Friday, February 23 2007 - Thunderhill Raceway
'Hooked On Minis' Presented by: Mini Mania - Minis Only! Thunderhill Raceway

Modern AND Classic Mini Drivers Unite!! Presented by Mini Mania, Hooked On Driving is proud to host this special Mini's only track day. With our normal high quality coaching, a great lunch - a very cool event T-Shirt, and all your friends to run with, this event will be a highlight of your year. Caravan to the track on the night before and make it a two-day happening!

Sign up here HookedONDriving.com (scroll down to Feb 23, 06) and on NorCalMINI's

Thunderhill Raceway Park is conveniently located near the friendly city of Willows California. Just 7 miles west of Interstate 5 on Hwy 162.

 

I think we will give this one a try. Good thing we have two Minis.

 

Hmm..I want to go, but not sure if I can yet. Do we know how much
this is going to cost?

 

I think its 295 dollars . But you have to do it once in awhile .

 

That better be one h3ll of a lunch!

 

I am all for that (maybe the Bro as well)

Is there a link or sign up info yet.

That is 1 month before AMVIV

 

Links added to first post.

 

I have never been to one...I just received my Bella 3 weeks ago...can I just watch?

 

I believe so. I'll call tomarrow and check.

 

Everyone is welcome to come there will be a small additional charge for lunch but that will be it. We will also be doing parade laps at lunch for those who would just like to take a slower tour of the track. They will be a max of 40MPH with no helmets. Also if there are guest that come they will be welcome to ride with either immediate family members or we will have coaches available to take people for rides.

Hope to see you all there.

Eric

 

Ferget it - "Bella" and I are signin' up. Now, if I could just call in sick to work...

 

Since I have never participated in a track event other then parade laps.
I was curious as to how the day would go. Here was the reply:

Welcome to Hooked on MINI’s

For all you 1st timers here is an outline of what your day will look like and a few tips and some information just to ensure you have a great time. WE DO NOT A RACE. There are no losers, Everyone wins. We specialize in teaching 7/10th driving, which is designed to better the participants’ knowledge of how to drive and handle their car.

7:00AM GATES OPEN - Registration packet pickup. In your packet you will get your group letter, a schedule, your lunch ticket and other valuable info. Your group letter goes on the top corner of the passenger side of the windshield.

7:30-7:50 RECON LAPS - (all “A group and 1st timers at Thunderhill will ride with a Thunderhill veteran driver). These laps are 40 MPH no helmets, these laps are designed to give you an overview of the track and be a little more at ease during your 1st session.

8:00 ALL HANDS MEETING – this meeting will go over the general rules, a flag description and some great guidance from our HOD leader David Ray.

8:30 GROUP MEETINGS – each group will meet with their respective group leaders. Talking about the plan for the day, passing rules, and other important information. Group “A” participants will be introduced to their coach for a little one-on-one time.

LUNCH TIME – Parade laps will be available, where you can go out on the track with your friends and family who have chosen not to participate during the on track event. These laps will be 40 MPH no helmets required, NO PASSING. It is just a way to show others what you have been doing all morning.

DEMO RIDES – Hooked On Driving policy is that there are NO passengers allowed. Except for immediate family or coaches. Coaches will be available all day to take anyone for a ride to show them and let them experience what it feels like to be on track. Find any HOD staff member and they will be happy to get you a ride.

SPECTATORS AND VISITORS – Everyone is welcome to come and watch and go for a ride with a coach. There is no additional charge for this. BUT there is a “guest” lunch fee if you plan on eating with the group. An extra lunch will be $15.00, you can purchase tickets at the registration table.

After each of your 20-25 minute sessions there will be a “download” meeting with your group leader talking about new thing, answering questions from the previous session, and if there are any changes to the rules of your group they will be passed on here.

All participants will have coaching available for them during any and all of the sessions regardless of experience. Participants in the “A Group” will be required to have a coach with them until they are signed off to go “solo”.

Hooked on Driving wants everyone to come away with a memorable experience, we pride ourselves on coaching, safety and most of all having FUN.

Last but most important, have yourself ready. We highly recommend checking in to the local motel the night before. We will be having a get-together, meet-and greet from 7:00-9:00 on the 22nd. More info on the location will follow, as we get closer to the date. It’s downright brutal to make the sunrise run, drive hard all day, and have to drive home all in one day. For Thunderhill, we recommend The Golden Pheasant Best Western in Willows (530-934-4603), which has been very supportive, has a Hooked On Driving rate of $59, and is spacious and clean. Try to wind down business issues for the day. This is an intense activity and you’ll want a clear mind while you’re on the track. Turning off the cell is a very good idea, especially since most don’t work at the track. While there is a good lunch provided, we suggest bringing a snack, fruit and plenty of water. With all these steps taken, you’re sure to have an awesome day.

 

How many of these sessions would we get?

 

The standard format is 5 sessions all running about 22-25 minutes each. Plus you will be able to use some of your "off track" time to go for rides with coaches and have an amazing experience.

Hope to see you there

Eric

 

How many run groups will there be and how will they be divided? What are your passing rules for each run group? Will you be running the normal track or adding chicanes like you do for the HPDE?

 

Is there a way for two people to attend and share a car?

 

Yes you can share a car one driver needs to register as an "A" group driver and the 2nd driver would register as a "b" group driver. There is enough time for you to switch and you will both get coaching as 1st timers.

As for the 1st question. There will be 4 run groups and you can see them under the event description at www.hookedondriving.com we will be runing the full track all day and there will be NO chicanes. The standard passing zones will be for all groups to start with and they will be the front and back straights, as the day progresses the group leaders will have the option to open other passing zones.

 

2 people can share a car if they both register. 1 driver needs to register for the "A" group and the other for the "B" group. On the day of the event find me and we will make sure that You both get coaching.

Eric

 

OMG, i can't belive i'm going to be missing this event!!! I'll be in Vegas or
Orlando for some stupid pet related convention. When's the next one?

 

Since I'll be driving.......Will there be a photographer (gotbluemilk.com? ) to shoot the event? It's fun being on the other end of the lens for a change!!
Jim

 

The event description that I found only lists the name of the group. What I am wondering is what criteria you are using to put cars in the groups. Also what criteria will you be using to determine if you are going to open up the passing zones?

A - Beginners
B - Low Intermediates
C - High Intermediates
D - Advanced

 

Get your reservations in soon. They need a head count for food and such. MC Squared will also be there covering the event .

 

Just signed up! should be a ton of fun. How do I tell Hooked On Driving I'm bringing two extra people for the lunch headcount?

 

You can call them at 925-552-8112.

 

Just checked. There should be a photographer there to capture us all on track.
Here's his site:http://www.gotbluemilk.com/
Dito is a good guy, and a good shooter.
Jim