Other track resources;
http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/Main_Page
http://www.mytrackschedule.com/Schedule.asp?Year=2013
So now what…
DRIVE!!!
The following events can be done with a street car with OEM safety equipment (3 point harness), a helmet, fresh brake fluid and pads.
This means pretty much any car, full size 80’s American boat with an automatic, SOHC FWD four with 80 whp. Brakes: I’m a fan of Carbotech brakes XP8, XP10. HAWK pads are also good Blue, HT10, DTC50, 60. ATE Suberblue or Motul RBF600 brake fluid. That’s all you “need” for mods. If the car in your driveway can keep its alignment on a smooth road it is trackable. Pretty much any car is fun to drive at the limit, don’t get hung up on a car must be a sports car, have world renowned handling, or be “fast”.
2013 Lapping Days (w & w/o instruction):
Watkins Glen has their schedule posted from about $350 for 2 weekdays to $450 weekends (varies alot between clubs)… You will want Non-Competitive.
2013 Glen Tentative: http://www.theglen.com/~/media/69C9E07306CA4C81977859D34FD76C57.ashx?#2012%20Driving%20Schools
BeaveRun is now PittRace has open track days for $180 on Fridays and other week days, some weekends. http://pittrace.com/schedule.html . But don’t go this year (wait for them to pave the South course).
Nelson Ledges usually has an open track for $130 before SCCA events, their site doesn’t get updated much so call.
http://www.nelsonledges.com/GOTfunDays.aspx
The best way to find a drivers school is google track name + school , BMW club, EMRA, SCCA, NASA, COMSCC, ect. ect.
2013 DRIVER SCHOOLS / HPDE / TIME TRIALS:
COMSCC
NASA Northeast Schedule
http://www.nasanortheast.com/events.html
NASA HPDE (High Performance Driver Event = track day w/ and/or w/o instruction):
http://www.nasane.com/events.html
https://www.nasaproracing.com/event/1540
-Most are HPDE events with instruction, looks like a lot are on Fridays before race weekends which means you can spectate as well:
EMRA’s Time Trial Schedule
http://www.emraracing.org/Race/TimeTrials.aspx
-Some instruction for beginners, you will want the (Time Trails) for non race prepared cars:
Time Trials, Hillclimbs, Regional Racing, National Racing and Pro Racing.
PDX Level 1 = this is instruction for time trailing (required).
Level 3 = basically time attack. I will try to get further information on licensing for this. But do not expect to just show up and be able to run. It looks like a roll bar (not full cage) is required… http://www.scca.com/documents/Club%20Rules/2007TTR.pdf
Hillclimb (Level 4) = time attack ON THE STREET, back roads and hills. You need a SCCA (or approved license) AND a approved cage 6+ points.
Driver’s School = these are for caged cars, for drivers wanting to get their novice permit to get into road racing.
Regional Racing = Club racing. I am not sure what the specific situation with spectating is. But ususally they don’t want to turn someone away that is curious.
National Racing = Club racing with a bigger budget. Most tracks will charge admission. I know the Glen was $20 last year for 2 days.
Pro Racing = pro racing. Tracks charge admission, I don’t know the $ amount.
Northeast Division SCCA
Look for PDX and TT:
BMW CCA Genesee Valley Chapter:
http://www.gvc-bmwcca.org/DrivingSchool/WhatsNew.aspx