sundog

I don't know. I think that turn 5 would tear that car up. Either launch it into the pits, or bury it into the infield.

Potomac-Greg

With your goals and attitude, DE will be perfect for you. I'd favor the lower run groups just to keep it as non-competitive as possible.

aj986s

DE is a great way to learn more about you & your car. Speeds are higher, but your autox background will be a plus; your seat-of-the-pants senses are one up!

• Listen to your instructor.
• Ask to ride as passenger at some point(s), in either your or instructor's car.
• If you & instructor don't mesh well (it happens) speak to Chief Instructor and see if switch can be made; don't let your day/weekend be ruined because of personality conflict (but I'll bet you find most instructors will be terrific to work with).
• Talk to & meet people. The comraderie is a big part of the fun.
• Respect the track - Respect the speed. Stuff happens, and sometimes its unavoidable. But many/most incidents could have probably been avoided.
• Make sure your car is mechanically sound at all times. Don't ignore sounds/smells/leaks/etc.

And if you don't have fun, its your own damn fault!

sundog

I never did the Autocross thing. One reason is that I have a 4 speed Tiptronic, and it sucks at low speed stuff.

I just jumped into the DE thing and went from the beginning group to the middle groups in a couple of weekends. It is a perfect thing for me. All I really did to the car was to put in a roll bar, 6 point harnesses, Recaro race seats, and a set of Nitto NT01 R compound tires.

The Nitto's have lasted me 15 track days so far, and have a few left, so not a big cost per weekend.

Really the biggest cost is the track time for the weekends. Probably averages about $400 for 2 days out here in CA. Then there's the hotel cost at another $150 or so for the weekend.

Sounds like a good plan, and most of the people that I have met are great to be around, and aren't there to "race", just to explore their own and their cars limits.

todinlaw

Yes this is the right choice with the right club. My view, PCA has the best beginner DE program, safety is paramount. You will be placed with a group of drivers with the same skills and goals as you do so there will be little pressure on you to impress or overdrive unless you do it to yourself. If you do, then you can't blame the venue. This is a fantastic hobby, and as said above its like eating just one potato chip, you can't you will have your whole head in the bag if you are not disciplined.

ApexPerformance

I agree with Frank - PCA is a great venue for DEs, especially beginners.

v8killer

Check out NASA here in AZ as well. http://www.nasaaz.com/