So tomorrow 9/4/2010 there is a HPDE at the Milwaukee Mile. cost is $190 and I'm just wondering if it is actually money well spent to go there as a novice and try to get an instructor ride along, or would I be better off doing auto-x next year? Supposedly 2hr of track time is what you get for the money at this event.

I guess I'm concerned about wear and tear on the car. I just cruise on the street but would love to see what the car can really do. The mods I have are KW V3's and a gendron front sway as well as dunlop direzza in 225/255. (purchased car with these mods) I don't have aspirations of becoming a racer but I would like to be able to thrash the car legally.

How did everyone else feel after their first track day?

 

Much better than Auto-X. Go do it.

 

Addicted.

 

It will be the best money you ever spent.

+1 on the addicted comment. My first HPDE track day was in Oct. 2003, and I have done about 200 track days since, including two years of club racing wheel-to-wheel.

 

If this is your goal:

...then this isn't true:

...as you likely won't (intentionally) get anywhere as near to your car's limits at your first track day as you would at an autocross.

Regardless, by all means go for it -- track days are fun.

 

Be careful man,

Once you start, it's hard to stop.

 

Well worth the money! You will get hooked and be amazed at what your car is capable of!

 

"Racing makes heroin addiction look like a vague wish for something salty. ~ Peter Egan

I became addicted after one HPDE last year at Willow Springs (Big Willow). Track Ho since...

 

I am very money conscious. I hesitated to do my first track day because I thought it was too expensive. Since then (a year and a half ago) I have done 9 or 10 events... If you add up the money involved including event fees, tires, brakes, hotels or camping, gas, etc, I have spent over $7000 on this hobby.

Was it worth it?...every penny. You should do one, but you are warned: You will become addicted and will spend money. Despite the cost, the experience and knowledge you gain, and friends you meet, make it completely worthwhile!

 

best mod youll ever get!! i just did my first event last thursday and friday and had a blast absolutly worth the money. the car was amazing the whole experience was awesome go do it and have fun!