How I Spent My Birthday Weekend...HPDE Track Day

[PUCKER]

I know a few of the fellow gearheads on the forum will appreciate this...

Had my birthday weekend out at the MotorSports Ranch in Cresson, TX. It was a 2-day HDPE (High Performance Driving Event, aka "Track Day") put on by The Drivers Edge (http://www.thedriversedge.net/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;). They are a first-class organization, it was well-run and SAFE...oh yeah...and FUN too! I also learned quite a bit. Following are some photos, track layout as well as a video of my final session (total of 4 track sessions per day, 8 total). Vehicle is a 2013 Z06.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QxBufTRE0o





This photo is from registration Friday night, I should have taken a photo on Saturday or Sunday from the observation deck...it was PACKED!

[Beiruty]

Very sweet Z06. I would look forward to get 2014+ Z06 I like the new interior of the new stingray. I hope the quality is good too.
It is not a Z06 I am look for an AMG E-Sedan or Sation Wagon too. I like the AMGs.

How much was the total cost for 2 days?

[JP171]

looks like fun, if cars are your thing.

[Reds45ACP]

Good times. When I was in Nevada I used to run HPDEs/Time Attacks all over the southwest. They are a blast.

I actually used to make guys in Vette's angry in my MINI Cooper. I'd pass'em on track and they'd ask me what I had done to my MINI after the run session. They never believed me when I told them it was stock.

Guns and cars are my expensive addictions as well. Good thing we're in Texas.

[erick619]

Looks like awesomeness! ..It's been a while since I've been to the track - I'm jealous!

[PUCKER]

Oh, take a look at the 6:03 mark in my video (starting at top left of my screen, very small) and tell me what you see and why we all slowed down....

Wheeeeee!!

[PUCKER]

Very sweet Z06. I would look forward to get 2014+ Z06 I like the new interior of the new stingray. I hope the quality is good too.
It is not a Z06 I am look for an AMG E-Sedan or Sation Wagon too. I like the AMGs.

How much was the total cost for 2 days?

Thank you Beiruty. I really like the C7 (for those that wonder what C6, C7, etc. is, not talking about Cervical disks, speaking of generations of Corvettes, ie - C6 is the current/6th generation, C7 is the 7th generation that will be out hopefully this August/September). Planning on getting a Z51 for my wife, most likely the 2nd year, gotta let all the bugs (hopefully none) get worked out the first year. No final word on when a C7 Z06/ZR1 will be built (all speculation at this point, most likely a few years) so that is why I scratched the itch now with the C6 Z06. Most likely the last of the large naturally-aspirated motors in the vettes (LS7 7.0liter/427ci 505 HP).

I need to post up the video...a white S63 (or S65) AMG Sedan and I were having FUN out there. I came up on the S63 on my 4th session on Saturday, we were stuck in traffic, he was able to get by, it took me until the next passing zone to get clear...we played around for at least half track...I thought for sure I would pull the AMG in the straights...NOPE...that thing is SERIOUSLY fast! The driver (Mike) was very skilled as well. He eventually let me pass and we went on our merry way. After the session I went over and chatted/complimented him on his car and driving. It is a REALLY nice car...if you want speed, handling and 4-doors (and you have the $$$), that is THE car! We played around on Sunday on the 2nd or 3rd session and I let him by, we had too much FUN!

Cost for the weekend...offically it costs $315 for the school (Saturday and Sunday 4 sessions each, total of 8 sessions along with 7 classroom sessions). Money well spent! Of course, you have to add in hotel (if you want to stay local, which I prefer), wear/tear, cost of car (let's not discuss LOL)...

[Keith B]

Oh, take a look at the 6:03 mark in my video (starting at top left of my screen, very small) and tell me what you see and why we all slowed down....

Wheeeeee!!

Tire smoke and car in the grass on right. Driver needs new pants. LOL

[PUCKER]

Good times. When I was in Nevada I used to run HPDEs/Time Attacks all over the southwest. They are a blast.

I actually used to make guys in Vette's angry in my MINI Cooper. I'd pass'em on track and they'd ask me what I had done to my MINI after the run session. They never believed me when I told them it was stock.

Guns and cars are my expensive addictions as well. Good thing we're in Texas.

It's all about the driver, that is for sure! I like those Minis...I see them all the time at the SCCA Solo events lifting a tire in the corner (I get a close up view working corner stations)...they sound like sewing machines wound up, would like to take one for a spin (well, not a spin, but a drive!). I think there were a few of them at the track this past weekend, they were at a disadvantage though due to the length (3.1 miles) of the track and the long straightaways and high speed corners. They definitely rock the smaller tracks/solo events!

[GeekwithaGun]

looks like you had a great time - need to get my car out there next time.

[Reds45ACP]

Good times. When I was in Nevada I used to run HPDEs/Time Attacks all over the southwest. They are a blast.

I actually used to make guys in Vette's angry in my MINI Cooper. I'd pass'em on track and they'd ask me what I had done to my MINI after the run session. They never believed me when I told them it was stock.

Guns and cars are my expensive addictions as well. Good thing we're in Texas.

It's all about the driver, that is for sure! I like those Minis...I see them all the time at the SCCA Solo events lifting a tire in the corner (I get a close up view working corner stations)...they sound like sewing machines wound up, would like to take one for a spin (well, not a spin, but a drive!). I think there were a few of them at the track this past weekend, they were at a disadvantage though due to the length (3.1 miles) of the track and the long straightaways and high speed corners. They definitely rock the smaller tracks/solo events!

It's the straights that kill me. When all 172hp is getting used I come up short against 500+ hp. Long sweepers and high speed corners work to my advantage. I'm lightweight and don't have the monstrous torque so I can run a tighter line and I never have to lift. I used to run Willow Springs (big track) and I'd get hammered on the front and back straight then be right back onthier bumpers at the exit of the next turn.

When I ran Spring Mountain (3.5 config) I was holding my own because except the back straight before the bus stop there really weren't any long stretches.

Thanks for posting up. Good to know I'm not the only one with both hobbies.

C6 Z06s were the claiming of a crown for Corvettes. They became an out of the box track monster. I right-seated a few beginning students in them. They never cease to put a grin on my face with all that torque. :D

[PUCKER]

Thanks for posting up. Good to know I'm not the only one with both hobbies.

C6 Z06s were the claiming of a crown for Corvettes. They became an out of the box track monster. I right-seated a few beginning students in them. They never cease to put a grin on my face with all that torque. :D

It's quickly becoming an addiction...between postings I just found out about another (1/2) Track Day at MSR Cresson on April 6, but on the 1.7 mile (CCW, same way I ran the 3.1, so I "know" most of it). I have the wife signed up with her 2012 Corvette Grand Sport (her FIRST Track Day, first of any kind actually, she has not yet autocrossed) as well as myself.

I traded my 2012 Grand Sport in on the Z06...oh my, that's all I can say...it's stupid fast!

I should earn my "solo wings" next event with TDE...I'm more than happy to have a right-seater (hey, the weight balance never hurts LOL). At this point I know that I don't know much...and that there is sooooo much more to learn. My instructor did a two hot sessions in my car...yee haw! It really did help me get a better handle on things and to also see how much speed it could take...and how to use the whole track.

Below is a track layout map for the upcoming event:

[gigag04]

Nice! I've sold all my street bikes and picked up a race prepped R6 for this season. Plan on doing my 2 days at TWS in April and MSRH and TWS in May.

[PUCKER]

Nice! I've sold all my street bikes and picked up a race prepped R6 for this season. Plan on doing my 2 days at TWS in April and MSRH and TWS in May.

Very cool, that sounds like fun! I plan on running TWS sometime soon.

You know what's sad? Check out the stablemate to my Z...it hardly gets ridden...I could do track days on it too...I'm probably going to sell it as it just sits (so does the boat...whaaa whaaa right? LOL). I just don't know if they make leathers big enough for me...I have a nice jacket but I know that I need full leathers to hit the track. I do wear jeans along with race boots, helmet, gloves, armored jacket, etc...ATGATT! I guess I look at it this way, I'd rather have a an "off" in my vetter versus the bike...

[74novaman]

Looks like a blast.