Drive Your Nissan on a real race track

[Bubba1]

That time of year again. ACNA (Audi Club of North America) has rented out the full course at VIRginia International Raceway on April 25-26, and is offering a 2 day high performance driving school for enthusiasts with any make car. This is an event where you drive your own car. Yep, even that Nissan in your driveway. For about the cost that set of tires you ruined skidding around a parking lot, you can get several sessions on one of the better roadrace tracks in the country, and you'll sharpen those driving skills to boot.

I'm happy to say I won't be the only one there with a Nissan, as a few guys with 350Z's told me they're coming this time. I believe there are at least 3 instructors with Nissans, (a 350, a 240sx, and an old (but not stock) Sentra. I've done this event a few times with a 170,000 mile bone stock 240sx and had a blast. The straights are long enough to find that speed limiter if you choose. There's also a pro photographer that takes amazing action shots if you want to prove to your friends you and your car were on a race track. "Sure man, I just passed that Ferrari that's in the picture behind me." I have one of those framed with my 240, (snicker). It's not a racing school, so they're no tradin' paint.

VIR is literally a country club with a race track instead of a golf course. think of it as a 3+ mile 17 turn one-way country road with no cops. This track gets featured on SpeedTV often.

It ain't just Audi's that comes to these events. You'll see everything from with stock civics to full-race Ferrari's/Porsche's. There even have been a hearty souls that rented cars (with the CDW) and shown up. (think Alero and Altima). Very fun laid back group of people. If you're interested, I'll provide the link. Hope to see some NICOnauts there. Oh, and if someone gives me a nice free NICO shirt (XL), I'll be happy to wear it (ahem).

[themadscientist]

I'll have to check that palce out next time I'm home. How far is it from D.C.?

[JustinStrife]

Too bad it's on the opposite side of the country. Next time I'll definetly find a way to go.

[Bubba1]

I'll have to check that palce out next time I'm home. How far is it from D.C.?

It's about a 4 hr ride from DC. Near Danville VA (along the VA-NC border). It's a 7 1/2 hr ride for me (north of Philly). and I think it's worth the trip.

If you love driving your car fast, this is 'da place to do it legally.

[PalmerWMD]

Hmm,

I'll be back from my last traveling assignment for a few months by then..

Fred..

[Q-less]

234 miles away for me at about 4 hours. I could take hwy 58 the whole way. That road is pretty fun to drive on. It would be 4 hours of pure pleasure!!

[PalmerWMD]

Sounds to me like a Nico meet may be shaping up.

Fred..

[Q-less]

I wonder if we gathered up enough niconauts if we could get a group discount. Could somebody check that out?

[Bubba1]

I'll check with the eventmaster (he's a friend of mine), but I'm fairly sure they won't give group discounts. VIR schools tend to sell out, plus the cost to rent that facility is high.It is a popular track. The 2 day school price really isn't that outrageous. In addition to a huge paddock for a possible NICO mini meet, Audi also tosses in a banquet dinner at the track plus a event t-shirt. It's a pretty good deal. There are several clubs that are well represented at these events and Audi welcomes any make.There are usually contingents from: PCA (porsche club), BMW club, Corvette Club, there are also usually group of guys with Miata's and Sube's. Audi also gets some interesting guest instructors. Randy Pobst and Michael Galata were guests at the last two events there. They took students out for hot laps in their own cars.

Another interesting tidbit is Audi encourages students to ride with instructors. So if your run group isn't on the track, you can simply hop into an instructors car for some very hot laps. They all welcome passengers. And some of the instructors have some exotic machinery. Kinda cool running 170mph in the passenger seat of Porsche Twin Turbo or ex-Winston cup chevy or a full-race prepared Audi. It's wild stuff.

If its a fun couple of days.

[PalmerWMD]

I gotto find a way to come to this!

Fred..

[Altiman94]

that's right in the middle of finals week for me. I wish it were during May so I could bring the 240 and have some fun.

[Bubba1]

They have events all year at different race tracks all over the country. I personally tend to stick to the eastern tracks, though I've thought about flying out to try Laguna Sega.

240sx's are a total hoot at VIR. They'll surprise you how well they handle.

[yessir240]

ha that is about 45 Or less minutes away from me i was just wondering if there is like an age limit ??

[Slappy]

That time of year again. ACNA (Audi Club of North America) has rented out the full course at VIRginia International Raceway on April 25-26, and is offering a 2 day high performance driving school for enthusiasts with any make car. This is an event where you drive your own car. Yep, even that Nissan in your driveway. For about the cost that set of tires you ruined skidding around a parking lot, you can get several sessions on one of the better roadrace tracks in the country, and you'll sharpen those driving skills to boot.

I'm happy to say I won't be the only one there with a Nissan, as a few guys with 350Z's told me they're coming this time. I believe there are at least 3 instructors with Nissans, (a 350, a 240sx, and an old (but not stock) Sentra. I've done this event a few times with a 170,000 mile bone stock 240sx and had a blast. The straights are long enough to find that speed limiter if you choose. There's also a pro photographer that takes amazing action shots if you want to prove to your friends you and your car were on a race track. "Sure man, I just passed that Ferrari that's in the picture behind me." I have one of those framed with my 240, (snicker). It's not a racing school, so they're no tradin' paint.

VIR is literally a country club with a race track instead of a golf course. think of it as a 3+ mile 17 turn one-way country road with no cops. This track gets featured on SpeedTV often.

It ain't just Audi's that comes to these events. You'll see everything from with stock civics to full-race Ferrari's/Porsche's. There even have been a hearty souls that rented cars (with the CDW) and shown up. (think Alero and Altima). Very fun laid back group of people. If you're interested, I'll provide the link. Hope to see some NICOnauts there. Oh, and if someone gives me a nice free NICO shirt (XL), I'll be happy to wear it (ahem).

can you post the excact address of the track so i can mapquest it please. i'll get me a helmet, and i'll be on my way.

**edit** i found it. Virginia International Raceway1245 Pine Tree RoadAlton. Virginia 24520

but for some reason, Map Quest can't find 1245 Pine Tree rd.

track layout http://img.photobucket.com/alb...r.gif

more track info ; http://www.na-motorsports.com/Tracks/VIR.html
Modified by Slappy at 8:05 PM 1/23/2005

[hatebobbarker]

theres tons of california events, for you guys out here.

[jdmfreak]

Ill get there. One day....

[themadscientist]

I was looking at heading home around the middle of April, I might actually be able to make it. If only I can find a beater 200sx or 240sx.

[HashiriyaS14]

I'm in DC, and I wanna do it. How much is it?

[Bubba1]

Yessir240: I believe minimum age for this event is 18. Audi does offer some "teen" clinics for those under 18, but it's not at this particular event.

Helmets are required, but if you don't have one, it's not a problem. They'll rent you one for $40. If you do have a helmet, their minimum rating is SA-95 or M-95. My recommendation is if you don't own a helmet don't rush out to buy one. Not only is there a store at the track that has them(so you can try on samples and get your noggin sized correctly, not necessarily buy them from there ), you'll also have about 150 other helmet owners to chat with who'd love to discuss what they like and dislike.

There are no special requirements for your car, except convertibles. VIR will not let convertibles run without approved rollbars. Standard seatbelts are perfectly fine. Your car will have to pass a simple tech inspection. Essentially if your car passes state inspection, you should have no trouble passing tech. They do recommend fresh brake fluid. There's a pre-event checklist that's pretty straight forward.

HashiriyaGDB: Here's the cost breakdown:

The school itself : $315 (includes banquet and event shirt) Add $25 if you sign up afer 4/4. $40 helmet rental (if you don't own one)

$44 Audi club 1 yr membership. required. (membership gives you a magazine subscription, access to their website, and the ability to do more of their events) I've been a member for several years and do 4-5 of these events per year.

Since it's a 2 day school, unless you live nearby, you'd need to stay overnight.They have a block of rooms at the Danville Sleep Inn ( 6 miles from the track) for $79 per night. It's best to go thru tech and check in the day before, so I'd suggest a 2 night stay.

Add all those numbers up and it's not a lot of money for what you're getting. 2 days in your own car at a major race track with instruction, instructor rides in some awesome cars, rub elbows with racers, etc, etc. Schools like barber and panoz will easily run you into thousands. This is an absolute bargain, and is not a group of snooty German car elitists. These guys are real enthusiasts. I learn a lot every time I go.

The one car I'm personally hoping to snare a ride in this time is one of my instructor friend's new Lotus Elise. I think he's bringing it. Always interesting cars at these things. Another recommendation is to bring a camera.

The registration opens up for new members onFebruary 11. Registration for current members and instructors is going on right now.

[Bubba1]

here are the links. This first one should hopefully take you directly to the right page. If it doesn't work, try the home link.

http://www.audiclubna.org/chap...id=15

club's main page:http://www.audicarclubna.org (Potomac chapter)

VIR's website:virclub.com

[Slappy]

*****for those of you who can't make it in april***

If you're interested in another date, try http://www.mazdadrivers.com they are doing it in March and in June. No sliding but definitely a lot of fun.

[HashiriyaS14]

Wow, that's whupa$$.

I actually think that my boss is going in his A6.

I had better not pass him or anything, or I might get fired

[Slappy]

i called VIR and they said i have to contact ACNA (Audi Club of North America) for the info on fee's and rule's/reg's.

does anybody know how to get in contact with them???

[Bubba1]

Yep, there are plenty of really good clubs out there that use the same tracks. I'm sure mazdadrivers is a good one too, though I'm not familiar with them. I would expect them to be in a similar price range. The only club I've seen that does track days and caters directly to Nissans is the Triangle Z club, which is predominantly 350z's. They do events at VIR and Summit Point as well. I've met a couple of their members. They actually do time trials at their events, which is interesting. What attracted me to Audi was the surprising diversity of its members and wide variety of cars that come. More of a general enthusiasts club. And for me, a whole lot cheaper than doing Barber race weekends.

[Bubba1]

i called VIR and they said i have to contact ACNA (Audi Club of North America) for the info on fee's and rule's/reg's.

does anybody know how to get in contact with them???

Hi Slappy. I just posted the links above (up a few responses)

[Slappy]

cool, thank's.

[themadscientist]

so who is going to this, I am going to try if I can get back in time

[Bubba1]

just an update. registration is now open for those interested.

[nsrZ32]

mmmm.....now this is what i'm talking about!

You guys do this every year? If so i'm all about it for `06 when I have enough miles on my motor to thrash the Z on a road course. I've had it out on Mid-Ohio a couple of times and there is nothing like taking your car out on a nice curvy race track.

[Bubba1]

mmmm.....now this is what i'm talking about!

You guys do this every year? If so i'm all about it for `06 when I have enough miles on my motor to thrash the Z on a road course. I've had it out on Mid-Ohio a couple of times and there is nothing like taking your car out on a nice curvy race track.

Hey, drive the Z daily and I'm sure you'll have the motor broken in with time to spare. I had to did that with my Z for the April '03 VIR(snicker)

Yep they have these every year. Two pery year just at VIR: One in April and other in Nov or Dec. Audi also does events at Mid-Ohio, which is on my must do list. I'm gonna try to work Mid-Ohio into my '06 schedule. I'm pretty sure I'm doing BeaveRun (near Pittsburgh) in July. Smaller track than Mid-Ohio, but very fun. I do maybe 4 of these events per year.