Tracked the Car at High Performance Driving School... (long)
04-24-2008, 06:33 AM
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Tracked the Car at High Performance Driving School... (long)
I completed my second High Performance Driving School (HPDS) this past weekend (April 18-20, 2008) at Pocono Raceway. As with last year, I attended the Cumberland Valley Corvette Club (CVCC) event with some friends and acquaintances. The CVCC is an awesome group of people, and I'm grateful they don't mind a few non-vette guys whoring around their event. :-)
If your curious about the event details, please read on. I hope this to be a reference for anyone looking to do something like this. If not, enjoy the pictures (below).
<b>The Course</b>
We again ran the Pocono North Road Course, which is a 1.5 mile road course with 9 turns and two straights. The long straight is used by NASCAR, they call it Turn-3, we call it the "bowl" because the banking makes you feel like you are driving in a bowl. We run Turn-3 the opposite way from the "big boys".
<b>The Event</b>
<i>Ok- First the requirements:</i>
1. SNELL SA2000 or higher helmet.
2. 5BC fire Extinguisher on board
3. Car must pass tech (No leaking fluids, lugnuts tight, required safety gear onboard and working)
4. Driver must have completed Medical Form (Filled out by yourself...)
5. Track and CVCC liability waivers must be signed.
<i>Some quick rules (just a few of them):</i>
1. No timing or true racing of any sort.
2. Limited passing zone (requires a hand signal from the other driver)
3. Have fun and be safe. (duh!!)
<i>Group Break-outs</i>
1. Green- Beginners (Me)
2. Yellow- Intermediate
3. Blue- Advanced
4. Red- Advanced
5. White- Instructors
Last year I went to the event with something to prove and my driving ultimately suffered because of my attitude. I was interested in passing Corvettes, and not interested in becoming a better driver. This year, I was much more relaxed and had no interest in being signed off for solo time, or passing vettes for that matter- in fact I preferred to be as far away from the other students as possible so I could focus on MY driving.
My buddy ended up being my instructor, and I am really glad because every time out; we worked on a weak area of my driving. Below is a breakout of the major points of the weekend for my group... The classroom stuff was the same for everyone in the Green Group... the Track sessions were specific to my needs/strengths.
Friday: Tech/Inspection in Hotel Parking lot.
DAY 1: Saturday
Classroom 1: Covered Signal Stations, Flags, Hand Signals, Rules, basic lines, etc.
1st Track Session: Re-learned the track and the proper driving lines, break points, apexes, etc. My instructor drove my car the last 10 minutes of the session.
2nd Track Session: Worked on smoothing inputs at speed.
Classroom 2: Recap of On-track sessions, discussions on trail braking, "Setting" the controls, Traction Basics
3rd Track Session: "Setting" the steering wheel to minimize inputs.
4th Session: Adjusted drive lines for a few corners for better consistency.
Day 2: Sunday
Classroom 3: Recap of On-Track sessions, Slip Angles, Yaw, more advanced driving concepts
5th Session: Performing all of the above at higher speeds.
6th Session: Having fun with much faster and safer laps.
In between the 3rd and 4th sessions, I took a ride with my instructor in his BMW and in his class. WOW. I honestly believe he may be The STIG from Top Gear. Ok, I made that last part up... but I was very, very impressed. He drove every inch of that car like it was an extension of his body and his driving exemplified everything he was trying to teach me.
After the whole ordeal, I defiantly learned a ton. And more importantly- I was safer this time out. After hours of classroom and practical driving... the speed came on it's own and I didn't feel I was rushing things or pushing my limits. I have NO doubt that I was MUCH faster this time out and it came more naturally and safer.
<b>The cars:</b>
There were 4 Audis and a BMW among my group of friends, but we were divided among the skill groups so we didn't get on the track together. Below are the cars, and the basic mods for each. Sorry for the crappy cell phone pictures, it's all I have right now.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/115576/img100.jpg">
This is my 06 Audi A4, 2.0T. Totally stock running on Dunlap SP sport Maxx tires.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/115576/img104.jpg">
94? BMW 325i, Exhaust, chip, suspension work, brake upgrades, and track tires.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/115576/img106.jpg">
02 Audi S4, Stage "3-Minus" K04 Setup, AWE Exhaust, Hodgkis Swaybars (F&R), upgraded pads/fluid track tires.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/115576/img108.jpg">
01 Audi S4, Stock software/turbos, Swaybars, aftermarket brakepads/fluid, 4-pt harnesses, track tires.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/115576/img119.jpg">
Coupe Quattro- Everything. This is a vintage race car built by Audi for the Escort series. The owner is restoring it to orginal Audi racing spec. He was working out some kinks with the car for competitive racing. Very freaking cool.
<b>Cost</b>
Each school is different... I paid $275 for the school, $88 per-night for hotel (2 nights) coming to a total of $451. If you were just starting out, you'd also need a helmet and fire extinguisher. I paid $148 for the helmet off of e-bay, and I had the $54 fire extinguisher from last year. Total: $653 for the required tangibles.
Then add your food and bar bills, and wear and tear... Brakes and Tires will be worn down and the life will be shortened. As for brakes, I still have plenty of pad/rotor at 27,000 miles including 400 miles on the track, but the tires will be due end of the summer and now make a considerable amount of noise. (NOTE: Track time would destroy non-performance rubber, a.k.a. All Season Tires). It would also be a REALLY good idea to perform an oil change following the event, as well as a brake flush.
In any case... it cost me less than a grand for one of the most fun weekends of my life- well worth it in my book. Not to mention it was about 200 miles of track time, with even more possible if I had stayed for the two-three more afternoon sessions on Sunday.
<b>Track Shots</b>
Most schools will hire a photographer to come take shots. Tom Branoff Photography does many Pocono events, and does an awesome job. Here are some of the shots from his page. I'm waiting to get my CD and I'll post some Hi-Res shots.
Pictures of my Car...
<img src="https://picproofs.net/tbranoff/cvcc/images/green-mini-TOM_1673.JPG">
<img src="https://picproofs.net/tbranoff/cvcc/images/green-mini-TRB_7976.JPG">
<img src="https://picproofs.net/tbranoff/cvcc/images/green-mini-TRB_8202.JPG">
<img src="https://picproofs.net/tbranoff/cvcc/images/green-mini-TRB_8265.JPG">
<img src="https://picproofs.net/tbranoff/cvcc/images/green-mini-TRB_8361.JPG">
<img src="https://picproofs.net/tbranoff/cvcc/images/green-mini-TRB_8412.JPG">
Pictures of Friend's Cars...
<img src="https://picproofs.net/tbranoff/cvcc/images/blue-mini-TRB_7241.JPG">
<img src="https://picproofs.net/tbranoff/cvcc/images/white-mini-TOM_1335.JPG">
<img src="https://picproofs.net/tbranoff/cvcc/images/yellow-mini-TOM_1462.JPG">
<img src="https://picproofs.net/tbranoff/cvcc/images/blue-mini-TOM_1761">
<b>Video</b>
I don't have video of my car since my cameras left with my wife. But... I have the next best thing... video of two of my buddies. Bear in mind they are in an advanced group and run a bit faster than my group- but it shows the track, the event, and the passing zone.
<a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=C4fDVOPURQE">Race Prepped C4 Vette/Race Prepped Audi Coupe Quattro</a>
If your curious about the event details, please read on. I hope this to be a reference for anyone looking to do something like this. If not, enjoy the pictures (below).
<b>The Course</b>
We again ran the Pocono North Road Course, which is a 1.5 mile road course with 9 turns and two straights. The long straight is used by NASCAR, they call it Turn-3, we call it the "bowl" because the banking makes you feel like you are driving in a bowl. We run Turn-3 the opposite way from the "big boys".
<b>The Event</b>
<i>Ok- First the requirements:</i>
1. SNELL SA2000 or higher helmet.
2. 5BC fire Extinguisher on board
3. Car must pass tech (No leaking fluids, lugnuts tight, required safety gear onboard and working)
4. Driver must have completed Medical Form (Filled out by yourself...)
5. Track and CVCC liability waivers must be signed.
<i>Some quick rules (just a few of them):</i>
1. No timing or true racing of any sort.
2. Limited passing zone (requires a hand signal from the other driver)
3. Have fun and be safe. (duh!!)
<i>Group Break-outs</i>
1. Green- Beginners (Me)
2. Yellow- Intermediate
3. Blue- Advanced
4. Red- Advanced
5. White- Instructors
Last year I went to the event with something to prove and my driving ultimately suffered because of my attitude. I was interested in passing Corvettes, and not interested in becoming a better driver. This year, I was much more relaxed and had no interest in being signed off for solo time, or passing vettes for that matter- in fact I preferred to be as far away from the other students as possible so I could focus on MY driving.
My buddy ended up being my instructor, and I am really glad because every time out; we worked on a weak area of my driving. Below is a breakout of the major points of the weekend for my group... The classroom stuff was the same for everyone in the Green Group... the Track sessions were specific to my needs/strengths.
Friday: Tech/Inspection in Hotel Parking lot.
DAY 1: Saturday
Classroom 1: Covered Signal Stations, Flags, Hand Signals, Rules, basic lines, etc.
1st Track Session: Re-learned the track and the proper driving lines, break points, apexes, etc. My instructor drove my car the last 10 minutes of the session.
2nd Track Session: Worked on smoothing inputs at speed.
Classroom 2: Recap of On-track sessions, discussions on trail braking, "Setting" the controls, Traction Basics
3rd Track Session: "Setting" the steering wheel to minimize inputs.
4th Session: Adjusted drive lines for a few corners for better consistency.
Day 2: Sunday
Classroom 3: Recap of On-Track sessions, Slip Angles, Yaw, more advanced driving concepts
5th Session: Performing all of the above at higher speeds.
6th Session: Having fun with much faster and safer laps.
In between the 3rd and 4th sessions, I took a ride with my instructor in his BMW and in his class. WOW. I honestly believe he may be The STIG from Top Gear. Ok, I made that last part up... but I was very, very impressed. He drove every inch of that car like it was an extension of his body and his driving exemplified everything he was trying to teach me.
After the whole ordeal, I defiantly learned a ton. And more importantly- I was safer this time out. After hours of classroom and practical driving... the speed came on it's own and I didn't feel I was rushing things or pushing my limits. I have NO doubt that I was MUCH faster this time out and it came more naturally and safer.
<b>The cars:</b>
There were 4 Audis and a BMW among my group of friends, but we were divided among the skill groups so we didn't get on the track together. Below are the cars, and the basic mods for each. Sorry for the crappy cell phone pictures, it's all I have right now.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/115576/img100.jpg">
This is my 06 Audi A4, 2.0T. Totally stock running on Dunlap SP sport Maxx tires.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/115576/img104.jpg">
94? BMW 325i, Exhaust, chip, suspension work, brake upgrades, and track tires.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/115576/img106.jpg">
02 Audi S4, Stage "3-Minus" K04 Setup, AWE Exhaust, Hodgkis Swaybars (F&R), upgraded pads/fluid track tires.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/115576/img108.jpg">
01 Audi S4, Stock software/turbos, Swaybars, aftermarket brakepads/fluid, 4-pt harnesses, track tires.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/115576/img119.jpg">
Coupe Quattro- Everything. This is a vintage race car built by Audi for the Escort series. The owner is restoring it to orginal Audi racing spec. He was working out some kinks with the car for competitive racing. Very freaking cool.
<b>Cost</b>
Each school is different... I paid $275 for the school, $88 per-night for hotel (2 nights) coming to a total of $451. If you were just starting out, you'd also need a helmet and fire extinguisher. I paid $148 for the helmet off of e-bay, and I had the $54 fire extinguisher from last year. Total: $653 for the required tangibles.
Then add your food and bar bills, and wear and tear... Brakes and Tires will be worn down and the life will be shortened. As for brakes, I still have plenty of pad/rotor at 27,000 miles including 400 miles on the track, but the tires will be due end of the summer and now make a considerable amount of noise. (NOTE: Track time would destroy non-performance rubber, a.k.a. All Season Tires). It would also be a REALLY good idea to perform an oil change following the event, as well as a brake flush.
In any case... it cost me less than a grand for one of the most fun weekends of my life- well worth it in my book. Not to mention it was about 200 miles of track time, with even more possible if I had stayed for the two-three more afternoon sessions on Sunday.
<b>Track Shots</b>
Most schools will hire a photographer to come take shots. Tom Branoff Photography does many Pocono events, and does an awesome job. Here are some of the shots from his page. I'm waiting to get my CD and I'll post some Hi-Res shots.
Pictures of my Car...
<img src="https://picproofs.net/tbranoff/cvcc/images/green-mini-TOM_1673.JPG">
<img src="https://picproofs.net/tbranoff/cvcc/images/green-mini-TRB_7976.JPG">
<img src="https://picproofs.net/tbranoff/cvcc/images/green-mini-TRB_8202.JPG">
<img src="https://picproofs.net/tbranoff/cvcc/images/green-mini-TRB_8265.JPG">
<img src="https://picproofs.net/tbranoff/cvcc/images/green-mini-TRB_8361.JPG">
<img src="https://picproofs.net/tbranoff/cvcc/images/green-mini-TRB_8412.JPG">
Pictures of Friend's Cars...
<img src="https://picproofs.net/tbranoff/cvcc/images/blue-mini-TRB_7241.JPG">
<img src="https://picproofs.net/tbranoff/cvcc/images/white-mini-TOM_1335.JPG">
<img src="https://picproofs.net/tbranoff/cvcc/images/yellow-mini-TOM_1462.JPG">
<img src="https://picproofs.net/tbranoff/cvcc/images/blue-mini-TOM_1761">
<b>Video</b>
I don't have video of my car since my cameras left with my wife. But... I have the next best thing... video of two of my buddies. Bear in mind they are in an advanced group and run a bit faster than my group- but it shows the track, the event, and the passing zone.
<a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=C4fDVOPURQE">Race Prepped C4 Vette/Race Prepped Audi Coupe Quattro</a>
04-24-2008, 06:51 AM
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Great write-up. I love that last picture!
I would have totally embellished the commentary on that one:
"The Vette thought he was the sh.t but my A4's superior handling and power sure as hell put him in his place! That'll teach him!"
But I digress; those prices are awesome - looks like you got a lot of value for the money. Glad to see you're pursuing this hobby properly.
Just cause I'm a n00b, how did you find the B7 on the track? How was the handling? Was the car communicative and progressive?
Seems like adopting a "learner's attitude" is key. I have to admit I have a bit of an ego sometimes.
"The Vette thought he was the sh.t but my A4's superior handling and power sure as hell put him in his place! That'll teach him!"
But I digress; those prices are awesome - looks like you got a lot of value for the money. Glad to see you're pursuing this hobby properly.
Just cause I'm a n00b, how did you find the B7 on the track? How was the handling? Was the car communicative and progressive?
Seems like adopting a "learner's attitude" is key. I have to admit I have a bit of an ego sometimes.
04-24-2008, 07:10 AM
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Yes... keep the ego in check!! It's what causes accidents... ;-)
I should note that there was a miata and a vette that crashed... Both were just cosmetic. The vette also crashed last year... He claims he has no idea what happened either time, which is a bit scary since he's in the advanced group.
As for the B7... I loved it, and so did my instructor (he drove 1/2 of one session). It's got a great powerband, handles very well (stock sport suspension) and has plenty of brakes for this track. On the bowl, vettes could get away from me, but on the road course portion... It was Audi FTW! I found that as I got faster the vettes would just let me go by on the bowl so they didn't hold me up on the road course.
As for the B7... I loved it, and so did my instructor (he drove 1/2 of one session). It's got a great powerband, handles very well (stock sport suspension) and has plenty of brakes for this track. On the bowl, vettes could get away from me, but on the road course portion... It was Audi FTW! I found that as I got faster the vettes would just let me go by on the bowl so they didn't hold me up on the road course.
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04-25-2008, 04:18 AM
#9
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Damn, i miss driving on the track
I've tracked my '98 A4 a few times with the Quattro Club, at Watkins Glen, Lime Rock, and a few othres. I also ran at Pocono with EMRA.
When I bought my '06, I was hoping to turn my '98 into a track car. But we bought a house instead, so now I have to sell one of my cars to pay for house repairs.
Would still love to get back into track driving. I wonder if my helmet is still within spec.
Awesome pictures! Glad you had fun.
-- P
When I bought my '06, I was hoping to turn my '98 into a track car. But we bought a house instead, so now I have to sell one of my cars to pay for house repairs.
Would still love to get back into track driving. I wonder if my helmet is still within spec.
Awesome pictures! Glad you had fun.
-- P
04-25-2008, 05:34 AM
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Sorry to hear you have to sell a car! It looks like you've decided to nix the B7...(from your sig)
And that sucks... but I understand since I own a house too and I have a hard time dividing the money between practicality (house) and fun (cars).
As I stated in my post, helmets must be SA2000 or higher for the events I've seen. There should be a sticker certifying the helmet on the inside. If you have a SA2000- I'd look to have it recertified or get a new one since it is almost out of spec.
As I stated in my post, helmets must be SA2000 or higher for the events I've seen. There should be a sticker certifying the helmet on the inside. If you have a SA2000- I'd look to have it recertified or get a new one since it is almost out of spec.