Track Time..how to get it
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Portland
I've been thinking about doing the ProDrive school as well, but the fee is a little steep, since all I want is track-time. I have no doubt I can benefit from the auto-x and skid-car sessions, but spending $400x2 in order to get track time for $170 a-pop is a bit much.
Don't forget there are 2 ICSCC clubs in Portland that do track-days.
Each charges about $200.
Cascade Sports Car Club: http://www.cascadescc.com
Team Continental: http://www.teamcontinental.com
I'm considering the TC event on Aug. 8.
For helmets, it seems that Bell is a popular brand, and not outrageously expensive either - $200-$300. Unfortunately if you have a fat-head like mine (no correlation to IQ unfortunately), your helmet choices are fewer. I couldn't fit into any of the XL-size Bell helmets and had to buy a more expensive Bieffe XXL. Also I now wish I had a larger eyeport, because my up-down field of view is very narrow. I have to tilt my head down just to see the top of the instrument cluster.
Check out Race-Central or Competition Motorsports for your racing stuff. CM has a large selection of Bell Helmets, but RC has a wider inventory I think. (I got my helmet from RC)
Marcus
Don't forget there are 2 ICSCC clubs in Portland that do track-days.
Each charges about $200.
Cascade Sports Car Club: http://www.cascadescc.com
Team Continental: http://www.teamcontinental.com
I'm considering the TC event on Aug. 8.
For helmets, it seems that Bell is a popular brand, and not outrageously expensive either - $200-$300. Unfortunately if you have a fat-head like mine (no correlation to IQ unfortunately), your helmet choices are fewer. I couldn't fit into any of the XL-size Bell helmets and had to buy a more expensive Bieffe XXL. Also I now wish I had a larger eyeport, because my up-down field of view is very narrow. I have to tilt my head down just to see the top of the instrument cluster.
Check out Race-Central or Competition Motorsports for your racing stuff. CM has a large selection of Bell Helmets, but RC has a wider inventory I think. (I got my helmet from RC)
Marcus
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Foster City, CA
Originally posted by Marcus
Check out Race-Central or Competition Motorsports for your racing stuff. CM has a large selection of Bell Helmets, but RC has a wider inventory I think. (I got my helmet from RC)
Marcus
Check out Race-Central or Competition Motorsports for your racing stuff. CM has a large selection of Bell Helmets, but RC has a wider inventory I think. (I got my helmet from RC)
Marcus
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From: Way Deep South Bellevue
You really don't want an open face helmet for any car, especially a convertible. There is a lot of opportunity for a good chunk of something hitting you, possibly a mad rabbit with sharp pointy teeth too. You never know.
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Portland
Yes.
Race Central is just off I-5 near PIR. http://www.racecentralonline.com
Competition Motorsports is north of the Rose Garden.
Sorry I don't have a website address. They are in the Yellow Pages under Automobile -> Racing Supplies.
Marcus
Race Central is just off I-5 near PIR. http://www.racecentralonline.com
Competition Motorsports is north of the Rose Garden.
Sorry I don't have a website address. They are in the Yellow Pages under Automobile -> Racing Supplies.
Marcus
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Redmond
Some of the schools recommend students to get open face helmets so it is easier to communicate between student and instructor while in the car.
I've tried driving on the track with the top up and down and I personally prefer track driving with it up. Car goes faster, it doesn't get as dirty/messy when you spin off into the dirt, and it keeps whatever flying debris from hitting you. But I'm sure folks who like lapping with the top down would claim better visability, etc.
I bought a closed face Bel because I wanted to be able to use it while recreational karting. It also looks a bit less dorky IMO. But sometimes I wish I had gone with an open face model so it's easier to talk, and it doesn't squish my cheeks so I don't look like a chipmunk....
Just some things to think about.
I've tried driving on the track with the top up and down and I personally prefer track driving with it up. Car goes faster, it doesn't get as dirty/messy when you spin off into the dirt, and it keeps whatever flying debris from hitting you. But I'm sure folks who like lapping with the top down would claim better visability, etc.
I bought a closed face Bel because I wanted to be able to use it while recreational karting. It also looks a bit less dorky IMO. But sometimes I wish I had gone with an open face model so it's easier to talk, and it doesn't squish my cheeks so I don't look like a chipmunk....
Just some things to think about.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,561
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From: Foster City, CA
Thanks for all the help guys. I have another question. I am thinking about buying a set of race brake pads. I have an almost new set of oem brake pads on right now and would rather not glaze the fockers too bad. I was thinking about just putting on a nice set of race/street pads for the day and then take them off and put the oem ones back on. Can you recommend a good pad that i can drive to the track without too much squeeling and will work at low temps, but is a real decent performer on the track?
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From: Seattle
Jim can hook you up with the Carbotech Panther Plus, which I really like, and I think he has some new ones, too.
I think the Panther Plus is a very good pad on the track, and is useable on the street for driving to and from the track, or if you're lazy and leave it on for a few days, but that first stop getting off the freeway always reminds you that it likes to be hot. Makes a fair amount of dust, but I haven't had too much noise from 'em. Switching back to OEM pads for the street is the right way to go; take if from a guy who tried to find 'compromise' pads for both.
I think the Panther Plus is a very good pad on the track, and is useable on the street for driving to and from the track, or if you're lazy and leave it on for a few days, but that first stop getting off the freeway always reminds you that it likes to be hot. Makes a fair amount of dust, but I haven't had too much noise from 'em. Switching back to OEM pads for the street is the right way to go; take if from a guy who tried to find 'compromise' pads for both.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,561
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From: Foster City, CA
Originally posted by Tedster
Jim can hook you up with the Carbotech Panther Plus, which I really like, and I think he has some new ones, too.
I think the Panther Plus is a very good pad on the track, and is useable on the street for driving to and from the track, or if you're lazy and leave it on for a few days, but that first stop getting off the freeway always reminds you that it likes to be hot. Makes a fair amount of dust, but I haven't had too much noise from 'em. Switching back to OEM pads for the street is the right way to go; take if from a guy who tried to find 'compromise' pads for both.
Jim can hook you up with the Carbotech Panther Plus, which I really like, and I think he has some new ones, too.
I think the Panther Plus is a very good pad on the track, and is useable on the street for driving to and from the track, or if you're lazy and leave it on for a few days, but that first stop getting off the freeway always reminds you that it likes to be hot. Makes a fair amount of dust, but I haven't had too much noise from 'em. Switching back to OEM pads for the street is the right way to go; take if from a guy who tried to find 'compromise' pads for both.
