Hi! I'm really new to this forum and new to minis and I need some guidance. I would really like to push my car around a track, and Willow Springs just happens to be the closest to me. I checked out their website but there doesn't seem to be much information on there. Do I need to buy a membership or something? What do I have to do to drive over there and drive my car around the track for a few hours? Do you just pay at the track or do you have to be part of a group? And are there any age requirements? I'm still under 18. Sorry for all the questions, some help would be really appreciated!

 

This group runs events at Willow Springs: http://www.extremespeedtrackevents.com/

Since you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian present and they have to sign you paperwork.

Also, track say insurance for your car is recommended because regular insurance wont cover accidents on the track.

 

Do a web search for “Driving Schools at Willow Springs”. Here is a web site that I use, but they may be more oriented to East coast schools.
https://www.motorsportreg.com/calend...c=Latham%2C+NY

Look iinto whether the local chapter of BMWCCA runs schools there. They will be the best at teaching how to drive on a track. This will be nothing like driving on the road, no matter what kind of driving you have done. PCA (Porsche Club of America) will also do well for you. You want to find an event organizer that will have in-car instruction for you.

Look into the local chapter of SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) and look at doing autocross racing. This is a great and safe way to learn how to handle a car before going out onto the track.

2 absolutely necessary things to have done with the car before going out on the track...
#1 - Brake Pads - Hawk HP Plus or EBC Yellows are an absolute must, even for a novice. Any kind of street pads, even the MINI pads will not stand up to a track day.
#2 - Brake fluid - Have the system professionally flushed within a month of the event with a high end, high boiling point brake fluid such as Motul 600 or ATE 200 (not as good in my mind). If your brake fluid has not been flushed and if it is not a “race level” the fluid will boil and you will loose you brakes. A likely crash would not be good.

Tires - H speed rated at least
Change the engine oil...

Hopefully that gets you started. Have fun and let us know how you make out....

 

Check Willow springs calendar, Google the group that has the track on a day that works for you and sign up with them. This works for most tracks I've seen.

http://www.willowspringsraceway.com/calendar.php

I don't know the SoCal track groups very well but I've heard of Speed Ventures and Porsche Club at least. Not sure what would be the best group to learn with.

 

thanks for the responses, I'll check these all out, hopefully I'll go soon if my school schedule permits :D

 

I thought i saw in one of your other posts that you have an R52, convertible. A lot of tracks and event organizers won’t let convertibles out on the track without a full race spec roll bar installed. These cars can be rolled if you go off the track and they don’t want to put an instructor into what they think may be a dangerous situation. Just be aware of that when you are looking.

 

+1 on all that advice. I cut my 'track' teeth many years ago with the EVSCC at Sebring and the experience has served me well ever since. One thing is certain from what you will experience during your time on the track is situational awareness and the ability to take that skill with you on to the open road. It will make you a better and safer motorer. It will also make you aware of the multitudes who shouldn't really be allowed on the open road in the first place.

 

Yup, I have a convertible. Really? I thought the standard roll over bars in the mini would have been sufficient, I'll take a look into it regardless.

 

Yes, it is worth looking into what is allowed by different event organizers. However, even if they allow your car, think about your own safety. Cars that go off the track and get sideways are likely to roll, even MINI Coopers. A helmet and rollbar are no substitute for a roof. Sorry to be a downer, it is just that i have seen a lot in the years i’ve been doing this. A friend rolled his MINI. I saw a brand new M5 break its wheel studs in a corner, lost a wheel and the car rolled on top of the guard rail. I’d love to hear about you going out on the track and having fun. But being safe and driving the car home is the best part of being on the track.

 

As the saying goes, keep the greasy side down. 10 or so years ago Big Daddy started a long forgotten thread dedicated to T.I.T.S. , The Inverted Turtle Society. Being an old pilot, not aerobatic certified, I acquired a label 'Do Not Invert' for the center panel and he created A.R.S.E., Anti Rollover Support Enthusiasts. I posted a picture of it post #43 at:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...e-society.html

 

That is quite the thread...
It deserves a “Bump”
And the reason I have a roll bar in the MINI I take to the track.

 

HI!! I live in so Cali and track at willow springs in my F56 as often as possible! Id love to chat with you! My instagram is @juliettehallie if that's easier! or send me a PM! I hope to see you!