Jasonanv

I'm heading out to hpr at the end of this month. Is the open lapping relativity safe? Seen some videos and it's got me a little worried. What has been your experiences? Should I just spend the extra money and do semi exclusive day? Thanks

robmypro

I did an open lapping session at HPR and it wasn't bad. They broke it up into 2 running groups (slow and fast) and I didn't think it was unsafe.

tstafford

Would this be your first track day? I don't think I'd want to just be turned loose on open lapping w/o and instructor unless I had some days under my belt.

brownan

PCA is the right place to start. Or Audi Club, BMWCCA. Taking car to track w no instructor = Bad Idea Jeans (if you remember that SNL skit from 100 years ago).

RealityGT

Just pay for a half day instruction. It's open lapping, not a race. Just let the faster people pass and enjoy your laps.

GrantG

I've probably done hundreds of these days at HPR. They are far better than PCA days with low-key lapping as long as you like for a very small fee. If you have no track experience, bring a friend who does. Half-Day is usually plenty (4 hours of lapping is quite a bit). If you feel like you want/need instruction, get it (but not required). Best track situation in the country for this hobby with respect to open track time, a safe/interesting track, and cost. Only requirements are helmet, small fee, and common sense. Get there on time to attend drivers' meeting if your first time.

Don't be too proud to let slower cars pass - just remember you're only there to have fun and learn to improve your driving. Take it slow to begin (choose the slow group, if there are run groups on the given day).

http://highplainsraceway.com/drive-t...s-information/

Jasonanv

I've done a few track days with pca, but this would be first time at hpr.

signes

If you've done days elsewhere before you should be fine. If there are two groups start in the slow group and opt up if you feel like it. I've seen a few guys who are a little too aggressive at times during those days, but pretty easy to avoid if you see them.

One thing to try is a Thursday night if you're schedule allows. They tend to be pretty open and plenty of time to get your fill.

BTW, what will you be driving? May see you one day.

Jasonanv

I'll be in a a red gt4 with Minnesota plates. Are there two groups on Thursday night? How many cars typically show up on Thursday vs Fridays?

ExMB

HPR is a fun track. Since its your first time I recommend (1) instruction for a couple of sessions OR (2) lead follow for a couple of sessions. The track has some peculiarities, bumps here and there in the line that might cause an upset if your not familiar. Generally speaking its a safe track with plenty of run off. Just remember the atitude = thinner air so cooling will be an issue; yourself, brakes, etc.

Oh, weather rolling down from the mountains might also come into play. Locals are so used to it they usually forget to mention it.

Buteo

What day are you thinking of heading out?

GrantG

I'd rather not deal with the diminished light of an evening session. Friday early morning is the least crowded in my experience. I've been there with fewer than 10 cars (a couple times far fewer) and over 100 (usually day before PCA weekend with Club Race).

Calendar is here:
http://highplainsraceway.com/event-calendar/

ExMB

Because that is a test and tune Friday prior to the club race. Those days you go at your own risk. You may or may not be accepted to participate on those days because PCA will be given preference.

GrantG

Those are some of my favorite days, but not recommended for novices. And you're also more likely to get peppered with rubber and gravel debris with so many cars on sticky track tires...

Jasonanv

Sept. 1st