I'm sending in our registration today!

Here are the rates I found at the local hotels:

Sleep Inn
$67.49/night (AAA Rate)
$74.99/night (regular rate)

Best Western (Indoor Pool!!)
$80.99/night (AAA Rate)
$89.99/night (Regular Rate)

Holiday Inn Express
$89.30/night (AAA Rate)
$84.99/night (Regular Rate)

Hampton Inn
$89.30/night (AAA Rate)
$94.00/night (Regular Rate)

I also emailed the Lodge at VIR to see what their rates are... I suspect they are much higher.

 

Looks like the Sleep Inn is the best deal. Thanks for the info, Laura! Can't wait!

 

I'm curious about something. My tires are summer performance ones...not so good under 50-55 degree air temps. My winter tires are almost worn out Blizzaks ( barely wider than say, toy wagon wheels) on 15" steelies.
Since the date is well into Nov., it'll be chilly if not downright cold even at VIR. So, if I were to do this, I'm curious about which "shoes" are appropriate.

 

This is an excellent excuse for new tires, yes?

 

Well, JMO but if you're limited to the tires you listed, I'd opt for the summer performance. They're going to heat up a bit on the track, and as long as it's dry (and not snowy ) they should stick well enough in temperatures close to freezing to be safe and give you enough traction to push your car pretty hard. Will they stick as well as something else? Probably not. But if you're looking to gain car control skills and have a good time, your stock tires will do just fine.

Does this mean you're going to join us, Katie? Cool!

 

Agreed... the track and the tires should warm up plenty for this event. Summer tires all the way...

 

it is, but if any tires get replaced it'll be the Blizzaks
Thinking about it, tho' I have zero track experience except for one run at Bear Run in PA 5 years ago. Does that mean I can't hang with you more experienced drivers?
Which hotel will you all be staying at?

totally off topic..Ed, when did you change your screen name? and I saw you Tuesday, about 9AM on Mayo Rd. I was in the Subaru, so you missed my mad waving and horn tooting. The guy in front of me must've thought I was nuts.

 

I just heard back from the Lodge at VIR. It's $99/night. That's about 1/2 what I thought it would be. I think it would be fun to stay there, but while it's close to the track, it's not close to other stuff.

 

Changed to R56 Ed about a month ago. Fewer letters, easier to type, etc. I'm still in the healing business, but my screen name now more accurately reflects my car instead of my vocation.

Sorry I missed you, but I WAS actually looking for you! I had a hunch you'd be there, but I wasn't looking for the Subie. Oh well. Next time we'll get it right.

 

I'd love to. It's a deal, first one is on me. Cheers for new dates to match the ones from July.

 

Katie, glad you're coming, we'll have so much fun

 

Of COURSE you can hang with us! It will be great to have you!
Anybody else?

 

Oct. 14th is Winston's next grooming. I have to get him there by 9AM, so look for the Legacy

I haven't made up my mind...yet..

 

You should go. It was so much fun! I signed up to be in the Novice group again, so you wouldn't be alone. There were a lot of people that had never gone to anything like this before. I was so scared before we went that I nearly made myself sick. Now, whenever I think about the day, I get a huge grin.

 

I just reserved a room at the Sleep Inn!

 

+1... Me too! $67.49/night. Can't wait!

Sleep Inn
1483 S. Boston Rd
Danville, VA 24540
434-793-6090

 

So I guess this is the preferred stay for the group, sounds good. I will book as well

 

I'm almost in, my dad said to take it as a vacation, so I'm almost ready to drop the cash. I'm a little worried about my brakes though. Any input on that? Anyone think it would be worth it to invest in some better pads, or can I get them replaced for free from the dealer? Dealer experiences with replacements? Who knows about brakes? Also, what's the deal with bleeding the system before/after the track day? How/why do you do this? Anybody here know anything?

Thanks.

 

A couple of issues with brakes. First, if your car is under warranty and you replace your brake pads with an aftermarket brand, you'll almost certainly void the warranty on your brake rotors (and that can be a very expensive mistake if the rotors wear out). Next, if your car is still covered by the OEM maintenance agreement, I think MINI will replace your stock brake pads if they wear out. As far as bleeding the brake lines, the bigger issue is to first replace and flush the brake lines with fresh brake fluid if the present fluid is 'old'. Not sure what actually constitutes old, but if there's any chance that there is water in the brake fluid, you can be sure that it will boil (turn to steam) at track temperatures and pretty much make your brakes ineffective. Several schools of thought on this issue, but some brake fluid is hydrophillic (absorbs water) and that's a bad thing at track temps. So if you're in doubt, I'd suggest taking the car to the dealer at asking them to check your brakes and maybe get them to replace your brake fluid. More expensive than a DIY, but they've got the tools and correct ingredients to maintain your warranty. And it might be good for your peace of mind.

Glad you're joining us, and I hope some of the above info helps. Lots of folks on the forum know much more than I do, and I hope they'll chime in!

Ed

 

ok...I hit the commit button and sent in my $$$. Now, I need to make a rez for a room...thanks for the contact info, Ed.

 

Congratulations! So glad you can join us... we're going to have a ball!

 

We're going to have a blast

 

I just reserved the room at the Sleep Inn - no AAA discount 'tho -

 

But I drive so much better when I spend the night at a Holiday Inn Express!!

Had a tough time deciding what to do about this. Did one of those For and Against lists. Had a long list under Against. The only item in the For list, "It's so much fun!", outweighed all the Againsts.

Guess I'll register and reserve my room at the Sleep Inn.

 

Let me know what route you are taking and when you are leaving. I'd like to follow about five minutes behind.