I ran the FATT at Summit Point yesterday (9/17/04). It was my first time and it was awesome (even though it was raining half the time)! I'd recommend it to anyone who really wants to learn how to drive the S in a controlled and safe environment.

The weather sucked but we did get 2 mid-day runs without rain and the track dryed up a little. There were a bunch of spin outs and a WRX and a Miata ran off the course and banged up their cars (not too bad though). I ran super slow in the down poring rain but the slow speeds helped me concentrate on learning to drive the right line. By the end of the day, I was driving much faster and with more confidence.

It was kinda funny. While it was raining, none of the instructers wanted to ride with me in the S because they were worried about the handling in the rain. Apparently, more than one S has lost it on the track in the rain.

There's weren't any other S's running that day, but Keith showed up with his '04 later in the morning. I met up with him later and he took me for a drive in the 360 Ferrari and that was cool (thanks Keith!).

I'm definetly signing up again some time later (I'll probably wait until the spring when the weather gets better). We should get a bunch of S2Kers out there together some time.

 

The instructors are a fickle bunch there, and yes the S2000 has a bad rap.

I am glad I am solo now and don't have to wait for someone.

It sounds like you have a great time, you should sign up for Oct 15th date, the weather can be ideal in the Fall, cooler temps mean better tire traction than compared the heat of the summer.

George

 

There are no Novice slots the rest of the year.

As was mentioned before, I believe the rain would have been very good for me- forcing one to be smoother. I'm glad you had a good go of it!

True story here. I was contemplating going despite the car's non-setup. Thursday night at work I kept telling myself that I could learn from having the car setup for the street- street tires, street alignment, bling rotors and oem pads. Not paying real attention to what I was doing, I checked out a ball return(where it comes back up from underground- bowling center). I was like, "Oh, look at that ball track" and stuck my hand in it. Sure enough, a ball nail my hand and wedged it between the power lift and the ball.

I couldn't reach the off switch and it was a few minutes before my asst. mgr made it over. Hand swell up pretty good and was sore as heck. That little incident vanquished anymore thoughts of Summit. Not broken, the hand is still very tender/sore.

I think I'm going to try to make it to Pete's autocross tomorrow. It'll be the last chance to run 'er NA. BTW, spots for Advanced are in November is someone wants to help me out.

 

Sorry about your hand.

Not 100% but even with the full novice group, you can show up that morning with cash in hand and get in on the waiting list.

I am bummed that I won't be driving on the new circuit this year.

George

 

OUCH! Skip. I hope that your hand heals quickly.

 

at least its not broken skip.. ...you can still drive..... do you have to bring your own helmet to run at summit?? or do they supply them?.. and if you need to bring your own.. anyone know where to get one?

 

Nope, not broken- just bruised. Drove the autocross yesterday.

I believe www.soloracer.com for helmets. If you have any questions, ask for Brett.

 

summit has loaner helmets.

if you plan on doing more events, it is better to buy your own so that you will always have one that fits correctly. and besides, who knows where those track helmets have been.....

 

thanks.. yeah it's always better to have your own hehehehehe...

 

If all FATT's are taking go to www.nasaproracing.com then go to the virginia region and see if there are any HPDE (High Performance Driving School) spots left for october 22-23 (something like that). We have two more race weekends at summit that I am certain they will have HPDEs. I think it may even be cheaper per day than doing the FATT's..... plus I would imagine the instructors are better than summits.?

I am not sure if you "have" to have a NASA Membership or not, but that is only $30.00 anyway.

the track dried out very well on saturday and sunday..... and I also got a ride in Keith's 360.