I'm sitting here after spending the entire day at Roebling Road in GA with Darkside Driving Ed.

I'm not overly experienced with doing track time with a car (my experience is on bikes, not cars)

Point is, I've done a few track days and have had a great time but I've got to tell anyone that is even remotely interested in taking their car to the track, you've got to check out Darksides's events.

They were absolutely professional, friendly and courteous. They don't make newbies feel uncomfortable and their members extend the same friendly attitude.

Sessions were on time, schedules kept and the entire event was well organized.

I'd like to personally Thank Jackie and her staff/instructors for allowing me to participate in their event. I HAD A BLAST TODAY... I can't wait till tomorrow.

I've enjoyed other track days/events but if Darkside will have me, I'll gladly join.

Even their event was profitless, any extra monies went to the Boys and Girls Club.... very cool.

So for anyone want to spend an enjoyable and safe day at the track in a controlled atmosphere, check out the Darkside .

Mark

OC, great to know.

How much track time did you get?

4 sessions per day for 2 days.

Each session is 20 minutes a piece. I wish they were 30, it would take me 20 just to get back into the groove of things...lol.

Just for the record, 20 minutes in a car at a time is a long time.

Mark

Thank you Mark. This is appreciated. Many we can get some more MINIs bopping around the track with us. Three was just too little a showing.

Did you like the diversity in cars? I love seeing what the different marques can do out there together...

First, no THANK YOU. There was a LOT of hardwork involved and you pulled it off seamlessly. Very Nice.

Ya know, that was one of my thoughts as to why I wasn't going to attend. I thought I'd have more fun being with a bunch of other minis.

However, the diversity was actually nice. I got to meet a whole bunch of different people and went for ride alongs in other vehicles. That was cool because it gave me more insight as to how different vehicles take their lines. (ie. front wheel drive, mid engine, rear wheel drive, etc, etc)

The one thing that I did notice that surprised me the most (and I'm sure you more experienced track people already knew this) is how friendly and helpful everyone is. It didn't matter if you were driving a Toyota Corolla or a $130K Porsche. All egos were checked at the gate. Everyone would give a helping hand or advice without even asking.

Point is, if anyone has ever thought of going to an event like this, don't be intimidated, the novice and pros make you feel right at home.

Mark

Mark,

Glad you had a good time. It was a pleasure finally putting a face on you and Ben. I hope you guys can both join us again in November. (Be nice if you guys could join us at the end of this month at Barber, but that's quite a haul for you). I spent soooo much time in the right seat of different folks cars I am sore from bracing myself all weekend. Sorry the one best chance we had to go out you were in shorts.....I tried dude....we'll make it up, I promise.

I'm glad things came together for you Sunday. I know Saturday night at the poolside bar, you stated you were disappointed with how badly you were driving. I think you are without a doubt your worst critic. When I was out in your sessions with my student and could see you, you were doing fine. Your speed and lines progressed nicely over the weekend, just as it should.

I had a blast. MYSPHIT did great. See y'all again real soon!

G

Yeah, I know about the shorts but all day Sunday, I was in shorts. It was so hot that many of the driver's were in shorts and tech saw but never said anything.

Nonetheless, I'm sure we'll do it again real soon. I'm already looking at Nov.'s schedule.

I wasn't doing as well as I had wanted first thing Saturday but as you said, I'm probably my own worst critic. My instructor, David said that making a mistake is more acceptable if you realize you are doing it. The next step is not to do it again...lol.

Thanks for everything, you were a great help and it was great meeting you and Ben.


Mark

I'm signed up for the November event....WOOHOO!! See ya there.

For any of you mini guys that are thinking about going... you need to sign up for Nov's event. You'll have an absolute blast.

I'll give you an example of the commaderie that exists. There was a kid there for the first time with a Corolla. It was probably his first car and probably not worth more than 500-1000 dollars.

Point is, at one point he broke an exhaust clamp. He went to some members and asked if anyone had an bailing wire. They introduced him to one of the more professional guys there. This guy easily had a $500,000 setup between car, parts and trailer.

This guy not only gave this kid a clamp but offered to come over and help put it on his car.!!!

Where would you ever see someone like that to stop what he's doing and help a newbie.

THAT is what I'm talking about. Darkside has those kind of members so if you've ever had any doubts, forget about it... it's not like that.

Very cool people, great time.

Mark

Mark,

Are you interested in Watkins Glen, 2 days in July, 2.5 hours of track time min a day or as much as your car can take. Day 1 is long course and Day 2 is short historic course. Absolutely a blast.

I will think of signing up for November as well.

That would be great but I'm not sure what would kill me first.... the drive there or 2.5 hours of driving in July....lol.

Fortunately for me, there's quite a few tracks within a few hours.... otherwise I'd go.

Thanks,

Mark

I see on the Watkins Glen track schedule that there are 2 schools in July: Trackmasters, Inc. and Sports Car Driving Association, LLC.

Do you know which one is better? FWIW, I'm a novice; I've driven the track 3 times for paced laps, but nothing more...