I know I will... that's the problem. $$$

So question for you. At M/C trackdays they make you tape/unplug brake lights head lights and remove or tape mirrors. How about auto's at the track? Isn't an issue for me, just thinking ahead and want to know if I should have my gaffer's tape at the ready.

Nice to have something fun to look forward to.

 

They didn't require any taping or removal of glass at last year's MINI event, so you shouldn't have to worry. If I find out different, I will let you know.

52 more days....

 

None of the events I've been to required taping the head lights and never been an issue....knock on wood. Some folks do, just because. Some require the removal of the center caps of your wheels....some don't. Just need to clean everything that's not nailed down out of your car. A small blanket/tarp works well to put everything on. Make sure you fill out the "self" tech inspection sheet prior to your arrival. It also makes for a great monthly preventative maintenance check list. Good to find small issues before they become BIG ones.

 

Good input from Willum,

It's also a good idea to add air to your tires before you get to the track. They have air, but only one station. If you have a tank - that's great. I usually stop at the gas station in Willows for air before I head for the track.

T-hill has a limited number of spaces under a canopy - get there early to find a shady spot!

51 more days...

 

Ok, so this may be premature, but I've been dying to do a run of HWY 36 with the MINI (140 miles of nothing but twisties). Would anyone else be interested in going up to Red Bluff for the night after the track day and then taking an INCREDIBLE twisty run and then home the scenic route???

I'll probably be doing it one way or the other

This is HWY 36

 

I'll be there with tools if anyone needs anything (no spare parts though) and torque wrench for tightening people up before recon laps...If you have locking lug nuts, make sure you have the key.

Among other things, I also bring a camping chair so I have something to sit on in the paddock...

Air in the tires is good, but not too much, depending on the days tempatures we may want to adjust peoples pressures after their first sessions...

For those first timers, please ensure that you have a plan for your helmet...there are NOT unlimited amounts of helmets to rent at the track..

 

Taping is optional btw. Its more for people who want to protect paint, but painters tape isnt going to do much when you hit that rabbitt j/k

 

If Willum and Norm are going to play, I might as well play to. See you in November.

 

I thought this was a MINI only event

 

Hummm...... I've driven that route twice and it has to be the most exciting road around. Pure heaven, 140mi of twisties. If traffic is lite it can be all at the same time. Having gone from both directions, Red Bluff to the coast is by far the best..IMHO
Best to fill up in Red Bluff because fuel is a little scarce out there.
I just might be up for this one....any others?? Norm?

 

Sorry you guys I am up in Shasta and my computer modem blew up. I have one coming in via Fed Exp ground from back east. I have no internet access from home. Just stopped by the a friend to check emails.

I stopped in Williows yesterday and made a list of all the hotel/motels there. I will post all the names as soon as I get interent access from home. Stopped by some and most give a "Thunderhill" discount. Looks like the Best Western and the Baywood Suites & Inns have the nicest places.

As far as highway 36......

 

Wait, so why haven't there been any MINI runs on Highway 36? Sounds like our version of the Dragon.

 

I see the makings of a Tail of the Dragon WEST...

 

I might be up for this . All depends on work and if get some money by then. Sure sounds like fun though and this would be my first track ever. Looking forward to it.

 

Hooked On Driving's web site has a pretty extensive list of the motels in Willows with a run down on each.
http://hookedondriving.com/home.cfm

REME did this run last year. Up 101 from Healdsburg to Hwy 36 to Redding. It was a blast. And the year before, a couple of us did Red Bluff to Eureka...best direction I think.

 

So, does this mean I won't be the only MINI on 36 on the 2nd?

I've done many of the roads up there recently on a 5 day sport touring motorcycle ride. Lots of awesome roads, but Red Bluff to Fortuna on 36 is my favorite.

Maybe I should start a separate thread just for this and stop bastardizing the Track Day thread.

 

There is nothing like taking a vehicle around the track. The learning opportunities are enormous. Do it. But I'll warn you that if you like it, the track is VERY addicting.

You have to start slow to go fast. Be smooth and the speed will come. (This is true for motorcycles at least.)

 

REME did a run on it in conjunction with the 2006 REME MINI Mountain Tour Part 1 in June of 2006, but if you download the map you'll see it is a really long run. From Healdsburg to I-5 its over 320 miles.... if you want to download some run maps of the area visit out Run Archive at: http://redwoodempiremini.com/calendar.htm

 

It's not the same kind of trip... the Dragon, as much fun as it seems to be is what, 13 miles (please correct me if I am wrong)? ...you have to keep driving up and down the same patch of the road for thrills. Highway 36 in contrast is pure driving pleasure for over 130 miles each direction. Unfortunately there are almost no services in 100 miles of that stretch including food or bathrooms.

There are also other almost parallel highways heading to and from I-5 to US-101 that are almost every bit as much fun to drive.

 

Dang we need to make a NoCal road trip for a track event! This sounds like TOO much fun.

 

Signed up and ready to go, see you guys there!

 

If anyone wants to join in on the HWY 36 run, check out the thread I just started to discuss a post track day twisty excursion.

 

The same is true for our MINI's. The most important things to remember are that you need to learn the track, be smooth, be consistent and not worry about being fast...the speed comes...and most importantly, have fun!!

 

Come up, Come up!! Bring some MINI's its a great safe track that caters to fast drivers and new trackday participants all the same...would be worth the trip...

 

Looks like fun, I have always wanted to do a MINI day. I usually go with NCRC and there are only a few other MINIs in the club. I will most likely be there