2003 Ohio/Indiana NASA Open Track Schedule Announced
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2003 Ohio/Indiana NASA Open Track Schedule Announced
The Ohio/Indiana Chapter of the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) has just published their 2003 open track schedule. Go to http://www.racenasa.com to download the PDF file.
These guys (IMHO) do a great job holding an event in which partipants that have a wide range of skill levels and objectives peacefully co-exist on the track. Lots of track time, instruction for beginners, classroom time, and its a great value. How does 2 full days a Mid-Ohio with instruction for $295 sound? I participated in the Mid-Ohio event this fall and had a blast, even as a newbie in group 1. You have ride-along pro racer instructors that teach you the course, technique, etc..
I am definately going to the first Open Event which is at Mid-Ohio with the S2K- April 4-6 (5-6 for two day, or you can choose one of the days if you want). Because NASA has their own insurance they allow a stock S2000 to run with stock roll bars (no hard top required) at Mid-Ohio!!!
Other season highlights - 3 dates at BeaveRun (brand new track just over the boarder in PA on I-76), 1 date at Gingerman in MI (a very safe and fun track on the western shore), 2 dates at Nelson's Ledges.
It would be great if we could get a group together for one of the dates. A chance to drive the S on Mid-Ohio? What could be better!!! It is a safe environment where you go as fast as you are comfortable. Its not racing. Its just hot lapping. 120mph + on the back stretch at Mid-Ohio in the S2k
- now that's livin!!
Post replys if anybody's interested in coming out next year. If we get enough people for an official club event on a particular date I'm sure we can negotiate!!
Happy Holidays Everyone. Here's to fun in the sun in the S2K in 2003!!
These guys (IMHO) do a great job holding an event in which partipants that have a wide range of skill levels and objectives peacefully co-exist on the track. Lots of track time, instruction for beginners, classroom time, and its a great value. How does 2 full days a Mid-Ohio with instruction for $295 sound? I participated in the Mid-Ohio event this fall and had a blast, even as a newbie in group 1. You have ride-along pro racer instructors that teach you the course, technique, etc..
I am definately going to the first Open Event which is at Mid-Ohio with the S2K- April 4-6 (5-6 for two day, or you can choose one of the days if you want). Because NASA has their own insurance they allow a stock S2000 to run with stock roll bars (no hard top required) at Mid-Ohio!!!
Other season highlights - 3 dates at BeaveRun (brand new track just over the boarder in PA on I-76), 1 date at Gingerman in MI (a very safe and fun track on the western shore), 2 dates at Nelson's Ledges.
It would be great if we could get a group together for one of the dates. A chance to drive the S on Mid-Ohio? What could be better!!! It is a safe environment where you go as fast as you are comfortable. Its not racing. Its just hot lapping. 120mph + on the back stretch at Mid-Ohio in the S2k
- now that's livin!!Post replys if anybody's interested in coming out next year. If we get enough people for an official club event on a particular date I'm sure we can negotiate!!
Happy Holidays Everyone. Here's to fun in the sun in the S2K in 2003!!
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Myrtle Beach, SC
WOW. This sounds awesome. A couple questions. 1) Can you have a passenger? My 14 year old would shit a brick if he could ride around Mid-Ohio with me. 2) Is it possible to do this without shortening the lifespan of the car? I had decided not to put this car on the track because I wanted to keep her damn near forever. Would I be wearing the crap out of the car if I participated? I don't want to beat it up. On the other hand going 120 on a straight seems benign enough. A couple hard turns can't hurt right? 3) Would I/we need to purchase a helmet? Are there any other "hidden" costs (i.e. firesuit) etc.
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Good questions.
1) Passengers are not allowed for beginners, especially since in group 1 and 2 at the HPDE school you have an instructor riding along with you. I'm not sure if as you get more advanced if they allow it.
2) The shortening the lifespan thing is totally dependent on how you drive while on the track. You will definately shorten the lifespan of tires, brakes, oil (a lot of people change their oil right before then right after). But as long as you don't do crazy things (over rev, miss shift) there is no reason why it should be any harder on your drivetrain than our day on Rt 26 was. You will only be on track for 30 minutes at a time maximum.
3) Helmets are required. They must be full face Snell SA2000. Approved helmets start around $250 and go way up from there. That is the only bit of safety equipment that is required. Other than that you just need to wear long sleaves and long pants. And, oh, they run rain or shine and you have to have the top down. The other cost is that you have to join NASA for the year, which is a one time $35 annual membership fee.
*****Roll Bar Disclaimer******
NASA STRONGLY encourages those that are going to go on-track with the S2000 to improve their roll-over protection by installing aftermarket roll bars, full roll cages or running with a hardtop (Lucky Jonas). While it is not a requirement for the HPDE program days because there is no wheel to wheel racing, they recognize that that the stock bars may not be entirely adequate for a roll-over accident.
1) Passengers are not allowed for beginners, especially since in group 1 and 2 at the HPDE school you have an instructor riding along with you. I'm not sure if as you get more advanced if they allow it.
2) The shortening the lifespan thing is totally dependent on how you drive while on the track. You will definately shorten the lifespan of tires, brakes, oil (a lot of people change their oil right before then right after). But as long as you don't do crazy things (over rev, miss shift) there is no reason why it should be any harder on your drivetrain than our day on Rt 26 was. You will only be on track for 30 minutes at a time maximum.
3) Helmets are required. They must be full face Snell SA2000. Approved helmets start around $250 and go way up from there. That is the only bit of safety equipment that is required. Other than that you just need to wear long sleaves and long pants. And, oh, they run rain or shine and you have to have the top down. The other cost is that you have to join NASA for the year, which is a one time $35 annual membership fee.
*****Roll Bar Disclaimer******
NASA STRONGLY encourages those that are going to go on-track with the S2000 to improve their roll-over protection by installing aftermarket roll bars, full roll cages or running with a hardtop (Lucky Jonas). While it is not a requirement for the HPDE program days because there is no wheel to wheel racing, they recognize that that the stock bars may not be entirely adequate for a roll-over accident.
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From: Wake Forest, NC
Brian,
I am definitely interested in that weekend as well. From what I have seen, this is the most reasonably priced way to get on Mid-Ohio with your road car. (It was a lot cheaper racing a kart on it, but that's a whole different ball game.)
My wife can't think of any Christmas ideas for me, so guess what flyer she's getting when I get home? I'll probably push for a Friday/Saturday session, or possibly a one day on Friday. I'll let you know if anything firms up.
Carmen,
Yes, you need a helmet. No, I wouldn't plan on taking your 14 year old. You will have a passenger at first: an instructor. Even once you start going solo though, most of these organizations frown on having a passenger. One exception is Fun Dayz at Nelson Ledges, I'm pretty sure you can take a passenger along.
Regarding your baby, remember that the car was designed to be driven like a race car. You also have the option to go at your own pace. Braking a little earlier in the corners will be easier on the car, and not shifting at redline all the time will also save on wear and tear. Also, don't plan on sliding through the corners and there shouldn't be any risk of off track excursions.
From my experience with Honda's (2 CRX Si's, and my current Civic Si), the drivetrains on these things are bullet proof. You saw the way I drive, and I drove both of the CRX's up into the 130,000 mile range with no problems. I'm sure these cars weren't designed to be as resilient as the S2K. The only problem with the Honda's I've had is rust. Since you keep yours stored in winter, this shouldn't be an issue at all. I say take it to the track. Worst case scenario you won't like the wear and tear and you can even stop in the middle of the session. Best case scenario you get a whole new appreciation for what you and your car are capable of.
Off season training: Try out some PC driving games to get some valuable experience with handling a car at the limit. A good one to start with is Need For Speed: Porsche Unleased. You really get an appreciation for not lifting off the throttle in the middle of a turn when driving a 911. The other Need For Speed titles are much more arcade like with unrealistic handling, so don't even bother with them. A steering wheel/pedal combo for the PC is also highly recommended. Then as a bonus, you can go online and race against others (me, I'm looking for anybody to race with!).
Well, I guess I have to go back to work now.
See ya
I am definitely interested in that weekend as well. From what I have seen, this is the most reasonably priced way to get on Mid-Ohio with your road car. (It was a lot cheaper racing a kart on it, but that's a whole different ball game.)
My wife can't think of any Christmas ideas for me, so guess what flyer she's getting when I get home? I'll probably push for a Friday/Saturday session, or possibly a one day on Friday. I'll let you know if anything firms up.
Carmen,
Yes, you need a helmet. No, I wouldn't plan on taking your 14 year old. You will have a passenger at first: an instructor. Even once you start going solo though, most of these organizations frown on having a passenger. One exception is Fun Dayz at Nelson Ledges, I'm pretty sure you can take a passenger along.
Regarding your baby, remember that the car was designed to be driven like a race car. You also have the option to go at your own pace. Braking a little earlier in the corners will be easier on the car, and not shifting at redline all the time will also save on wear and tear. Also, don't plan on sliding through the corners and there shouldn't be any risk of off track excursions.
From my experience with Honda's (2 CRX Si's, and my current Civic Si), the drivetrains on these things are bullet proof. You saw the way I drive, and I drove both of the CRX's up into the 130,000 mile range with no problems. I'm sure these cars weren't designed to be as resilient as the S2K. The only problem with the Honda's I've had is rust. Since you keep yours stored in winter, this shouldn't be an issue at all. I say take it to the track. Worst case scenario you won't like the wear and tear and you can even stop in the middle of the session. Best case scenario you get a whole new appreciation for what you and your car are capable of.
Off season training: Try out some PC driving games to get some valuable experience with handling a car at the limit. A good one to start with is Need For Speed: Porsche Unleased. You really get an appreciation for not lifting off the throttle in the middle of a turn when driving a 911. The other Need For Speed titles are much more arcade like with unrealistic handling, so don't even bother with them. A steering wheel/pedal combo for the PC is also highly recommended. Then as a bonus, you can go online and race against others (me, I'm looking for anybody to race with!).
Well, I guess I have to go back to work now.
See ya
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From: Westerville
Here is some additional info provided to me by Larry Mansier, NASA Indiana/Ohio Director:
1. You may drive the S2000 without the hardtop. However, I would request that you consider a roll bar for your car. The factory roll structure is adequate for insurance purposes, but marginal at best in the event of a real rollover. Please consider adding this to your car.
2. You will need at least a snell 95 helmet (M or SA rated). M helmets may be found in any motorcycle shop. SA (special application) helmets are mostly for race car drivers and add another level of safety.
3. In a two day event you should expect to stay in the same group. Unless you are really much faster (safely) than the other drivers, you will stay in the same group. Everyone in your group will get much faster as the weekend goes on, and you may be surprised by how good some of you will get after just one weekend!
4. We guarantee at least 3 sessions per day, and usually this means 1 1/2 hours per day. If we can, we will get you more. If there are accidents on track, there may be less.
5. You will be evaluated by your instructor, and they will make a recommendation on your grouping for the next event.
We have had several S2000 out this year. And I had the opportunity to drive Jim Cannatti's S2000 at BeaveRun. Quite a nice car, and a lot of fun! Please consider the roll bar. If you have any more questions please let me know.
His email is: mansier@racenasa.com
1. You may drive the S2000 without the hardtop. However, I would request that you consider a roll bar for your car. The factory roll structure is adequate for insurance purposes, but marginal at best in the event of a real rollover. Please consider adding this to your car.
2. You will need at least a snell 95 helmet (M or SA rated). M helmets may be found in any motorcycle shop. SA (special application) helmets are mostly for race car drivers and add another level of safety.
3. In a two day event you should expect to stay in the same group. Unless you are really much faster (safely) than the other drivers, you will stay in the same group. Everyone in your group will get much faster as the weekend goes on, and you may be surprised by how good some of you will get after just one weekend!
4. We guarantee at least 3 sessions per day, and usually this means 1 1/2 hours per day. If we can, we will get you more. If there are accidents on track, there may be less.
5. You will be evaluated by your instructor, and they will make a recommendation on your grouping for the next event.
We have had several S2000 out this year. And I had the opportunity to drive Jim Cannatti's S2000 at BeaveRun. Quite a nice car, and a lot of fun! Please consider the roll bar. If you have any more questions please let me know.
His email is: mansier@racenasa.com
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