Guys,
I've only been to a few open track day events in the last year, but every time I go I'm surrounded by Evo's, Mustangs, SRT 4's, BMW's, etc...but rarely any other S2k's. I'd like to see more of us out at the track! Some of you may already know about this, but many do not.

The next open track day I'll be attending is Sunday Sept 10th at Waterford Hills Raceway.

The link to Waterford's website: http://www.waterfordhills.com/index.htm
Look under information > Race Schedule > Special Events > Open Track Days

The cost is $100 and must be submitted by 6 Sept: http://www.waterfordhills.com/forms/otd06reg.pdf

For those of you that haven't been to the track before, this is a fun, safe way to enjoy your car. Newbies are always welcome. Heck I just started going to the track last Sept. (Sept 10th will be my 1 year anniversary of my first track event ) I hope to see you guys there.

Regards,
Christopher

 

Chris, thanks for the post! I'm gonna try to check this out (I'm a newbie). I had planned to go up north that weekend, but I'm gonna try to either move my trip back one weekend, or come home early for some track time! It's worth it to wake up early Sunday morning to drive ~3.5 hours from Traverse City to Waterford for this, right?

 

me and 2 friends were thinking of heading up......we have done a couple time attacks..really fun, how is the track? is it long. also do you ride along with instructers or no? any info u have will be helpful before we make the trip thanx.

 

[QUOTE=PAYELS2K,Aug 22 2006, 11:21 PM]me and 2 friends were thinking of heading up......we have done a couple time attacks..really fun, how is the track? is it long. also do you ride along with instructers or no? any info u have will be helpful before we make the trip

 

The info on the website says that all convertibles must have roll bars.

I am assuming that the stock roll hoops don't count.

 

All,
I've been to Waterford Hills once (Sept '05) and it was definately a challenging track. Here's what I learned:

1. You do NOT need a roll/bar hard top if you are driving at an OPEN track day. You do need one/both if you are actually participating in a race day. This is NOT a race day, it is an open track day....meaning open to the public. I've been to 3 open track days since last year and not had a problem with my vehicle regarding roll bars/hard top. If you have a roll bard/ hard top, I suggest bringing it...extra safety never hurts.

2. There is always a drivers meeting to instruct you what the different color flags mean, what to do if an accident occurs, etc. They will also ask if any newbies want to ride with more experienced persons; not necessarily "instructors" but more experienced persons. This is the time to buddy up and go out for a 20 minute session. You can ride shotgun with them or better yet, they ride shotgun with you...you'll learn better this way instead of going out in your car for the first time "blind."

3. It's not the widest track and it can get congested...you'll see what I mean. If it gets packed, pull into the pits and tell them it's too packed and they'll wait for it to clear out and sent you out again. From my experience you never want to feel rushed because that's when you'll start making mistakes.

4. There is generally enough run-off room in case you end up "mowing the lawn" as I've done before

5. The apex's are defined for you (red/white borders) so it's helpful for newbies.

Again, it would be great to get some more S2k's at the track. Let me know if I missed anything.

Regards,
Christopher

 

Okay, I'm there for sure, check and registration form are in the mail. I also got my first speeding ticket in my S tonight in RO! 51 in a 35 (I was in second gear and VTEC may have caught me off guard).

 

All,
As the 10 is closely approaching I wanted to give some tips to you guys going to the track for the first time:

Car Prep:

 

Chris, that's pretty technical (I don't think I'll be adjusting my camber or anti-roll stiffness). I hope I'm okay with my stock setup for my first time out; just wanted to check it out to see what it was like. If I like it, maybe next time I'll make some track appropriate mods -- this time is just for fun!

 

Kamron,
I was provided this list by a buddy of mine prior to a track day. I thought it was a decent list of what to bring/remove and helps explain vehicle dynamics.

The only thing I change at the track is tire pressure, period. This makes a huge difference, trust me.

You will be fine on a stock setup. I've been to the track completely stock a few times, but decided to upgrade my tires to Michelin PS2's. Other than that my car is stock, so you'll be just fine on your stock setup. If you get the chance to drive some other cars you'll quickly realize how great the S2000 is. You really don't need to much to enjoy the track.

Just go out, have fun, and like my brother/father tell me every time I go to the track: "keep the shiny side up!" First thing in the morning at the track, they let us to do some practice laps at low speeds (30-50mph). If you want, I'll come with you and point out some of the important spots on the track.

Regards,
Christopher