Got a question. Im thinking about attending a course up in Button Willow or Willow Springs in California.

I know this is a track event open to (practically) public. I dont mind spending money on pads and tires because I know those are perishable. But what do these events normally do to your front end? I heard they fugg it up pretty bad? True?

 

I don't know what you're saying. You mean the front end (bumper, hood) gets messed up? I don't see why unless you crash into something. You might get rock dings, if that's what you mean. But you could always tape it up like this:



(image ripped from http://www.nsxfiles.com)

 

jeeze, that ferrari is almost mummified. If you're worried about your front end gettin' a little dinged up, get yourself a bra.(for the car's front end not for your own support).


[Modified by Type Goch, 9:57 PM 4/15/2002]

 

I can't speak for Willow Springs, but I know Buttonwillow Raceway quite well. The only ways you are going to really mess up the car is by either contact with another car or contact with the wall on the front straight. Buttonwillow is a great track to learn on because there is so much run-off space. But anything can happen. You could catch an edge of your tire in the dirt and roll the car. Its been done before.

 

I think you should try the Streets of Willow first, as it's a better suited track for beginners. Buttonwillow is a bit on the technical side, but don't let that stop you from going. It's not bad, it's just not the best place to start.

Edit: Note that the Streets of Willow isn't the Willow Springs big track


[Modified by manveer, 7:39 AM 4/16/2002]

 

i bet all that tape cost almost as much as the 360 did.
-Scary

 

I've never been on the Streets of Willow track so I can't really compare. BW is the first track i've been to let alone only one. The track I first learned on and of course still learning on. Just don't underestimate Magic Mountain!

 

my car endured more damage on the drive down and back (I5 ) then the entire day at the track.

 

lol yeah, front bumper somehow becomes a Fly Trap...

 

just go do it...

if you are worried about messing up your car then don't do it..
if you don't want to get your car dirty then don't go off track..
if you don't want rocks hitting your car... don't follow people too closely..
it's all up to you how you drive your car.

make sure your car is well maintained
listen and follow the advise the instructors give to you


there are plenty of HPDE's offered at both tracks

www.open-track.com runs a bunch..
www.speedtrialusa.com also has events

plus there are a bunch of private ones (word of mouth)

In fact, there is one today in willow springs put on by some guy who does the silver state...
he usually has about 8 instructors....
The private ones are normally A LOT cheaper.... but the there may or may not be instructors.... and the level of knowledge of the instructors may be unknown


You can also rent the track on your own.. but you better have tons of money (about $3000 - $5000 for an exclusive rental per day)

 

Does anybody have any events in mind or on schedule? Im interested to join and meet a few of you. BTW, where is Streets of Willow?

Crazydave, yes you are right. If you dont want to damage your car then dont join. I agree with that. But as a NOVICE this is just a MINOR concern that I would like clarified. I think alot of people in this thread have clarified for me. Somebody I work with had described the paint off of your car to be "TOTALLY STRIPPED" after one of these events.

When I heard that, I was thinking "WTF How?!"

 

Mess up the front of your car on track? Naw ..

 

For the most part... You are not gonna mess up your paint..

Many people get painters or racers tape.. and tape up the front of the car.. and the area right behind the wheels, and their lights.


Personally.. I have had more damage to my cars body from hitting autocross cones....
but

here is a list of damage from racing and the type of racing done in MY car

many bumber cover scrapes-autox cones
Ripped off inner fender cover - autox cones
warped/ruined rotors - HPDE
Broken Exhaust Manifold from hitting a rock - HPDE
corded tires - Autox HDPE
Excessive sand in the interior - HPDE


Things I have seen

Rollover - Auto-x HPDE
Broken Wheel Bearing - Auto-x
Bent Door - HDPE
Blown Motors-Auto x HPDE
Broken Headlight - HPDE
Flat Tire - HPDE

If you are worried about your car.... keep some distance between you and the next guy... and drive at less than 2/3 speed/capability




[Modified by Crazydave, 5:50 PM 4/16/2002]

 

It's at willow springs.... which is located in Rosamond CA near lancaster/palmdale

Willow springs raceway has the big track, the streets, the gocart track, two stock car tracks, a skid pad.. and few other things I think

 

If you are interested in track days, check out this club. In my opinion, this is the best club for beginners and advanced drivers as well. They have a Driver School, Time Trials & Races.

This is the club where you will find the most Acura/Honda-Tech members. In our last event in Buttonwillow last March 30-31, their where about 20 Honda-Tech members, mostly Type R's. Check out this thread about the last Buttonwillow Event.

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=155501

Next TCRA event is in the Streets of Willow Springs on May 25-26. Many Honda-Tech members will be there. Come join us. All info on TCRA website:

http://www.touringcarclub.com

 

RMR: Thanks for the much needed info.

 

Im going for sure.

 

Since this topic is beginning to be about protecting your paint and what-not, what is the clear adhesive covering that some people use (Z06 drivers in particular) to keep the front ends on their vehicles from getting chipped up? I've heard of it a million times but never heard a brand name or place to buy from.

 

http://stoneguard.com/sgcontent/default.asp

And 3M.

Expensive but very hard to put on (so I hear?).

 

Ooooh, $60 for my car, and it includes headlight coverings. That's really not that bad considering it's custom made. Thanks for the link!

Any other products like this out there?

 

No, its ~$400 for the bumper part. The "Lite" Version is JUST headlights.

 

Turn my Oooooh into Uh-oohhhh. For that much money you may as well let the front of your car get all chipped up and save up to get it repainted. The headlights I can do though. I'll probably be purchasing some Japanese one-piece headlights for my car in the future and I'd like to protect them in the least tacky way. Lighter and they look a lot better, but that is a whole different post/thread...

 

Yeah, dont wander off too far, theyll lock it!

 

After a timetrial at Willow, I came into the pits, parked my Datsun 1200, and did a visual "once-around." I was very surprised to see I had "collected" an AN-8 bolt, 3" long, sticking out of my headlight!

Made me wonder who needed such a large bolt in the first place.... and how they could continue racing without it?! Glad it didn't hit the windshield.

 

Where can I get some "Racers Tape." Im probably going to tape up my front end for this event.