Anyone here frequent LRP?
 

More specifically, it's been over a decade since I've been able to play at the track (children got in the way) but have a new toy for that express purpose. Way back when, the DE events I attended were with the BMW CCA. First in an E36 M3 and more often later in two different Mini Coopers. The new car is obviously very different, so my mentality is that I'm really starting from scratch again.

This time around, my plan is to run with CT Valley Region or others during their events, but I'm open to suggestions if there are better groups to run with. I'm primarily looking for a group with as little ego as possible that will be there to learn and improve.

If anyone is local and wouldn't mind offering up some advice on groups and/or talking me through getting back into the hobby (habit?), I'd really appreciate it.

P.S. Is winter over yet?

You can also look into SCDA. Great group.

Hudson Champlain Region, Metro NY PCA regions are also good groups to run with at LRP.

Hudson Champlain and Hudson Valley regions are doing a joint 2 day event in mid-August.

NCR has 2 full days this summer.

You should also check out CVR's autocross group. It's a great group of people. I believe they do an autocross once or twice a year at LRP during one of the DE events.

The regular location used to be a parking lot in Hartford. Not sure if it still is.

I live minutes from Lime Rock, in the past four years I've mostly run with CVR and the remaining with MetroNY when at LRP. In my time in Green and all the way through up to White I've never experienced any ego or dangerous aggressive driving by anyone when running with CVR. Their instructors are top notch and keep people in check, there also seems to be more accountability with them when people do stupid things(intentional or not).

Im not sure what run group you'll be re-entering in or if you were a solo driver when you stopped but CVR has a tendency to put drivers who are in Blue or White from other regions with an instructor for a observation session, if they show good skills, safe driving etc. they'll probably get signed-off to solo in Yellow or White for the day. I've been told that a good number of solo drivers from other regions have been offended by this and choose not to drive with CVR. If one's ego is so fragile they can't handle having a simple check out ride then maybe it's for the better they stay home.

I've never run with them but have heard good things about SCDA as well. Two more months and we're green flag!

Welcome back to the habit. I second the recommendations for CVR PCA and SCDA. I've run with SCDA more than any other group. Good mix of cars of all types, and good people. LRP is their home track, so they have tons of DE events there every season. Also, they run a car control clinic at LRP a few times a year, often in conjunction with a DE day--car control in the morning, and DE on the track in the afternoon. A good day of fun as long as you don't ruin your tires during the car control morning. :p The car control clinic utilizes LRP's infield wet skidpad and small autocross circuit. It's a great way to get comfortable sliding the car and exploring its limits safely. Probably a really good idea in order to get a feel for the new car and shake your cobwebs out. And my couple of times with CVR have been amazing. Probably one of the best-run groups I've encountered.

I've had mixed experiences with other groups at LRP. BMW CCA was frustrating. I'm all about safety, but they were almost smothering in their nannying, IMO. The other extreme was NY's Ferrari Club chapter--it was a real mess. On one hand multiple people refusing to give point-bys, and on the other, at least one hothead in a 360 Modena track car who took it upon himself to openly pass with wild abandon. I was passing a car on the front straight at about 110mph (with a point-by) when this guy came up behind us both and tried to go three-wide without a point-by. If I hadn't seen him in my mirror sweeping to the side of us, he would have plowed right into the back of me. I believe one of FCA's instructors is here on rennlist, and he was alarmed by that behavior--he said he would mention it to the group.

Hooked on Driving is another good option, as is Chin Motorsports if they run at LRP. My experience with Chin events at Watkins Glen and other tracks has been excellent.

Here's an old video of sliding my 2011 M3 around the LRP infield autocross circuit during an SCDA car control clinic. Good times and toasted tires at the end. Pardon the poor resolution of the RaceKeeper camera setup.

NNJR-PCA Mid April event. (April 17-18). Good group. Come out and see us.

SCDA usually has at least one unmuffled day at LRP as well. I haven't run with them since Elvian has taken over, but he was always Ian's right hand man.

I'm an instructor with CVR so please feel free to message me. We would be happy to have you and I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

If you are interested in going to LRP for the first time, I just found a video on CVR PCA website.
It shows driving into the track, views of facilities and a few laps around track. Pretty good informational video.
I will be going this year (first time @ LRP) with, NNJR, METRO or CVR.
Not sure which one, April is kindy risky for weather.

I have run with Metro before, and I hear all of the three groups have good instructors that are familiar with track.
I am looking forrward to it
- David

Ha! I made that video years ago. You can tell by the production quality that I am not the next Spielberg but I am glad you found it informational.

Going to the track the first time can be intimidating and no one wants to look like a noob. The bottom line is that at some point all of us were noobs at the track so there is no reason you can't ask for help and ask stupid questions.

For those feeling intimidated just remember most people love being at the track and, like me, love seeing someone take it to the next step. When I started going to the track my goal always was to race. Last year I finally had a student who said "I am here to eventually learn how to race". Man that was an awesome day to finally meet "myself" at the beginning of the journey and maybe be the guy who helps push him to the next level.

The PCA LRP race is in April every year and I have video of racing while snow is coming down! That being said, the cars love cold weather and make extra horsepower so don't be afraid of the cooler weather. Just take your time get temps in the tires and it is a great way to start the track season.

:cheers:
lol, you made the video?
Thank you, my guess that it had helped a lot of people.
My track days this far, I am in yellow run group more than half have been in wet weather.
Last Zone 1 at WGI, was really nasty on Sunday.
I will tell you, I learned an incredible amount from my instructors about car control in wet weather.
I just would enjoy a higher probability of nice weather by waiting till May or June
Can't wait

As LuigiVampa stated there is a PCA Club Race at LRP in late April. This event is well worth attending as a spectator as the quality of the cars and the competition is top notch. Don't forget your camera!

I think that maybe true for anyone visiting a track for the first time.
It would be normal to be a little apprehensive about where is the entrance, parking, the direction of paddock traffic, etc.
Your video was good that you included that part.

+1. Hope to see you there.
NNJR instruction (as well as the other regions mentioned in this thread) is top notch.
Nothing to be intimidated about. Come on out and join the fun.
Happy to have you.
Nice video LV. Very informative.

CVR RULES!
But that being said is there a bad region??
If you are in the Ma area come check out PALMER MOTORSPORTS PARK!

Also Hooked on Driving Lime Rock Park June 7,8. Weekend., UNMUFFLED. D group by invite. :)

I'll be at the HOD event both days.
Make sure you save a session to right seat me so you can show me how bad I suck and try to help fix me.

I am a member at PMP but didn't get there much last season as I did a lot of travelling around to various tracks for DE days.
It is a wonderful track. Probably the most underrated track in the Northeast.
Def worth checking out. Talk about elevation change....
Plan on getting a few days there this season for club member days.
I am allowed to bring a guest or two during the season, so if any of you haven't been and wanna check it out during a member day, lemme know and I'll see what i can arrange.
Waiting for the member day schedule to come out and then I can set up my schedule.

Wait no more!

Dates are subject to change - April 23rd will be removed for the private Rennlist air/oil cooled day.

http://palmermsp.com/calendar/

Regards,

.

A bunch of us ran Palmer backwards (clockwise) during a CVR Advanced DE last summer. Super fun and feels like a whole other track, by the end of the day I was matching my counter clockwise times ..not sure if that's a good thing or not.

It gets really fun when we get a bunch of drivers running both directions...at the same time!!

Looks awesome. You'll be seeing much more of me than you did last season.
The wife will join me a few times as well, not for the track (although she will do a few days on track), but more for the new MGM Casino in Springfield.
Not too hard to temp her with that. The track, not so much.
I'll be spending my money on fuel and she'll be spending my money at the Craps Table.
I can live with that....

Peter,
If you want to do auto-X, you can do it right at Limerock's inner track.
http://limerock.com/summer-autocross-days

I know some people love Palmer but it is not my favorite track. If you can run a track in two directions I think it was not designed properly.

CVR usually has one or two days where the DE and auto-x are run on the same day. You can do both, which is a ton of fun, but you are exhausted at the end of the day!

You know they used to run Lime Rock backwards, right?

I like Palmer's in it's original direction (counter clockwise) best, but I also have a lot more experience running it in that direction as well.
While it is not my all-time favorite track (WGI and VIR hold that title for now), Palmer's is an amazing track with great elevation change and great camber in most of the corners. I also find it very challenging and not the easiest track to learn. That's part of its appeal to me.
I also find Palmer's the most intimidating track I have run so far, but they have made great strides in safety and track improvements over the past couple years, and that makes it a lot easier to push it in most of the corners.
I also find the staff there amazing at what they do. Hats off to them.
Looking forward to burning a lot of member days there this season.
Just my $.02.

I'm sure you could run many tracks backwards with lower horsepower cars. I don't see how you could run LRP backwards with anything more powerful than a Miata.

Yes- here is Lime Rock Park Backwards.

Wouldn't that be forwards in reverse?

.. yes. can't find footage counter direction. :banghead:

How do I get to LRP from where we live WITHOUT taking the Taconic?
I can go up 87 to 84, but the Taconic is a no-no with a trailer.
I took the Taconic a few times last year, and I got lucky as I didn't get pulled over, but I don't want to push my luck anymore.
How do I get to LRP without taking the Taconic? Thanks.

Edit: Is 87 to 44 the quickest route while avoiding the Taconic?

I believe you are traveling from NJ. An alternative is take I87 and cross the Hudson River at an exit that goes directly east to NY22 below Millerton, NY. From Millerton to LRP is a short drive

Thanks. I think that's bit longer than going on 44, but your route is def an option. Thanks.

Edit: I may try one one the way up and one on the way down and see which is better. I think the Tappan Zee route would have more traffic, but I may do both and see which is faster. Thanks.

I'd pay money to see that in real life.

I was waiting to see Luigi's response to the Limo tape. I was thinking he had not seen it yet ...lol

I've actually seen it before but I always watch it again because I think it is hilarious.

What I really want to know is if that is someone actually driving or was it the computer who was in control? If it was someone driving I am impressed!

Which simulator is that? iRacing ?
https://www.iracing.com/tracks/

Take 287 across the Tappan Zee Bridge. Then 684 North which runs into 22 North. I do it all the time.

Thanks Frank. As long as it's not at rush hour, that's a good route. Thanks....

You can also take Rte 7, but it's a bit scary (towing with trailer). I took it once for an alternative to 22. I don't think I will do that again! :eek:

What was scary about Rt 7?

It was a bit windy and very desolate. If you broke down, I don't think anybody would find you for weeks. I remember it following a river most of the way. At least that's how it felt to me coming home late after a race weekend.

OK, mental note. Avoid Rt 7.
Thanks..

Lol at Rt 7 being considered desolate. It's not Park Ave but I think it's far from desolate considering it's the only major road in CT between the Danbury exit of 84 and Limerock.

I've been broken down overnight out there in September ... That's when decision was made to sell 930. . Freezing cold..1 Westchester Sheriff armed full swat...No AAA until next day....scary

They came in full SWAT gear for YOU? For YOU?
Your Connecticut tax dollars at work. LOL...

Bruce, we all take 22 from where I am. If you can get over to it, that's the best route in my opinion.

It was right over the CT border where I broke down. no moon that night. No lights. Very unique experience. Amenia NY I think. . Those last Lime Rock events of the year...There is only 1 Sheriff in entire county so he has to be prepared for anything. I had to ask. It increased my fear of the evening ahead. scared.

For the record Rt. 7 is neither desolate nor scary. There is one stretch coming from the merge of I-84 (near Stew Leonards) where the cops hang out, but other than that it is fine.

I was actually on Rt 343. Just checked. Near Yellow City Rd.

Yes, avoid the curvy parts of Rt. 7. One of my favorite back-road runs. May it stay curvy and desolate forever. ;)

Curvy and desolate is awesome while pulling 4500 lbs. Yay!!

Deliverance was filmed where you broke down :)

Route 22 is good if you come from the west. For me Route 7 is best and I find it a nice relaxing ride when towing.

The home stretch from Cornwall Bridge is a great road. Only two passing zones going North with the best right after Cornwall Bridge. Lots of fun in any kind of car. I usually try to pass anyone loitering in front of me in the first passing zone. On race days there is sometimes a State trooper in the parking lot just after the passing zone you have to be look out for. Went by two cars once with the leading truck cheering me on...to then see a trooper in that lot...luckily he was giving a talking to a Ferrari as I wailing by in Sport Plus near the redline making as much noise as a Cayman can.

Best move was when towing an open trailer with my Cayenne Turbo. Passed a motorcyclist at the bottom of the part along the river. He didn't look to happy to be passed by "two" cars in one shot.

Hope you come to Lime Rock.

Got to take route 22. Then you get to go by the Harlem Valley State Hospital, which is now Olivet University. A real creepy place. It was a true cuckoo nest with electro shock therapy and labotomies.

There's a couple of YouTube videos where people snuck in and took videos of the dilapidated remains. You can just envision the horrors that went on in there.

That place is the single most terrifying place I have ever been to. My friends and I went late at night once when we're young and stupid... That experience singly handily convinced me that ghosts and paranormal exist. My skin crawls still even just driving past it.