ajcjr

Curious if anyone ever went the other way since most progress from hpde to racing. Has the lust of being on track changed since you are not competing? I sold my SRF last year, did some motorcycle track days this year but miss being in the car. Right now I'm just not sure if I can commit to racing and was thinking of going hpde.

jaundice

HPDE can still be fun. I still use it for race practice and seat time. If you are in the top run groups a lot of guys are doing the same, so can be fast and fun. Sure point to pass can be frustrating after racing, but still a lot of fun and satisfies the lust for speed.

Cory M

I do a mixture of time trials and racing. Mostly because the TTs are significantly cheaper and you get more track time at the same tracks. Also it's more laid back, if you get to the grid late or miss a session no worries. It doesn't match the thrill of racing. You may have to focus on setting goals if you want to keep progressing, since you often don't have anyone to chase down. But if you are racing in a competitive class out here and don't have new set of slicks you're going to be on your own after the first two or three laps anyway. It's still a lot of fun.

breljohn

I guess it depends on what you are looking for.
If you just to be out there and have fun with some friends, I think DEs can be cool.
If you like the competition aspect of it, I'm afraid it won't cut it.

My .02

gbuff

Don't tell that to all those DE champions out there

Gary

ajcjr

Thanks for the replies, I love being at the track and being in a car. If I did do it I would have a dedicated track car with all the safety gear. Appreciate the comments!

jlanka

I pretty much win my DE session every time. I always see the checkered flag!

txhokie4life

I bounce back and forth -- I usually find there is always someone I can chase in DE's.

The point to pass can be frustrating -- especially if you have a momentum car.

Find a Chumpcar/WRL/other endurance racing team to join when it's convenient and that
can fill in the gaps.

Mike

NYoutftr

That's cool!
Me too, checkered flag everytime!

C-gt3

this really is a good follow up thread for 'who's at fault"
DE's are still good and great. CHINN is a stand out for track days.
If you are in the red group and are not happy with a physical point by, then your car is slow and that's that..
i see all kinds of car's at sebring in the red group
from well over 2;32s ( and i have times higher cars than that) to 2:15s, on average.
when the pro's show up with real cars anything above a 2.24 is an obstacle.
but when its not busy anything under s 2:28ish with experience should be moved up.

smf32s

The only obstacle at any de or Chin event is a driver not paying attention and unaware of his surroundings. Lap times are meaningless if you're only looking ahead. Fast or slow can still be a problem.

I still love a good practice day. Track time is a blast. I'd go all the time if I could.

Stu

AudiOn19s

As much as I'd like to race in real cars I came to the realization a long time ago that I will never have the time or money to do it properly. I really enjoy HPDE's for what they offer which is great amounts of track time, great social environment and as was stated above there's always someone faster that you can go chase and have some fun with.

Ever though about kart racing? I bought a kart last year to help train my nephew who is just starting out in karting. Turns out I've got the bug WAY worse than he does and I've found karting to be a great competitive release without mega money investment. It's been a nice addition to HPDE days this year. Best thing about the karts is most tracks will have open practice for $20-50 for a full day of track time.

pu911rsr

I've gone back and forth between DE's and racing over the years- I used to have a bit of chip on my shoulders about running DE's after racing but now I take my sons with me to track so they can drive drive and never enjoyed track time more!
Phil

LuigiVampa

I race and drive in DEs with PCA consistently. DEs are for fun and racing is for racing. I view them as separate activity.

Racing has made me patient at DEs because it doesn't matter and I am only there for fun.

If you ever want to have a great time go to a CVR event at LRP - we normally have brews and food afterwards. Great crowd and great drivers.

Cory M

Fortunately the TT and open track groups I run with have an advanced group with open passing. I don't want to get stuck behind a slower driver, or have a train or faster drivers stuck behind me, waiting for a point by or designated passing zone.