Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: ppickerell Dec 19 2003, 04:56 PM

Herr Mueller mentioned in a previous thread about renting Thunderhill for a private event. I would like to hear more about this. I love the idea of a 914 event there. Does not have to be exclusively 914 though. I have not been there but picked up all of their literature at the Moscone center car show. Cool story what with the f%%k you I'll build my own track concept.

Posted by: ! Dec 19 2003, 05:14 PM

I'm in....

Posted by: rick 918-S Dec 19 2003, 05:40 PM

Did a search for Thunder Hill. Which one? where exactly is Thunder Hill?

Posted by: nine14cats Dec 19 2003, 05:45 PM

I really like Thunderhill. It's alot of fun to drive.

http://www.thunderhill.com

I'd be interested....

Bill P.

Posted by: ppickerell Dec 19 2003, 06:17 PM

It is on Northern California up- towards Redding. I wanna see the concourse guys rallyin in the dirt .

Posted by: L8Apex Dec 19 2003, 06:53 PM

I am in, as long as I can make it that day. that said, if you don't have a car, you can rent one of my buddy's spec miatas. see link below (marketing student in training)

Terrance

Posted by: ! Dec 19 2003, 07:02 PM

What happens if ya stuff a rental into a wall?

Posted by: drew365 Dec 19 2003, 07:04 PM

The POC will be at Thunderhill Oct.8,9,10. When it gets closer I'll post info if anyone might be interested. They have a new DE class where you don't have to have a Time Trial license to run and it's less restrictive on the entry rules. Also they'll be at Laguna Seca Aug. 20 - 22.

Posted by: SirAndy Dec 19 2003, 07:34 PM

i think it was something like $3000 a day. included corner workers and ambulance on site ...

Andy

Posted by: ppickerell Dec 19 2003, 07:51 PM

I have asked myself how much I would pay to run Laguna Seca in a decent car. I attended the historics and the LeMans there in the last few years and I have dreams about running that track. Spec Miatas are the coolest concept. Everybody has the same car, it's the driver that matters. Andy, do you mean 3K per driver? What would that open class at the POC event at Thunderhill track run per driver?

Posted by: ChrisReale Dec 19 2003, 09:07 PM

If its $3K per driver, Im out. $3K a day for a group of meatheads, Im in.

Posted by: drew365 Dec 19 2003, 09:14 PM

I'm not positive on the DE class entry fees for the POC but probably about $125 per day. They are currently experimenting on offering a way to get more casual entrants that aren't ready to go full Joe Racer (or Ricky Racer if you prefer ).

Posted by: seanery Dec 19 2003, 09:34 PM

sounds like Touring Car Club to me.

Posted by: Gint Dec 19 2003, 10:02 PM

It sounds like a PCA DE event. Around here we get in a weekend for under $100.

Posted by: SirAndy Dec 19 2003, 11:37 PM

as i said in my post, if memory serves right, it was $3000 a day to rent the track (thunderhill), including corner workers and ambulance on site ...

the track, as in all of it, the whole, complete, in one piece.

split that with a few people and you have more seat-time per driver than you can handle. (read: sore rear-end at the end of the day) ...
Andy

Posted by: ChrisReale Dec 20 2003, 12:00 AM

Shoot, if there is 15 people, that means $200 a pop. Bring a BBQ and meat and fruit an shit and make it an event

Posted by: Kevin@ojai.net Dec 20 2003, 01:40 AM

I worked there for a few hours during the enduro at the begining of the month, it looks like a fun track...

-Kevin

Posted by: siverson Dec 20 2003, 01:57 AM

I'm in too.

-Steve

Posted by: Brad Roberts Dec 20 2003, 02:21 AM

Seriously ??

It takes about 25 people to make it decent price wise...and we will probably only get a day in the middle of the week.

I noticed several people with hands raised saying "I'm in" Its a 5 hour drive from San Jose and about a 12 hour drive from Diego.

I can make it happen. We ran open track events alot in the past. I know all the people involved and could round up instructors.

I will tell you right now.. that you have to have a real racing helmet a not some BS Motorcycle crap.

Buttonwillow would be better. We would get more LA guy's and its only 3.5 hours south of San Jose. It also has a lot of runnoff room and will be cheaper to rent.

B

Posted by: fiid Dec 20 2003, 02:41 AM

I'm in. There are a few groups running events already though (http://www.ncracing.org) that will run events for us if we ask them nicely. They had a very full schedule this year and are starting to run some low-rules vintage style racing as well.

I have heard that laguna is hard to get because it has a different insurance situation to the other local tracks and you need to have more stuff together to get it.

Mmmmm track time. Got to get my Eibachs on this weekend and lower my front end some.

Fiid.

Posted by: fiid Dec 20 2003, 02:44 AM

Where do I go locally that I can try some on for size and get one that fits right?

Or do I have to mail order a bucket and pour expandafoam in it and jam my head in???? (not good).

Posted by: Brad Roberts Dec 20 2003, 02:45 AM

Frey Racing in Fremont or come north to Sears point and visit Wine Country Motorsports.


B

Posted by: L8Apex Dec 20 2003, 02:51 AM

The contract says they are liable for every damage done to the car. Even flat spotted tires and blown engines not caused by normal wear and tear, but with people like shifting at 10K RPM's every time.

Posted by: Scott Carlberg Dec 20 2003, 03:00 AM

Yes, true,


See Saturday, December 27th (in the year of our Lord 2003) on our calendar.

Posted by: VegasRacer Dec 20 2003, 06:11 AM

Just wanting to add another option.
Spring Mountain Motor Sports Park is Pahrump is very reasonable.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway is expensive for the outside road course.
The rental price for the big track is astronomical.

Posted by: Qarl Dec 20 2003, 08:26 AM

I wonder what a day at Daytona costs? Should I investigate? Just kidding!

Posted by: ArtechnikA Dec 20 2003, 08:46 AM

they've also got at least one onsite driving school that's on track just about every weekday. and they are serious about their 92 dBA sound limit (i refuse to refer to the music of any Porsche engine through straight pipes as 'noise' ...)

Posted by: Mueller Dec 20 2003, 11:01 AM

One of the best days of my life that will be in my memory banks for years and years


Recap:

Brad mentioned to me that Butch (owner of Tigger,which used to be called Julius by Brad and everyone else) was going to a private run session up at TH with no more than 5 cars total that day......since Butch did not have a truck and trailer, he asked Brad if he can help get the car up to the track, of course Brads payment would be to get to drive the car as well.

I hinted to Brad that I'd happily take a day off of work to do that....next thing I know Brad said he cannot make it and that Butch still needs help getting the car to the track, so of course I call Butch offering to help out.

I pick up Julius the night before (it was cool to have a "race" car sitting on the trailer in front of my house for a day, LOL) and get my stuff ready for the next day.....Butch said to bring my helmet (yippee!!)

So we show up to the track, where is everyone???
Only two race cars there , one being us and the other one being the Formula Renault brought by the guy that rented the track....the other three guys bailed, it's only going to be two cars all day...bummer eh???

We fire up Julius and Butch takes off onto the track for about 30 minutes, come back in and says it is my turn....I'm thinking this is going to be a fun two or three laps, nope turns out I can go out for about the same time...oh boy!!!!....so pretty much all day, Butch and I trade seats after being out of the track for a half an hour or there abouts

The Formula car was only on the track for I'd say 1 hour total for the day, he just bought it and was doing a lot of setup on the car so they'd go out for a few laps then bring it back in for more adjustments.

Finally at about 4:30pm, Butch and I decided to pack it in, we could still go out for another 30 minutes, but both of us had been getting too tired mentally and physicaly to safely drive out there on the course, I now have more respect for race car drivers, it sure can be taxing on the body and mind

I still think Brad bailed on purpose to allow me to "help" Butch, and believe me, I'm not complaining, hahaha


Attached image(s)

Posted by: Mueller Dec 20 2003, 11:01 AM

the "other" car......


Attached image(s)

Posted by: ppickerell Dec 20 2003, 11:49 AM

Ok, I'm definitely in. How about spring 04? April maybe? Thunderhill? I can help organize. Brad, will my car be ready by then? Don't make me bring the wifes car! Don't make me rent a spec Miata. Maybe Ian F. will loan me a 911 since he got such a good deal selling me my car.

Posted by: Tony C Dec 20 2003, 12:40 PM

T-hill is now about tripple of what andy is quoting. Insurance has gone through the roof the past year. Also B, T-hill is 3 hours towing at 70mph from my shop in milpitas.

-tony

Posted by: ppickerell Dec 20 2003, 01:46 PM

Triple, $9000 ? Probably not gonna happen as strictly a 914club event .

Posted by: seanery Dec 20 2003, 05:16 PM

Buttonwillow is similar to the prices listed earlier.

http://www.buttonwillowraceway.com/track_rental_rates.htm

Posted by: seanery Dec 20 2003, 05:36 PM

Willow Springs' Big Track is a deal during the week.

http://www.willowspringsraceway.com/trackinformation/rental.asp

Posted by: SirAndy Dec 20 2003, 05:51 PM

it sais $3500 to $5000 for midweek days on their website. full track.
http://www.thunderhill.com/prodserv.html

Andy

Posted by: SirAndy Dec 20 2003, 05:54 PM

i didn't even know they had a skid-pad.

there goes the x-mas bonus
Andy

Posted by: ppickerell Dec 20 2003, 06:55 PM

So I'm no Steve McQueen here,help me out. Are we talking wheel to wheel racing

Posted by: Brad Roberts Dec 20 2003, 07:01 PM

No. But you are on the track at the same time with other drivers. It cannot be called a "race" in the eyes of the insurance companies.

Oh.. yes you will have a nice engine/tranny and all the suspension sorted by Feb.


B

Posted by: ppickerell Dec 20 2003, 07:28 PM

Brad,
That rocks . I just found out I get a tax refund this year. First time in 7 years. I can bring up the tranny from my 75 roller any time you want. That way I can drive the 73 until engine retirement day. I may put the 1.7 in the 75 and let my son have it. But doubt he would be satisfied long. If we can get out there this spring he will be taking laps in the car with the freshy engine and tranny.

Posted by: L8Apex Dec 20 2003, 07:40 PM

they rarely use the skid pad. The only time they use it is during the drift event in january.

Posted by: SirAndy Dec 20 2003, 07:41 PM

damm, willow springs is cheap. we could get that track for a day easy.
it's more "central" than TH ...

Andy

Posted by: Brad Roberts Dec 20 2003, 07:44 PM

Your dont want to be there in June. It is way to far away from the event area. You also have to crossover the BIG pass with the windmills that we went ove after Bakersfield (coming from the SF area)

Buttonwillow is a better thought (in my book)


B

Posted by: drew365 Dec 20 2003, 07:45 PM

I certainly wouldn't complain about an event at Willow Springs.

Posted by: ppickerell Dec 20 2003, 07:48 PM

L8apex,
What would you do, hire a car hauler and take 4 or 5 spec Miatas up for when the 914's break down ?

Posted by: ppickerell Dec 20 2003, 07:52 PM

It seems like the two tracks are equidistant from so and no cal. Either would work for me. I like April, as that will give me time to break in a new motor!

Posted by: drew365 Dec 20 2003, 07:54 PM

Buttonwillows cool too. I like Buttonwillow!

Posted by: L8Apex Dec 20 2003, 08:25 PM

Actually, that is possible. I have acess to a 2 maybe 3 car hauler.

Posted by: PatW Dec 20 2003, 08:35 PM

Serious?

If you are willing to bring the Miatas. I would be interested in getting the seat time.

Pat

Posted by: ppickerell Dec 20 2003, 08:38 PM

Let's do a club rental on the Miatas and that way you could get seat time in your car and the spec car. Which would turn in the better time given the same driver, a stock 2.0 or the Miata?

Posted by: Brad Roberts Dec 20 2003, 08:40 PM

Miata. Its take a fully prepped stock injected 2.0 to stay with a mediocre Miata driver. We can out handle them.. but they have 10/15 HP on us and pull us slighty on the straights.


B

Posted by: PatW Dec 20 2003, 08:46 PM

May the Bench Racing begin!

Posted by: ppickerell Dec 20 2003, 08:49 PM

Will you guys laugh at me when I take laps in my Wifes V70R wagon (235 HP turbo and intercooler)? That car has some spunk!

Posted by: SirAndy Dec 20 2003, 08:51 PM

alright!

can't wait to take my baby to the track ...

i'm in. (literally)
Andy

Posted by: SirAndy Dec 20 2003, 08:52 PM

well, excuse me sir, of course we would.

Posted by: Brad Roberts Dec 20 2003, 08:52 PM

Mueller drove his wifes Volvo 4 door at a NASA event.. scared the shit out of himself first time on the track. I thought he would never try it again. but he was a trooper and went back out.. and finally settled into a groove.


B

Posted by: L8Apex Dec 20 2003, 09:03 PM

We'll work something out with the miatas. Let's wait for a date confirmation first, then let's see what we can do.

Posted by: PatW Jan 12 2004, 12:03 PM

bump

Posted by: Mockmaw Jan 12 2004, 12:28 PM

Okay, I know nothing about this stuff so I'm going to ask what could be a stupid question:

Do any/all of these tracks mandate certain safety features on all cars, aside from the obvious helmet (I'm talking about bars, cages, fire suppression, harnesses, etc.)?

Posted by: L8Apex Jan 12 2004, 12:32 PM

I think the track just wants your car to be safe as in no leaks, good belts (3pts OK) no blown wheel bearings, non crusty tires etc... I think we got luck with the 914's because they are Targas and not convertibles. I think that some tracks require atleast a roll bar for convertibles. As long as your helmet doesn't stick out, it should be good to go too.

Don't take my word for it. hehehe. I'd still check with the tracks.

Posted by: 3d914 Jan 12 2004, 01:13 PM

OK guys,

You mean I have to drive my 914 all the way from Phoenix to drive on a course with some elevation changes. Don't have to ask me twice - I'm there!

If you get this thing workin on your end, I'd be glad to rustle up some local teeners (myself included) for the event. Just don't get it too close to the other big club event in June.

Typical PCA Driver's Ed requires the following extras:
Vehicle inspection of tires, brakes & lines, wheels & lug torque, secure battery mounting.
Approved DOT helmet.
Fire extinguisher (in cockpit)

TIA & keep us posted,