CCA

Okay, I've been wanting to get my SCCA comp license for a while. I had hoped to do that late Feb. at Roebling. but it didn't work out. CFR is holding one in mid-July on Sebring's short course. I've never been to Sebring and it would be cool to learn at least part of the track. However, this is a long tow and during peak summer heat. Part of me says, do it and get this part done so racing can begin. The other part of me say, the heat will make it miserable and potentially dangerous. That I should wait until next Feb. to do the school. What say you?

Ritter v4.0

It's hot everywhere in July isn't it. If you have time, go.
I won't say you won't feel the heat entirely, but you may be so stoked that it doesn't matter. That said, good practice for dealing with it. Coolshirt, hydration etc.

nosubt2

I have raced Sebring for many summers, it is very hot. SCCA schools keep you very busy. In addition to lots of water, Kool suit is mandatory and you will need crew to take care of the car while you try to cool down. Do not do this school without help. A popup tent is also mandatory, get a pit stall if possible they are the coolest place at the track.
Driving the short course will teach you 75 % of the full course.
Go and have fun
Mark

CCA

Yes, it is hot across most of the states in July. Typically, I either try to head north to WGI this time of year or sit out Jul/Aug. Did a couple VIR events, instructing with Chin I think, and it was tough. Told myself I wouldn't do that again unless paid to drive. VIR that time of year averages within a couple degrees of Sebring.

I don't have a CoolShirt system, but was thinking about one of those Phase Change Cool-Vest. Could throw that on before getting in the car and after getting out. I do have a canopy to shade the car or myself. And the paddock area is in the "Green" area of the track, which supposedly has some trees for shade.

I don't have a mechanic or anyone that will be going down with me. But, perhaps I can finding a group that is servicing some SM for this event and have them look after my car as well. Should something happen to the car, I certainly do not want to work on it in the heat and then jump in to drive. Think I'd wave the flag at that point.

sbelles

Shade trees at Sebring?

Mark Dreyer

There are a couple shade trees. At most. :-)

CCA

Funny, kind-of what I thought from the races I've watched, but what one person conveyed that to me. Besides shade moves...

Mark Dreyer

Actually if you are doing the back half of the track (short course), you will be hanging out in Green Park, and there are some additional trees out there. Sebring in July on a race track is still about as hot of an experience as you'd ever want to endure so be sure to hydrate and use a cool suit if one is available.

Veloce Raptor

The bugs can be unbelievable there in July...

schao

Dealing with the heat is one thing (cool suit, cool vest, shade, etc.), but the race school schedule is another. I would strongly advise you have someone to help you maintain your car (checking fluids, tire pressures, whatever else necessary) so you can focus on just driving and taking in instructor feedback. Missing a part of a session or one altogether (either because you don't feel well or the car has a temporary issue) will almost ensure you don't pass and get your license (minimum time track requirement). Also, people want to get to know you and get a sense of whether you can be trusted going wheel to wheel, so you do bonding between track sessions while someone else tends to your car.

Another option is rent a car (SM or whatever) for the school; you avoid time and cost to tow down, will have crew to maintain the car, and you do your thing. Yes running the club course will help you with the long course later on, but minimally as it's really T1 and T17 that really challenges. Good luck!

Sherman

85Gold

Good advice on renting a car for the school. You need to concentrate
On driving and making meetings. If you want to do just one school be sure to let your instructor know in advance. Yes it's hot but it can also be wet so have rain tires available. I usually inst for the PDX but will be in the mountains of NC that weekend soaking up the cool

Peter

CCA

Hum, this still has me wondering whether it's worth doing this event over just waiting until Feb for Roebling. I would probably only be able to get in one race this year, the Goblins Go @ VIR, but it is the starting race for next seasons' SARRC.

ProCoach

Id do the school at Roebling...

g-50cab

last time I did a July event there, think it was Chin - track was around 117 degrees in the sun - humidity was high - afternoon we had a ton of rain - after which I vowed to keep my track days between October and June

BTW - Sebring is an awesome track to drive. In my humble opinion there are around four different levels that need to be mastered

First is getting the corners / line correct
2nd is getting the exits correct on the fast corners (like 7, 16 and 17)
3rd is discovering all the major bumps and changes in pavement and how to navigate and keep the car composed
4th is putting that all together for a fast lap

sbelles

Yeah, I froze my *** off last time I was there. Of course that was in January.