I thought since I posted A LOT of questions about how to do this and that before my first FATT, I thought I'd post how it all went.

First a huge thanks to some of you.

Naveed - Your video equipment made this a great experience. I can go over all of the instructors comments and really see where I can improve.

Skip, George, Cale - Your patience was great. Seeing you guys out there really motivated me to do it as well. Thanks for answering all my questions.

Random s2k (Jeff?) - Flashed his headlights on route 7 and saved my ass from a well placed cop right near the turn for Summit.

Now....the FATT

I got there a bit late, but still in time for registration. I drive to the paddock and start introducing myself to random people and started asking for help. I find the registration building and find out the next step was tech inspection. FAILED! Apparently the camera I had was not secured properly. The inspection guy had to go find his boss so they could explain to me how to do it properly. I also forgot to take everything out of my car first. I fixed the issues and passed with flying colors. I found the helmets to borrow (not as gross as I expected) and found the classroom. (Why aren't any doors labelled???) Class seemed to be ok, but didnt really explain anything except don't panic if you go off the track. I was assigned group1a so I got to go out first. Met up with an instructor named Mark. Not sure if anyone else has had him, but he was great. He took 3 laps in my car to give me the basics and then it was my turn.

(I was a lot tougher on myself then my instructor was, but here's my opinion of how it went)

1st session - I did okay, but learned I sucked at a few things. Using the whole track is something hard to get used to at first. I wasn't "shuffle steering" and I tended to turn in too early on a few corners. I was shifting too much (probably my biggest mistake). I also kept moving my right hand to the shift knob instead of keeping it on the steering wheel.

2nd session - I did A LOT better. My lines improved a bit and I started using better steering techniques. I was also told I would be placed in group 2 for the rest of the day.

3rd session - I ran my quickest lap! 1:44 (okay I know that it's not incredible or anything, but please remember I drive a G35 and this was my first time on a track so keep any rude comments to yourself because I'm damn happy about it) I also find out Group 2 is too full and I couldn't be in it

After the third session I got so sick I ended up going home. I was unable to finish the day, but am trying to work out going back in June or August.

Here's a few more details (if you didn't get enough already)

Average lap time (including 1st lap): 1:49
Fastest lap time: 1:44
Average speed: 65.67MPH
Gas mileage: 6.6MPG

Thanks again everyone for helping me out and letting me share this experience.

Video: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=65...707570496&hl=en

Pictures:

 

[QUOTE=civicguyinva,Apr 23 2007, 09:05 AM] 3rd session - I ran my quickest lap!

 

 

Glad to hear it went well, pretty much like my first track experience.

It's information overload, I find the 2 day schools are better, the next day everything kind of clicks.

A 1:44 is good for a first timer (how did you get lap times anyway?)

 

[QUOTE=WhrDLMI,Apr 23 2007, 08:19 AM] G35's are slooooow...

 

How'd that happen?

 

Older (but nice) lady who has only owned it 4 months. I didn't pass the s2000, I passed the driver

I passed:
350z (good battle)
s2000
miata (a few times)
z3


I got owned by:
viper
yeller vette (every single friggin session)
gutted evo
modded 350z

guy wouldn't let me pass:
vw gti (if you read this, WTF is your F'n problem???????)

 

Nice write-up and welcome to the track

 

Thank you sir!

 

Mike, glad to hear you had a good experience!

As George said, that pretty much explains the first day. I was fortunate to have other S owners around for my first event, however, that first session is a nutcracker(humbling).

Look forward to hearing more track exploits from you soon.