LuigiVampa

You never realize the extent of the camber, or how much uphill / downhilll a particular section of the track is, until you walk it.

Invaluable information to walk the track.

needmoregarage

I’m with RTR and they always do track walks. I used to give the track walk for WGI, Pitt Race and Mid-OH for my former region. The tours I led were open to everyone. Typically several newbies would attend, but there were drivers of all experience levels (including instructors) who participated.

This info is a few years old:

WGI charges a fee, and you are required to lead the tour from their truck, driven by their security personnel. There is a time limit. All joining the tour must leave together (no latecomers) as the gate is locked behind. And all must stay with the lead vehicle. If you hang back (or hoon), you’ll be asked to leave the event by WGI.

Pitt Race doesn’t charge a fee (after track hours) but does request that the group arrive/depart together (no latecomers). No time limit other than daylight. Tours typically are driven from point to point (get out, make comments, get back into vehicle & drive to next point of interest). The biggest issue for the track was not wanting someone to hang back, or join the tour late, and then drive “hot” corners to catch up to the group. If they catch anyone “hooning” they take away track walk privileges. Pitt Race personnel do not participate in track tours. They ask that the gate is closed behind the group as the tour starts (to prevent someone from going on track solo).

Mid OH did not allow driving track tours initially but in recent years allowed people to drive point to point. I don’t recall a fee but staying after hours at MID OH incurs a fee for security personnel “overtime”. Their personnel did not participate in the tour, but like Pitt Race, if there is any “hooning” you lose privileges.

I particpated in a track tour at Mosport (walked entire circuit) and it was HUGELY helpful as it is a very fast and technical (and dangerous) track.

I consider myself an experienced driver & instructor, and I do a track walk whenever possible. I always learn something new, even with a track I think I know quite well. Things change over time (repave/landscape).

I think the biggest challenge with doing a track tour is that a club typically doesn’t want to take away from expensive track time, so they are typically after hours. Tours are usually min. one hour (depending on circuit). It’s often at the end of the first day, and people are tired and hungry. It can be a tough “sell” if you’ve not done it before and don’t understand the value. But once you’ve done it, you get it.

ProCoach

I think the idea that it "takes away" from expensive track time is false economy.

The more often it's done, the more people want to do it. Heck, we have people with PCC-Audi come every year just for the track walk with Randy Pobst, me and Mike Levitas.

Agree that for people who've never done it, they don't get it. But the people that do, they get it, as you say.

RossP

This. I had hundreds of laps at Road Atlanta before I did a track walk. Then when I was standing at the bottom of the esses looking up at turn 5, I realized how steep that hill really is (confirmed once I hiked up it).

Nickshu

Our region's are always done in the evening after Beer:30. No effect on track time. Beautiful sunset often adds to the experience.

DER951

Years ago, did a track walk at Mosport, it was still Mosport then, where we walked the entire track with the local pro, AND were accompanied by a van loaded with cold beer.

afilsinger

PCA San Diego often has a track walk and classroom chalk talk on Saturday evenings when the track goes cold - when I was one of the SDR DE CDIs I led the track walks with the event chair, and they were pretty well attended. Everybody learned something, including myself. Track walks and the discussions that occur from people seeing the track from a different perspective often give insights to even the most experienced drivers.

PTSFX

I conduct a track walk at Sebring on Friday night of most FARA events, passing on the knowledge that was handed down to me during the numerous times I participated in.

quickboxster

That's interesting, I ran 2 days there and didn't get to do a track walk, so for me it felt like a super steep climb to 2 and then downhill, once to the esses that seemed like a slight incline and then running up 5 to 6 felt a little steeper. Humorously the only video I have of me back from that era, is from a lazy lap where I was being followed there, wish I'd known then, I'd at least have run at pace.

Matt Lane

Had a great track walk with Rick Bye at Mosport a number of years ago. Tremendous learning opportunity my first time there.

For the DE crowd visiting and learning new tracks, it's a huge quick move up the learning curve.

Cheers

Matt

ProCoach

Rick's a gem!

Brian 162

They still do it, once a year at the end of the day.

jdistefa

UCR, Mosport.

Did a couple track walks for folks last weekend.

IMHO you should walk (or scooter, or bicycle, or be carried by Luigi) every track you drive.

maschinetheist

MOR does track walk at Mid-Ohio. Very valuable!

Chicago region typically does class room
chalk walk/talks before a lot of novice events.

Cuda911

We do track walks every event, after the track goes cold on Saturday evening.