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Northwoods Region Shelby American Automobile Club Presents:
The Northwoods Gran Prix at Autobahn Country Club, Joliet, IL.
Saturday May 16 & Sunday May 17, 2009.
Road Course Open Track Touring Sessions, utilizing the 1.5 mile North Course on Saturday, then the 2.1 mile South Course on Sunday.
Open to any make of sports, performance or muscle car! Open-wheel vehicles not accepted. Convertibles must have an approved roll bar. The event requires that you and your vehicle meet safety rules (refer to link below). There will be a $5.00 Autobahn gate fee for all spectators and non-drivers. Camping is available at Autobahn Country Club. Contact the Autobahn Country Club directly @ 815-722-2223 and tell them you are with Northwoods Shelby Club.
The Northwoods Gran Prix at Autobahn Counrty Club event is designed to be a great time for novice and experienced drivers alike. This event is not a race, it is not an autocross nor is it a competition. It is a touring opportunity to drive your car at speed on a real road race course, testing both your skills and the capabilities of your car.
There are basic rules enforced to permit drivers quality track time at their own speed and experience level. Participation is limited so that drivers and passengers maximize their day at the Autobahn. Registration will be closed once the event is full.
It is a fantastic track. Yes, the two tracks can be combined, but its actually more fun to do what they've done seperating the two--definitely a better setup for the MINI, where you'll be able to keep up with a surprising variety of cars. The long track is a MINI killer, with the long straights, a high HP car has a huge advantage, even in the hands of a poor driver. Wish I could make it, it's really a top notch track with very nice facilities.
We (www.MVPTrackTime.com) are hosting two days on the full Autobahn track June 1st and August 3rd for anyone who'd like to come run with us. Happy Motoring!
So...someone school me on this. I grew up around the drag strip and have never done anything other then go straight for 1/4 mile.
Couple questions that I did not get answered from reading the links. I do understand that it is not a race.
1. What is the agenda for a day like this? I get there and then what? Is there a certain time that I get to go on the track?
2. How many laps do I get?
3. How does the number system work? I saw they have to be unique. Are those provided? What do I need to bring other then the helmet for myself and rider (if there is one) and the clothing rules.
4. Is there any insurance companies that offer coverage for this specific event? Curious since there are several cars out there. I trust myself but nobody else.
5. Anything I should keep an eye out for in tech? I do have a wheel with a little bit of a bend I need to get fixed probably. Need to do it anyway.
6. Can I run it in street form? Specifically street tires.
1. What is the agenda for a day like this? I get there and then what? Is there a certain time that I get to go on the track?
A. There is no short answer for this very good question. Here is a very nice series of articles from our friends at NASA (please check out the related links at the bottom of that web page:
2. How many laps do I get?
A. You will be assigned to a run group. Each group will be on track for approximately 20 minutes. You should be on track at least three times in the morning and three times in the afternoon.
3. How does the number system work? I saw they have to be unique. Are those provided? What do I need to bring other then the helmet for myself and rider (if there is one) and the clothing rules.
A. Contact the NWSC upon submitting your registration to reserve your number. This number is used by NWSC and Autibahn Safety to easily identify you car on track. You supply your numbers. Helmet and clothing rules are on the NWSC Rules and Polict web page.
4. Is there any insurance companies that offer coverage for this specific event? Curious since there are several cars out there. I trust myself but nobody else.
A. Contact your insurance company for any particulars concerning your coverage, but since this is a TOURING EVENT and not a competition, you should be covered. Heck, you are safer here than on public roadways!
5. Anything I should keep an eye out for in tech? I do have a wheel with a little bit of a bend I need to get fixed probably. Need to do it anyway.
A. Your car in every mechanical sence must be in 100% working and safe order. It is your responsibility to have a perfectly maintained and sorted car.
6. Can I run it in street form? Specifically street tires.
A. Yes!
7. How many Mini's have made it out in the past?
A. Many.
LMAO!!! No, you aren't required to join. You'll have to pay the 5 dollar gate fee, and whatever Henry is charging to cover renting the track.
If you had to join, you wouldn't see very many MINIs there, just the usual members of the Lotus clubs, Porsche/BMW/Audi clubs, and the occasional Ford GT...
As CCT1 stated, you do not have to be a member of the Autobahn Country Club to participate in this Northwoods Region Shelby Club sponsored event. Simply log onto www.nwshelbyclub.com for all the info and contacts you need to participate as a driver.
If you do not wish to participate as a driver but would like to spectate, there is a daily $5 per person admit fee at the gate (kids 13 and younger enter free with paid adult).
This is a very well run event and a great way to spend the weekend!
since a lot of people seem to be wondering about the autobahn i thought i could share this video to help everyone out! this is in car footage of the north track with me driving my mini. AND this was with the northwoods shelby club!
video is around 8 mins long. last car i pass toward the end is the new shelby gt500. all i have to say is the mini holds its own on the track! (im sorry about the video quailty. its a bit wobbly due to a home made mount)
Nicely done! Must feel good to reel in all those big V8's. For what it's worth, I am renting Autobahn full track on June 8th for Chicago Region PCA. Debating whether to drive the GP or my 944S2 track car.
Speedy, that's one reason I like the short tracks better than the combined track at autobahn--it's a little tougher on the full course, which isn't as MINI friendly. Both are a great time though.
To those who've tracked at this course, what insurance do you have specifically? I've got Geico, and wonder if they'll cover the event. Thats the one thing holding me back, since the MINI is my wife's daily driver.
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'04 Indie Blue/W MCS } '03 Indie Blue/IB Justa (retired)
Alta CAI // M7 Strut Re-Inforcement Plates ---> more mods on the way...
I'd get outside insurance for this. Check out MVP's hompage, they have a link for track insurance. Some insurances will cover driving schools, but MVP is essentially open track (although tightly regulated, just like an HPDE, as it should be). Geico is not a track friendly insurance, so I'd definitely get coverage.
Thanks, I'll have to get a quote. Is this something everyone uses for events like this, and if so, whats a common rate for insurance. Is it by month, specific day/event? Ballpark, what am I looking to spend, considering Im new at track racing, but have a clean driving record 10 years+.
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'04 Indie Blue/W MCS } '03 Indie Blue/IB Justa (retired)
Alta CAI // M7 Strut Re-Inforcement Plates ---> more mods on the way...
