Road Race Courses

UDTBadkarma said:

I live in northern New Jersey, any of you guys know any good road race courses? Or how much they are to race there? I know the strips are down the shore in jersey, but i want some road racing courses (prefereably not oval tracks). I hear there is one in Pennsylvania, Watkins Glen i think it is?

Let me know if you guys know of any around New Jersey, if ya got any homepages, that'd be cool too =) Oh, and are there safety requirements to race at these places (roll cage, helmet, etc)?

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Try asking on the corral roadracing forums. Not too many RRers on here. Be patient the forum is slow but you'll get an answer.

I think Watkins Glenn is in NY. I hear it's a great course from the drivers I've talked to. You need to check out club racing, that is the best and cheepest way to get track time and learn the fundamentals. They are much cheeper than actual driving schools, yet you get both classroom and track time. Prices vary, $300-$600 for the weekend. You will need to get a helmet or borrow one, and most tracks require safety gear as well, gloves, suit, and shoes. But for your car to pass inspection you just need to get any loose items out, make sure all the maintence is done and no fluid leaks. Check out the SCCA website for all the details.

UDTBadkarma,
If you are interested in getting started, I'd recommend looking up NASA www.NASAPRORACING.com. They have an HPDE program that's perfect for the beginner. The SCCA really doesn't have a beginner program. There are probably a few local clubs. I'd ask around, most don't have a good intro program.
I'd recommend stopping by one of the events and sitting in on the class if they let you. Then find a mustang owner there to show you the ropes. Make your first event at a super safe course w/ a lot of run off room (not a pro course like Watkins Glen - too many walls). You're going to need a helmet (M95 or SA95 or better). See if you can get a loaner. I'd also recommend doing a few auto-x event (local SCCA are the best usuallly) to get used to your car.

I did basically as I described above. I learned a few things about car prep, what I need to know, etc. Make sure you can afford the consequences if things go wrong.

As for your car, make sure it's in good shape. You may want to upgrade your brakes to the 99+ dual piston GT brakes or the Cobras. These will do a better job of dealing with the amount of braking you'll be doing. Your rear pads are going to take a severe beating, change them out before you go. Also, fresh fluid.

PM me if you have any Q's.

http://jfranci3.gotdns.com/car/GingermanHPDEJuly03/0233.jpg