ninjacoco

It really, really depends on the person and the school. There's a guy locally who never made it out of green (what most of the ones I know of call the n00b group here) with at least one group, but then again, he had the whole "flat out" attitude--wouldn't listen to instructors, wasn't safe, wasn't predictable and just wasn't in control of his car.

Most people I know get tossed out of green the second they get the basics down. Sometimes you might get put back in there if you run with a different group/new track/etc. Just roll with it and quit worrying so much about getting out of novice group. Learn things and it'll come, no problems.

equiraptor

As he said, when you are ready. We want you in the run group where you will learn and be safe. The individual labels are less important than your traffic management skills, your visuals, your experience on track (which helps identify potentially dangerous situations and ways to resolve them), etc. Pace is only one of many factors.

And "experience on track" isn't necessarily "done XYZ days". Rather, it's seen behaviors, events, corner types, etc., gained an understanding for how your car responds to needs to change your plans, understanding when to choose to go straight off vs. when to try to save it (and potentially end up spinning), and more. Exactly what you need will depend on how you're driving, where you're running, and what you already understand.

hinchcliffe

We once as a joke wrote on the white board at the front of the garage. At least it was the afternoon of day two, $50 to advance to the next run group cash only......

I actually had at least two ask who they need to pay......

Coochas

So, did you make a quick C-note?

himself

As stated, there is no set formula.

I've had a student go from running in green to Red [fastest] in one event. (story at end of post)* I've had other students go for more than a year in Blue. And then never make it out of Yellow. It really depends on your ability and commitment (instruction and free time) among other things. If you do 1 event a year, it might take a long time.

-td

*Student came in as a "new to us" and "new to track." Was slated to drive in Yellow to evaluate (in a Miata no less!). Got permission to go out first in Green group to get a feel for track. With no traffic, ended up within 1 second of Miata track record. Then caught backmarkers and came in. The guy could drive!! No need to evaluate in Yellow - straight to Red. Turns out it was Kenton Koch. I think he's slated to run Miata Cup series now. All thanks to my instruction, of course.

911Königin

Looks like a great thread
I have not seen one for our region...............
Instructor does not say much................
Am quite used to that
I'm not in it to win - my only competition is myself.
I am patient, but getting a bit bored. Sat in on several classes for the next 'step up' and enjoyed that. Our groups are D=Beginner ->C->B->A=Advanced
Saturday he told me I had a perfect run and ran solo Sunday afternoon.
I already know I can do 'flat out'- just want to be sure I have the technique down.
My instructor said he loves the smell of burning brakes

Manifold

^ A key reason not to be too preoccupied with advancing through run groups is that it'll interfere with your safety, fun, and learning ... and thus interfere with advancing through the run groups!

Gary R.

I know what their policy is, but it isn't etched in stone as it seems some of the other regions are.. they will discuss it with you like they give a ****, maybe offer a credit, etc. ESPECIALLY if you are not a fair-weather cancellation nightmare. I don't cancel for weather, and NEVER cancelled with HCP before. You really want me to get back on this track?

Veloce Raptor

Gary, I don't think he really cares

Gary R.

Well then, that takes all the fun out of it....

BostonDMD

I don't know why, but I get the feel now that Van will have an invisible target on his car at the Glen.........

Just kidding........ plus prepared E and SP cars will be in different groups.....

As far as the OP question, I would say that the "Timeline from Green......" thread would give you a vast amount of information and........entertainment......

dan212

This thread is priceless. 30 plus pages and well worth reading. I remember this.

Van

Gary, I consider you a friend and a good instructor. If it's standard PCA policy to submit your case to the board for a credit for a future event, then let's go through that process. I think it's reasonable to ask for a credit - I'll even vouch for you!

But I don't think it's fair to single out HCP region when CVR region has the same policy. I know it's no fun diving into the cost and time required to rebuild an engine. I'd like to think that's put you in a sour mood... Let me know if there's something I can do to help (something within my power - I don't have access to the clubs funds, nor am I on the board).

e9stibi

Do not be shy to ask for a check run if you think that you are demonstrating the right skills, behaviors and experience.

Gary R.

Van - no issue between you and I at all. CVR is what, 25x the size of HCP? One email, a couple phone calls, THEN they say NO. HCP, It sounds like i'm dealing with friggin IBM! The "board"? C'mon, Joe Bob texts Billy Bob, ***** Joe shrugs, May Louise writes it down, board meeting is over!

We can talk at the Glen, let's get this thread back on how long it takes Karen to get into F1 Lites..