New Road Course in Bowling Green, KY

Tim, I'm not really interested in competiton, but I would like the opportunity to safely drive at speed on a track. Have you been to a 10/10ths event? I've looked through their website and I still have questions. Do they regularly have helmets available to rent? I'm also unclear on the seatbelt requirement. Is a lapbelt sufficient or is a 5 point harness required? This would be a deal breaker for me since I'm not interested in making this kind of modification. Bowling Green, KY appears to be a reasonably close track. Can you recommend anything closer with well planned corners and run-off areas? Thanks, Gene.
 
Couple of things...

1) The new Bowling Green track at the Corvette Museum is what I would consider a "Big" track with a long front straight. I drive in intermediate class, and have made a number of mods to my car for track days, and I don't feel like I (or my equipment) is ready for big tracks - yet.

2) Not a competition - no way. THIS IS NOT A RACE - we say that at the beginning of every session. These "lapping weekends" are 100% play. They are a test of your skill and ability, and your equipment. You will start in a novice class with similar drivers for at least 6 or 8 weekends until your skill level improves. Some guys take this thing very seriously. We want to be safe, have fun, and not break. It doesn't always work out that way....but....

3) It is huge fun....the most fun you'll ever have in your car - GUARANTEED.

4) You will want to improve your equipment, and you will want to improve yourself.

5) Most tracks have helmet rentals, but you'll want your own. $140.00

6) 5-Point harness is not necessary - 4 point for your car is a must. You'll want a 5-point eventually.

7) Tim and I like going to Putnam Park in Indiana a few times a year. Probably the closest and safest track. Plenty of run off if you get into trouble. Like driving on a track in the middle of a golf course. You are welcome to tag along anytime.

8) For the most part - this is nothing more than big time fun. I've spent some money (more than I'd like to admit) upgrading my vehicle for track days - and would be happy to talk to you more about that later. For now, just give it a shot with us this spring at Putnam. Tim is an awesome teacher, and I'm a pretty good cheerleader when I'm not fixing my car.

Finally - you have a beautiful car - flawless. If you are the kind of owner (with respect here) that will loose your cookies over a rock chip in your paint - this may not be for you. Although we may be able to take some precautions for your paint protection.

In my opinion, come with us one time. Sign up for a day and see what you think. I have an extra helmet. If it's not for you - you know soon enough.

I think that you will get bit - just like me and Tim - and you'll be want more and more, improving your equipment, getting to be a better driver - time and time again.
 
Gene, echo what Mark said. Only adder I have is I do have an extra helmet, it should fit. They will require at minimum a 4 point harness (2 over the shoulder and the lap belts). You will wear a long sleeve shirt and pants. IF it's something you like and want to continue doing, then there are some things that you can do to make your weekend more enjoyable. The only modification I make for a track weekend is:

- Change rotors to my track rotors
- Change my brake pads to my track pads
- Flush my brake fluid for high temp racing fluid
- Put on my slicks

For you, the prep would be to check the oil, and all fluids. Brake pads, just know going in that whatever pads you have on will more than likely get worn out by the end of the weekend, should you run both days. Tires, your tires are ok. You may play around with tire pressures to find what is comfortable for you. The Novice class will have instructors, but since you don't have a 2nd roll bar, they won't ride with you. They will observe you and answer any questions you may have. What makes the weekend fun is sitting in the pits and talking about your 'Oh Crap' moments on the track and getting feedback for improvement on the track.

The new track will not have the full straight in 2014, it will be a 1/2 mile straight. The full straight will be over 3/4 of a mile :eek: I would suggest you try Putnam first. Putnam is 3 1/2 hours away from St. Charles, so, it is a bit closer than Bowling Green. Let us know if other questions. Right now, Steve and I are going to this new track, not sure about anyone else yet, we'll see as the date get's closer. Looks like 10/11 and 10/12/2014 are the dates.
 
10/10ths Facebook page. Advanced filled, but they were able to move some of the novice group spots to Advanced, so they have more openings. I think I will pass on this one...maybe....I don't know, can't decide. :rolleyes:
 
The corvette factory and museum would be worth the trip alone. You could also get factory delivery of a new one. Yea, I said that.:D

Do you know if the big straight on that track will be open by then?

Have you ever run a straight that long?
 
The corvette factory and museum would be worth the trip alone. You could also get factory delivery of a new one. Yea, I said that.:D

Do you know if the big straight on that track will be open by then?

Have you ever run a straight that long?

Mark:

The 10/10ths web site says they're running the Grand Max; which includes the full straight.

I haven't run any straight of that length and there's no question that Lilly would be at top speed way before the end.

It appears to be a moot issue anyway since both advanced and intermediate are sold out.

Steve
 
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