Hey, this seems like a great idea for a forum. I'm wondering if folks who've been through multiple track days/driver schools would post their opinions about them. I'm signed up for my first in the MINI, Phil Wicks at Laguna Seca in December. I do plan to do some others more locally, i.e., Willow Springs, but I'm curious about peoples' experiences.

_Dave_

 

In California, NASA is probably the biggest and most popular DE type event. Their track days are fairly well organized, however, recent years they have grown tremendously and it has had a detrimental effect. The field is super crowded! It is hard to learn the correct line when there are so many cars out on track. It's good for someone who wants to learn how to drive in traffic. NASA has a lot of good rules in regards to passing zones and such, but enforcement is spotty at best, making it a little frustrating. NASA does provide competitive pricing though.

I have also tried Trackmasters and Speed Ventures. Both of these are small organizations that usually have a relatively low turn out at track days. You get plenty of track time and lots of open track. Everything is run in a way that feels more relaxed and casual, vs. the busy hustle of a NASA day.

Trackmasters is a little on the expensive side, even factoring in the included t-shirt and lunch. Speed Ventures is competively priced. They also offer affordable rentals of transponders, so that you can keep track of your lap times and compare to everyone else. It's actually quite fun when a bunch of people all use the transponders.

Various car clubs also hold their own track days, and they often open up registration to non-members and/or cars of a different make other than the club's main cars. These are also quite fun and informal. Not the cheapest but not the most expensive either.

The most expensive ones that I have seen are those associated with a "celebrity" name running the event/school. Of couse, price also varies by track. Laguna Seca is probably the most expensive track in CA. That and California Speedway.

 

I have run both SCCA and Northern California Racing Club. NCRC is a great club. Like trackmasters and speed ventures it is more relaxed, and smaller run groups. It is a way better experience than SCCA which has more cars on track in general isn't run as well as others.

We do Thunerhill, Infineon, Laguna Seca, Reno/Fernley and occasionally make it down to Buttonwillow.

I am signed up for the Phil Wicks Laguna event, but I might have to cancel due to a work schedule conflict.

NCRC is doing an event with TrackQuest at Infineon on November 14-15. Should be fun. Infineon is a great track

 

Also attending Phil Wick's in December. My first time on the track. I have run about 8 Solo II events so far but this is going to be much more challenging and different.

Anybody have any experience with the Wicks academy as well as any tips on running incident free @ Laguna Seca.

 

I have attended 2 of Phil Wicks Schools this year

You will have fun, you will NOT be intimidated

If you have never been on a track, stay in beginners level

Pass only on the straights, signal others to pass and be safe