Interested in Road Racing

67TXStang · 11-03-2009, 10:36 PM

Before I purchased my Mustang, I went to Hallett with a group of Shelby and Mustang owners. I knew one of their sons and was invited to ride along in a '67 Shelby and a '66 Shelby which was road race ready. It was a ton of fun and contributed to my interest in Mustangs.

I've enjoyed driving my Mustang on the road but have wondered how I could get into some type road racing for beginners. My car is not very nice but I don't want to install a roll cage or replace windows with nets or anything. I would just like the chance to run around a track like Hallett in street form. Does this exist?

The Corinthian Vintage Racing group is going to be at TWS next weekend. I think I'll go as a spectator to see what it is all about but based on their website they require several race specific modifications (5 point seatbelts, window nets, etc).

Does what I'm looking for exist?

LMan · 11-03-2009, 11:15 PM

It does exist, its called HPDE (hi performance driving experience), offered by the National Auto Sport Assn ( NASA Pro Racing Site News & Content ) Theres a chapter in Texas, you can find their information at

NASA TEXAS RACING // OFFICIAL SITE

enjoy!

JonK · 11-03-2009, 11:29 PM

I'm sure a track in Tx has it, the club I belong to Music City Mustang Club hosts one twice a yr. with 3 levels of experience starting with novice. I know some of the cars didn't have roll bars, etc., maybe when you get into competition that involves passing and higher speeds it will be required. I'm sure you'll need a helmet at a min. so check to see what the req. helmet type is. We have a track day 2X/yr. @ $135/day, but other car clubs sponsor days to and ask if anyone wants to bring their car to be able to pay for the rental of the track. I would check the calendar for your local track and then call them or contact the car club (porsche, bmw, etc.) that is having the next track day.

At our yearly carshow they let us do 'parade laps' at lunch at Nashville SuperSpeedway when the racers take a break, it's not the whole loop, just the straight aways and then down into an autocross course and back out onto the straights, I broke 90 mph in the wifes '09 V6, it was a blast for ~6 laps.

jeff33702 · 11-04-2009, 12:05 AM

Check out Welcome to TrackGuys!! .

I've been to Sebring twice with them and it's awesome. They do events all over the country.

silverblueBP · 11-04-2009, 08:45 AM

Along with what LMan said, look for tracks that have Porsche, Audi and BMW Clubs DE weekends. Open track is what you're looking for. I think Hallett has something, COMMA comes to mind, but you can check it out at their site.

Here in Kansas, Heartland Park has 3 weekends a year with the Audi and Porsche Clubs. The track also has a "Touring Club" that has 1 to 2 track days a month, from April to October! It costs $20 to be a member and $60 per track day. I try to make it to as many as I can, including the DE weekends. Try to start with something that you will get some good instruction at.

Oh yeah, you'll never have to search for your smile again

!

roadracer · 11-04-2009, 02:14 PM

Sent you a PM

NEMustang · 11-04-2009, 09:03 PM

I had to fly from Boston to San Fran for business, noted that National Auto Sport Association has an event at Infineon Raceway (Sears Point). I joined for $45 and signed up for the High Performance Driving Event. I can take any car in decent condition onto the track for four 1/2 hour session for $179. You start at HPDE-1 (with a free instructor) and can move to HPDE-2, -3 and -4 (-2=solo, -3=solo with more passing ops, -4=pass anywhere). NASA does timed events and more. The also run the American Iron and American Iron Extreme series. Many events all over the US...check them out at NASA Pro Racing Site News & Content.

BTW, since i'm just visiting San Fran, I rented a Hertz Mustang (I know...V6 Auto) for $35 a day and will run that for first time in HPDE-1. I just need to bring my Snell 2000 or newer helmet and some tape for numbers on the side.

I will have a car prepared for next season...meeting with Bruce Griggs on Monday looking at a GR40-ST

67TXStang · 11-04-2009, 10:15 PM

Thank you for all the responses.

The local track has Porsche and other club days. I'm a little ignorant on this so I thought they were for a specific club or something. I did not know others might be able to attend.

I'm going to look into HPDE a little. It sounds like what I'm looking for.

rmousir · 11-05-2009, 07:57 PM

for these track days, does your car have to have a well painted body? My car is mechanically sound (as far as I know) but my car is far from a show car. Would it still be acceptable, if it passed the mechanical check?

roadracer · 11-05-2009, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Would it still be acceptable, if it passed the mechanical check

Yes

**bbenthin** · 11-07-2009, 11:52 AM

Congrats on your fist hit from the "go-fast crack pipe".
FYI - There is no 12 step program.

shelbyman1 · 11-15-2009, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmousir

for these track days, does your car have to have a well painted body?

Paint optional.

shelbyman1 · 11-15-2009, 04:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmousir

for these track days, does your car have to have a well painted body? My car is mechanically sound (as far as I know) but my car is far from a show car. Would it still be acceptable, if it passed the mechanical check?

Ohhhhhhhh forgot to tell you....one you start this check to make sure you have a good HELOC on your house with a 0 balance.

I don't get this new website...when you click on the icons they dont show up where they used to and my avatar is gone....WTF

JonK · 11-15-2009, 10:33 AM

? Maybe you have to reload your avatar, your sig pic isn't coming through, just this:

"Account Inactive.
lukesmith45's account has been inactive for 90 days visit photobucket.com"
Jon

pretzel · 11-15-2009, 11:37 AM

Here in Houston we have a SCCA road course that I used to race in and all you need is a DOT helment. It is a open parking lot (alot of times at the Horse track) and some cones but still fun!!