

Lack of on-track experience, no insurance, and severe lack of sleep the night before all contributed to it. I'd like to get another taste of track time, but perhaps in something else besides my S2000.

 

That is a very good deal. That same type of package in the links above is basically $1500.

 

Yes, except the Atom.

What are you trying to get out of it? Are you trying to learn how to drive better/faster? Car control? or you looking for just more seat time?

if seat time, indoor karting is very very for seat time. It may not teach you high speed car control, but it'll help teach you momentum maintenance (especially if it's gas-powered karts), finding the best line, and bearing a bit aware of who is around you.

if for learning how to drive better/faster... the Atom or the Ferrari F430 drives won't do it. Best bet is to go to a PCA or BMW track day where they have accredited instructors who can ride with you all day. PCA's programs are really good for nurturing beginner drivers. Not sure how BMW's events are, but I've heard they're pretty good too.
For a more involved, but costly approach, skip barber type of school.

The Atom/Exotic car experiences are just that, experiences. They claim to teach you how to drive the cars around the track. They don't. 5 laps, in an unfamiliar car, is not going to teach you anything other than humility. They are great, however, if you want to go bomb around in a car you can't afford or are looking to buy/currently own and want to see how it is on track.

 

Spend the money on track prep instead. Good track pads/rotors/fluid and up keep.

Go with events that put instructors in the passenger seat if you need to. Many events will have before and after lessons to teach you the line.

The problem with schools that put you in different cars, you learn to drive near the limit on something you might never own again. For example the corvette is very planted, lift off over steer less common; but it can be easily induced in the S.

If you were scared, good. This keeps you sharp until you learn the skills. For myself I wasn't scared but I done a lot of autox before and understood the 'technical' of driving. Only drive as you can, never push too far beyond that too quickly. You're not paid to be there and it's all about having a good time. On my first track day I boiled my stock fluid. I noticed it the first corner and adjusted; calling it a day. I'd gone from slow to reasonably quick for the day and out push my gear. Eye opener.

 

Well, part of me just thinks it would be really cool to drive an F430 on a track, that's all. Ditto on the Atom. Something like autocross would be better for learning the actual dynamic limits of my own car... and I would be willing to explore something like that as well. I see that as being a cool addition to Atom track driving, not a replacement for.

 

Road Atlanta is a VERY scary track. I did RA in my Boss 302 in Oct of 2012. Prior I'd been on Summit Point (S2000), VIR (Kawi Ninja ZX-600RR),Miller Motorsports Park (Boss 302) and the Nurburgring (rented FRS). Cresting over the hill for the 1st time sent a bolt of panic through me as it felt like I was driving off a cliff. RA has corners that are as steep and off camber as anything you'll find that the N-Ring. It must be pants filling to drive that track in anger in an LMP or similar.

 

No doubt they would be fun.

You learn best how to drive with list HP and add power as your skills improve. You'll be a worse driver without training behind the wheel of an Atom or F430. You'll get into trouble faster, up to speed faster and the car will rotate more easily. All of these things require more skill to avoid spinning out.


Good luck and have fun!