General Discussion Competiting with the new MINI on track or at a SCCA Solo event.

Auto X or Track time info?

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  #1  
Old 06-30-2008 | 03:55 PM
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Auto X or Track time info?

My B day is at the end of September and a few people from my work wanted to get together and go on a track in SoCal. (we are in San Diego).

It would be my Mini, a M3 and two GTI's. We just wanted to rent a track to have some fun and see how the cars do. I called willow springs and they told me to join a club. So I wanted to see what club you all would suggest? I will be installing a ton or parts in the Mini so I dont know if I have to follow a class or something. Is there any tracks that just let people go out and see what there cars can do? What about renting a instructor for the day?

Any info would be great.
 
  #2  
Old 06-30-2008 | 09:41 PM
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Old 07-01-2008 | 03:38 AM
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I'm not familiar with the clubs in California, but the BMWCCA is a good place to start.

http://www.bmwcca.org/
 
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Old 07-02-2008 | 01:54 AM
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Anyone in San Diego/ LA area?
 
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Old 07-02-2008 | 07:31 AM
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Might want to post in the dedicated club forums for the area.
 
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Old 07-02-2008 | 08:01 AM
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As long as you don't have a 2006 JCW (there's a story there), you'll find a lot of action with SCCA.

http://scca.com/hub.aspx?hub=3
 
  #7  
Old 07-02-2008 | 09:37 AM
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Thanks. I will check out the SCCA and NASA groups.

I just mainly wanted to know if there is a track that a few guys with nice cars can pay to do some laps. Or get an instructor for the day. Just to try out the Track thing.
 
  #8  
Old 07-02-2008 | 02:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Bang110
Thanks. I will check out the SCCA and NASA groups.

I just mainly wanted to know if there is a track that a few guys with nice cars can pay to do some laps. Or get an instructor for the day. Just to try out the Track thing.
SCCA owns a few tracks where they have track-days and instructors as ride alongs.
 
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Old 07-03-2008 | 09:01 AM
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you can also visit www.speedventures.com and www.redlinetrackevents.com, they both host track days around southern california often and provide instruction if needed. I've run with both and they both put on good events. These are both much, MUCH cheaper than renting out a track for a day between you and your friends.
 
  #10  
Old 07-03-2008 | 11:10 AM
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The Streets of Willow is definitely a great track for a MINI. More of a focus on the tight corners and less on long straights. It is a bit of a haul from SD, though.
 
  #11  
Old 07-04-2008 | 02:21 PM
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Looks like the BMW group in San Diego does alot of parking lot auto X events. Maybe a good start to see if its something I want to do more of. I would really like to take it on a real track and see how I can drive.
 
  #12  
Old 07-17-2008 | 11:23 AM
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You don't necessarily need to join a club to participate in track events. PCA, BMWCCA will allow non-members to register, but it does cost slightly more and you may not have priority over club members if there is a waitlist. If you just want to try a big track once to see if you'll even like it, just look for venues in your area and see who is running, then contact that club/organization and say "i'm a n00b but would like to register"

If you don't have an approved helmet, you will probably have to obtain one on your own. However I have heard that some clubs will rent a helmet....
 
  #13  
Old 07-17-2008 | 08:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Bang110
My B day is at the end of September and a few people from my work wanted to get together and go on a track in SoCal. (we are in San Diego).

It would be my Mini, a M3 and two GTI's. We just wanted to rent a track to have some fun and see how the cars do. I called willow springs and they told me to join a club. So I wanted to see what club you all would suggest? I will be installing a ton or parts in the Mini so I dont know if I have to follow a class or something. Is there any tracks that just let people go out and see what there cars can do? What about renting a instructor for the day?

Any info would be great.
Since you live in San Diego, there aren't any shortages of quality autocross events. You could learn how to drive your car in a relatively safe environment. Autocrossing is a great way to get started in motorsports, and the SCCA & PCA run quality programs in San Diego.

IMO, going to Willow (big track or the Streets?) could be a costly experience if you aren't going out there with some qualified people (i.e. experienced drivers and/or instructors).

However, if you really want to go out to the track, then you can call the Porsche Owners Club and do their next event. When you register tell them that you will need an instructor and one will be assigned to you. I ran with the POC for several years and I used to be a certified instructor with them. They run a top notch operation. Go to www.porscheclub.com for more details. Go to the STS series/schedule to see when their next event at the Streets of Willow is. If you have any questions, please feel free to PM or email me.

Good luck and keep the shiny side up.

Rich
 
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