This is why I thought there was going to be a group buy on this event:

[QUOTE]Originally posted by DSF_S2k
[B]Yes Yes... It was indeed alot of fun... Can't wait till this next one.

 

DEs - usually known as "Open Track" events - are run by a variety of different types of groups. I would classify them something like this:
1) a single car brand runs them and does not let in other brands of cars
2) a single brand club runs them and sometimes lets in other types of cars
3) a "open track" group runs them and is not associated with a brand
4) run by a car dealer for their own brand (very few other types of cars allowed).

I've been instructing in these for the past 6 years and driving in them for even longer.

There are two things you choose from here. It all depends on what you want - either is fine as long as you have fun and get what you want out of the car!
1) have a fun day watching nearly identical S2000s going around the track and talking to all the other owners;
2) Attend a professional high performance drving course

Either is fine, but you should know the differences...

IMHO, for "professional" instruction, I would recommend that you choose an event that is not brand-centric. You'll get a much better skill level of instructor: instructors who have experience in many different types of cars *really* understand how things work and how to teach. On the flip side are groups that focus solely on a single brand, and only allow in other brands so they can make some money. There is a rather pompous group out of Houston who is the prime example of this: it leads to very snotty club club leadership and "attitude", some snotty owners, and getting forced to accept a line (method of driving the track) around the course which is optimal only for their particular car's inherent and bizarre handling traits. In clubs that like that one, you'll get forced to accept the training that is for their brand of cars - not ours (and not anyone else's). Sometimes the instructors will get honest and say "we're told to instruct the turn like this, but obviously a better line for your car and driving skill would be like this". Most students in these get different instructions from every instructor and over every weekend.

So, IMHO, the best thing to do in Texas is to go with Drivers Edge and/or the TWS Motorsport Club. They may or may not cost a bit extra, but the quality and satisfaction is far better and will make you a far better driver.

I'm glad to see JE run their yearly event; it does good for our brand and gets a lot of people started. But, the *real* events where you'd learn the best and most wouldn't be run by that type of group.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Chris S
[B]

The Driver's Edge offers a 10% discount, and other benefits, if we can round up at least 10 participants.

 

Hey, long time no talk!

If you "push" a Viper hard enough into a turn, they will spin out. especially the older ones! Just don't be behind them in a straightaway!

 

Now that y'all have read Jeff's comments, which event (if not both) is everyone planning to attend? I'd prefer to do Driver's Edge despite the added cost b/c I feel it will be a better learning experience, but it's also a lot more fun to go w/ friends, esp. since there's going to be lots of dead time to kill.

 

I want to get in one of the next DE events at TWS. Hopefully my tires will still be ok to run then, only 6200ish miles right now on the stocks and I haven't really pushed the car at all for any amount of time so they still are lookin alright. Should I just run the stock brake pads/fluid and change after the event or should I change before or what?

 

If its your first time out to a DE event at TWS, stock brake pads and fluid should be okay. Its not too terribly hard on brakes and not too terribly hard on tires. Well... it can be, but I believe you should be fine for a first time out if you haven't been to one yet.

The tires, it depends how much tread is left. You might be able to get by with them, unless they've gone or getting real close to the slippery stage in their life.

 

I agree 100% with what Jeff said, but just to add commentary: the last JEH track day I went to (which was the first track event I had been to) John Eagle hired drivers edge to practically run it for them. One of my instructors (I had two; one for each day) was a drivers edge instructor. I was very pleased with the instructors I had at the John Eagle Honda track event (for both days).

The big factor for me is going where I know there will people I know, so that I can hang out with friends in the dead time. I know John Eagle Honda will have several familiar faces and that I will have fun no matter what.

If my pocket book can handle it I will go to both, but for now I will definitely go to the JEH event as I have already committed to Rus.

BTW, Rus do you accept credit cards?

Just kidding, but let me know when and how to get you your money.

 

As many of you can attest, I have been a big advocate of DE events since I took my first one last year. I personally like the Driver's Edge events more for a variety of reasons; different types of cars on the track, very focused on safety, especially good for first timers with more classroom instruction. But they are all good.

Except, as Randy noted, for the band at JEH days. If they are listening, drop it and show a racing film, or even "The fast and the furious".

I am signed up for the March Driver's Edge event so I'll see you there Chris D.

And John, cash or check, but no hurry!

And Jeff, it's OK to say that the Porshe Club sucks! IMHO!

 

I thoroughly enjoyed the JEH event I attended. Except the band. I was tired by then anyway and went back to the hotel. I would like to see other cars so I might try a DE event sometime.

Russ: Mama said I could keep Melissa.

JD: I'll take the cash and give it (what's left) to Russ at LaFeria!