"TheJWT" (thejwt)
06/23/2014 at 21:18 • Filed to: None
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"TheJWT" (thejwt)
06/23/2014 at 21:18 • Filed to: None | 0
| 12 |
I just got new tires for my car, and I want to start doing some sort of performance driving. Nelson Ledges (about an hour from me) does open track days a few times every month, and there are autocross events at Lorain county speedway just as regularly. Personally, I think that a track day sounds like more fun, but it costs $130 (as opposed to AutoX, which is free) and I'm not sure whether it would be good for a beginner like me. Which one do you guys think would be better to start with? Also, has anyone here driven around Nelson Ledges?
Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
> TheJWT
06/23/2014 at 21:20 |
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The Sentra would probably do better at an AutoX and your wallet will thank you.
daender
> TheJWT
06/23/2014 at 21:31 |
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I'm gonna say autocross for two major reasons.
1.) Start learning the boundaries of your car at a slower and more watchable speed/environment. Spinning out at an autocross is just a few cone marks and a damaged ego, spinning at a track at a higher rate of speed might lead to more damage/risks. Autocross is a great way to find the limits of your car in a completely safe environment.
2.) Track days actually cost more than advertised. You're going to go through quite a bit of gas at a track day close to maybe two whole tanks-worth, a second set of rotors and brake pads are HIGHLY recommended, brake fluid might need a flush afterward, and you'll end up spending close to $200+ for just a weekend
Also, free autocrosses are awesome, go there because I have to pay $30-$40 for my shenanigans.
roflcopter
> TheJWT
06/23/2014 at 21:32 |
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Your autoX's are free? 0.o
And I'd recommend the AutoX over the track day. No other idiots out there to mess up your ride. And you'll be able to push your car harder at an AutoX when you aren't watching out for all the other drivers honestly.
ITA Hondaboy
> TheJWT
06/23/2014 at 21:32 |
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Depends on your goals? Play with the car, autocross. SCCA/NASA/BMW Comp license, probably the track day.
I have some time at Nelson. The layout is fun, but it beat the last bit of life that my old G20 had in it. I vowed never to take a car that I cared about back there. However, they did repave a massive section of it recently, so it may be slightly better now.
48 Spoons
> TheJWT
06/23/2014 at 21:32 |
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If you have never driven a car hard, i'd say autocross purely from the stand point of if you screw in autocross, you'll hit a cone. You screw up at the track and you might hit a wall.
Decay buys too many beaters
> TheJWT
06/23/2014 at 21:33 |
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Personally, I prefer lapping days. I certainly wouldn't turn down free autocross though.
aquila121
> TheJWT
06/23/2014 at 21:50 |
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Like Vince said, start out with autocross to get a feel for finding the limit. It's cheaper, more forgiving if you make a mistake, and usually a little more relaxed when it comes to learning/ride-alongs. Even if you were to jump in on a fun-day at Nelson, I bet the beginner group would have a wide variety of cars that would blow past you on the straights if you're brand new. Another option to consider for your first on-track experience is the Mid-Ohio performance driving school. You pay the entry fee ($775, ouch) but you can use one of their Acura ILX cars, and get hours of class instruction and track time with their staff. It's a great way to get started if you can handle the cost.
I've been to Nelson several times, and while I like the relatively cheap entry fees and the fact that it can be easier on your brakes than other road courses, the track safety isn't the best. The course has many fast corners, and the tire walls are noticeably close to the track surface. Also, the tires are just piled up, not stacked in effective walls, so if you go off and hit them, it's a dice roll if your car may end up rolling. I had a friend put a wheel off and he spun and flipped his car (no injuries, thank god) due to those tire piles, from then on we started looking at other road courses to try. It's not a bad place to drive when everything goes right, but it can be unforgiving if something goes wrong.
Once you have a few autocrosses under your belt, invest in some performance brake pads and high boiling point brake fluid, then go out to a track day. I had a great experience with the AutoInterests group at Gingerman Raceway in Michigan, and also enjoyed BeaveRun in Pennsylvania. Oh, and if you can scrape it together, buy a helmet (a proper fit is important), and you won't have to deal with stink of a loaner helmet.
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TheJWT
> aquila121
06/23/2014 at 22:33 |
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I've looked into the driving courses at Mid-Ohio, I love the track but they're just too expensive. Thanks for the advice though, I'll look into the local autocross events!
Jayhawk Jake
> TheJWT
06/23/2014 at 22:37 |
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AutoX is a blast. Track days are probably fun too, but start with autox. If it's anything like every other AutoX in the world you should be able to get an instructor your first few runs which is great.
I've only done a few autox's, and I'm totally 100% addicted.
William Byrd
> TheJWT
06/24/2014 at 07:51 |
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Autocross. Not quite as hard on the car or your wallet and much less likely to end up in a tire wall.
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William Byrd
> TheJWT
06/24/2014 at 07:51 |
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Here's my autox primer if you decide to go that route.
http://www.rightfootdown.com/2014/autocross…
Andl
> roflcopter
06/24/2014 at 18:45 |
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'Push your car' is relative... I can remember hitting 60 in an autocross event. Track days you can go over 100 pretty often.