Considering track day
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Florida, USA
2017 Rolls Royce Wraith, 1999 CLK Cabriolet, 2023 Genesis G90
Considering track day
Hello, everyone:
I finally decided to join a sportscar club (chinmotorsports.com) that has track days at the Homestead-Miami Speedway several times a year. I've driven this track many times as a participant in the AMG Challenge/Graduate programs, but have never driven my own car on it. In this club, that is what I can do. I visited the track on an event day this past weekend, and saw that it was well organized. There were the usual BMWs, Ferrari's and a Gallardo in the mix, as well as some Vettes and a Subaru WRX, but not a single AMG. It's not racing per se, as the rules state one must not block other drivers and must give a hand signal to allow faster drivers to pass in the designated passing zones. All cars are run with the driver's window down and an instructor is in the vehicle when one is categorized as a "novice." All these stipulations are fine by me, except maybe the windows down rule, as track debris and dirt can easily get in, but I'm still concerned about taking my car out on the track. I'm confident in my driving abilities, but I'm worried about the unexpected mishap. Factoring in the acceptable cost of needing new brakes and tires sooner than with just daily use, what are your thoughts on taking one's own car on the track?
I finally decided to join a sportscar club (chinmotorsports.com) that has track days at the Homestead-Miami Speedway several times a year. I've driven this track many times as a participant in the AMG Challenge/Graduate programs, but have never driven my own car on it. In this club, that is what I can do. I visited the track on an event day this past weekend, and saw that it was well organized. There were the usual BMWs, Ferrari's and a Gallardo in the mix, as well as some Vettes and a Subaru WRX, but not a single AMG. It's not racing per se, as the rules state one must not block other drivers and must give a hand signal to allow faster drivers to pass in the designated passing zones. All cars are run with the driver's window down and an instructor is in the vehicle when one is categorized as a "novice." All these stipulations are fine by me, except maybe the windows down rule, as track debris and dirt can easily get in, but I'm still concerned about taking my car out on the track. I'm confident in my driving abilities, but I'm worried about the unexpected mishap. Factoring in the acceptable cost of needing new brakes and tires sooner than with just daily use, what are your thoughts on taking one's own car on the track?
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Joined: Feb 2004
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'14 ML BT
I've done it before but I'm a bit too competitive so I haven't done it in 3 years +.
If you can dial it back to 7/10ths and keep it there, you'll be fine. Most other people are able to keep themselves in check.
The novice group is by far the most dangerous, inexperienced drivers running at 95% ... it's scary.
Plus, for me, driving the 215 CL on a tight track might be frustrating as it plows through corners. Your 216 is probably different.
If you can dial it back to 7/10ths and keep it there, you'll be fine. Most other people are able to keep themselves in check.
The novice group is by far the most dangerous, inexperienced drivers running at 95% ... it's scary.
Plus, for me, driving the 215 CL on a tight track might be frustrating as it plows through corners. Your 216 is probably different.
Last edited by DFW01E55; Feb 19, 2008 at 11:13 PM.
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CLK63 Black Series
I think you will enjoy seeing how your own car handles at speed, but remember how heavy this beautiful car is. Don't expect that you will be able to toss it around as though it were a Lotus.
Regarding damage concerns. One thing that I would be most concerned about would be rock chips on the front from small stones from the cars of the other participants. You could wind up with a pitted front end.
JDB
Regarding damage concerns. One thing that I would be most concerned about would be rock chips on the front from small stones from the cars of the other participants. You could wind up with a pitted front end.
JDB
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Dinwiddie, VA
SL55, CL55, Range Rover, Lexus LX470
Keep in mind how you would plan to pay for the repairs in the event of a collision even if it is the fault of the other driver, no Ins company will fix your car. 
