Hello!

Has anyone been to the new track in New Jersey? I'm going on Monday but i'd like to hear what everyone else thinks.

Nick

 

I went and it's a challenge to say the least. One corner in particular (the octopus) is hard on the right front tire. I did the first 3 sessions on street tires to keep the speed down and broke a belt in the right front (massive bulge and a loss in pressure). I went to R compounds for the 4th and final session and had a blast. Lots of flat out corners that end in hard braking and technical sections.

Met another mini owner there as well and was able to follow him for the first few sessions

The paddock area was the weakest link in the track facilities. They had just planted grass (brand new track) and there was mud everywhere. I think they should have done something like VIR did with the stones (at the very least). Fortunately, because there were so few participants there that day, each person was able to claim a garage for cars and stuff.

 

I didn't know there was a new track? The only one i know of is Island Race way, i have never raced my mini on a track before, but it sounds like alot of fun, how does it work, can u take any mini even if its not JCW?
becca

 

It's tons o fun. Join a club like BMWCCA or NASA to participate in a High Performance Driving Event (HPDE). It is NOT racing. Nor is it drag racing (Englishtown, Great Meadow, etc.). Follow the wikipedia link for a full definition. You can drive your own car on a road course. The NJ chapter of the BMWCCA (Mini friendly) has run its first HPDE at the new road course in Millville, NJ, this year and plans to run several next year. There are other orgs that run hpdes as well: Track Masters, SCDA, PCA, etc.

And yes, you can run any Mini that's not JCW. It will cost membership plus fees for the event. But you get classroom instruction and an in-car instructor. Best to buy your own helmet as well.

Now, if you want to race as in wheel to wheel as fast as you can go, you will need to show competence through many hpde's and go for your racing license (yep, ya need one to race). Then fork over cash to get a race car or mod yours into oblivion.

Another thing you may want to consider is the car control clinic that the local chapters of BMWCCA run. It's another great way of learning what you the driver can do behind the wheel.

 

Thank you so much, this sounds like alot of fun, i love driving my car, espeically on curvy roads, such excellant handling.
Becca