Improving your driving skills

[Bubba1]

The Audi Club has openings for their Hi Performance Driving school on Sat/Sun December 6-7 at VIRginia International Raceway.VIR is one of the nicest tracks in the country. 3.75 miles and 17 turns of country road with no speed limit. If you want to improve your skills and see what your Nissan is really capable of doing,you can do it here for just a couple hundred dollars.

It's open to all enthusiasts. Owning an Audi is not required. Just need a valid drivers license and a car in decent shape. There are no special requirements you or your car, and any experience level is welcome.

I regularly attend these events in a stock Nissan. This is truly a fun group of car enthusiasts, and there are several folks in Japanese makes representin'. Last time there were just 2 Nissans: an SE-R and a 350Z. We need more. But there were also several Subie's (2.5 RS, WRX), Mitsu's (Evo's, a VR4 sedan, several Eclipses, Mazda (2 RX-7's), and Honda (2 integras and a very quick Civic).

It's a fun-filled weekend. If you're interested, I'd be happy to pass the link.

[Mayhem_J30]

didn't think tracks were open that late in the year. only if it was closer.

[SHIFT_Z]

Whats the price?

-Kev

[TurboKA37]

how much is it gonna cost? i get my liscense nov. 31 and my car should be back into one peice by then! (these bushings are taking such a long time!) put up the link if u could.

[MainEvent212]

yeah i'd love to do this...me and a couple friends actually...ones got an RSX type-S n ive got a Cooper S

he always beats me in a straight line, but i swear to him that i'll win in the twisties...but we never get a real chance to do it

[Bubba1]

Chris: VIR is far enough south that they can almost always squeeze this one in. It's located at the North Carolina-Virginia border.

Here's what it'll cost:

before 11/16 $275, after 11/16 it's $325. Price includes 1 ticket to the banquet and an event t-shirt.There is a $40 annual membership fee to become an Audi Club (ACNA) member. If you do not own an approved helmet, they'll rent you one for $40.

Here's the link:

http://www.audicarclubna.org/r....html

Turbo, you might want to email the eventmaster if you're interested. There's a link on the website below. I'm not 100% sure if there is an minimum age requrement or not. At some schools it's 18. I don't recall if there's one at this school...

Main: There's an instructor that runs an RSX, and another one that runs a Mini Cooper S (when his 944 is being fixed, which is often) Both very fun cars on the track.

[[Zero-S]]

Nice...but I don't think my 240 would stand a chance. I may do it for the hell of it tho if I could get some friends to come:)

[TurboKA37]

hmm. i think ill hold off on this one. its prolly better that some more driving time in with my car. plus thats alotta money that i cant be spending right now.

[Bubba1]

Zero-S. these schools are awesome to do with friends, especially enthusiasts. It's a very friendly club, not stuffy at all. You'd be amazed at the variety of cars/people that come to these things. There are usually a few exotic cars that show up these, especially among the instructors. And instructors are always happy to give rides. I've done many of these schools in my old bone stock 1989 240sx, including 2 at VIR. It ran fine. Stock 240's may be underpowered but you'd be amazed how well they handle on the race track. There is also a great pro photographer who takes action shots of you in your car at different sectons of the track and offers them for sale. Very cool stuff.

It's a lot of seat time at a race track you see featured on TV a lot for not a lot of money. I drive 7 hours to get there and I think it's well worth the trip. The motels in the area are also very inexpensive. I hope to see some NICO brethren come out and have fun.

Regards.

[Mayhem_J30]

Woohoo, M-rated helmets are allowed. I haven't had a chance to purchase the Bell SA helmet that I want yet.Don't think I'll be able to make it though. A bit too far of a drive and chances are I would run into snow which would be real bad.

[MainEvent212]

damn, that's a bit more then i can afford...maybe towards the end of the school year it'd be mroe feasable...(after college admission letters etc...graduation present should be finished by then too hehe)

my graduation present is my 240...funded by my parents...ye ai'm a bastard..w/e

[Bubba1]

Mayhem: I understand. I believe VIR is a solid 8 hour ride from Louisville. Pretty far. But Audi has these events at other tracks, some that are closer to you. Like Mid Ohio and BeaverRun (near Pittsburgh).

MainEvent212: Summit Point Raceway is near Harpers Ferry, which closer, and a fun track too. I was just there a couple weeks ago. You could work on your parents for next year perhaps. the SP school is usually in October.

And your folks sound great, that;s a great grad gift. I got a set of luggage as a graduation gift. I think they were giving me a hint.

[[Zero-S]]

Bubba, I wasn't talking comptetition wise...I still need to replace my popped bushing(s) and other assorted things before I can road-race. BUT I'll try and get it done quickly because I want to go there. Oh, and do we have to pay the entrance fee, plus the audi fee?And how much would an approved helmet run me.

[Bubba1]

Bubba, I wasn't talking comptetition wise...I still need to replace my popped bushing(s) and other assorted things before I can road-race. BUT I'll try and get it done quickly because I want to go there. Oh, and do we have to pay the entrance fee, plus the audi fee?And how much would an approved helmet run me.

I hope you can get it all done. I think you and your friends would have a blast.

As far as helmets go, I paid about $215 for my Bell SR Pro II a few years back. It's a basic full face helmet without a visor. There's a huge variety of helmets types/makes out there to choose from. There is a "Driving Impressions" store, which sells helmets and racing gear, right at VIR. They can give you some idea of what's out there and price ranges. That's in addition to the dozens of helmet owners that will be attending who are always willing to share advice.

The cost for a 1st timer without a helmet to attend is$355. (That's $275 registration + $40 to join the club + $40 for the helmet rental). Registration price goes up after 11/16.

The $40 club fee is a one year membership, so if you want to do another event, and it's within a year, you don't pay that $40 again.

Since it's a 2 day event, you'll want overnight accomodations, unless you live close. Audi reserved several rooms for participants at the local Sleep-Inn for $60 per night. That's cheap, especially if you share with a friend. Ideally you'd want to arrive Friday to register and get your car "tech'ed". You lose precious time if you register/tech the first day of the event.

The registation includes a banquet, (usually a nice catered dinner at the track) and an event t-shirt.

[Bubba1]

I'm reviving this old thread as the Audi Club has openings at their upcoming 2 day event at VIRginia International Raceway in Alton VA. on April 26-27. There are currently slots open at all levels, from beginner thru advanced. These events usually sell out.

Total cost this event for a first timer without a helmet is $394 ($310 for the event, which includes banquet and event t-shirt, + $44 for 1 yr Audi club membership + $40 helmet rental if you don't have one).That's extremely cheap for 2 full days of track time at a famous track. Beats the heck out of skidding around a parking lot, trust me. I'll be there in my stock Nissan. Please check it out.

[BuLLeTdrift]

omg!!!!! i wish that was in california. i honestly don't have the money for it right now, but if i knew it was coming, i'd definately save up for it. it sux out here where i live...no where to do nething. you are sooo0o0o lucky. if your in the area, you should take advantage.

[Bubba1]

I believe they have events at Laguna Seca and Sears Point. I'm not sure how far those places are from you. They have chapters all over the country. Laguna Seca is on my personal must-do list.