Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Let's suppose that we could set up a track day in SoCal for our roadsters (plus perhaps other JDM like 510, 240 etc.)
Cost - approx. $200 - tech session + maybe 5 track sessions - with the emphasis of getting as many RACE CARS (Ron Carter,Adam, et al.) out as well.
Thinking September/October
We could do this under the SoCalRoc banner(although I haven't contacted Chris yet)
Would be a HOOT!!
Any interest??
LMK

What track are you looking to run at? It would be a painfully long haul for me to come down, but I'd love to attend. Buttonwillow would be fantastic, but like I said, its more or less out of range unless I can talk someone with a trailer to bring the car down. Breaking the car two hours from home is a lot different from 5+ hrs from home.

Will

Easier to have everyone sign up for an autocross day that's already planned by an organization down here. and way cheaper too.

http://www.speedventures.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Will, they have an Infineon weekend coming up too

I'm not allowed… No roll bar and only lap belts...

Hey
Just speculating
Not expecting a RACE day - a track day. A chance to drive at a reasonably high speed for the grins and hopefully to attract the RACERS out to see them perform.
I have NO idea what rules would be enforced (roll bars, 5 point harnesses) - just trying to get interest at this point. I think that the VARA training only requires roll bars - but again thjis is all currently speculative to evaluate interest.
And Garm, I get your point, but personally, I don't have the skill set for autocross (perhaps not also for driving at speed around a track for that matter) but again I'm just exploring.
I know there are some local autocrossers and certainly we cold go and watch (or participate) but that's not what I am aiming for.

mraitch wrote:Hey
Just speculating
Not expecting a RACE day - a track day. A chance to drive at a reasonably high speed for the grins and hopefully to attract the RACERS out to see them perform.
I have NO idea what rules would be enforced (roll bars, 5 point harnesses) - just trying to get interest at this point. I think that the VARA training only requires roll bars - but again thjis is all currently speculative to evaluate interest.
And Garm, I get your point, but personally, I don't have the skill set for autocross (perhaps not also for driving at speed around a track for that matter) but again I'm just exploring.
I know there are some local autocrossers and certainly we cold go and watch (or participate) but that's not what I am aiming for.

If anything, autocross will build the necessary skill set for playing on the big track. The speeds aren't as high, but everything is rapid fire. In effect you squeeze an entire roadcourse into a 1 minute run, rather than say a 2.5 min lap. You learn how to control the car at the limit, at a much lower speed with nothing to hit.

For an open track day most groups require a roll bar, some allow lap belts, most want harnesses however (at least for the driver) You will want a real set of track brake pads (other wise you will be sitting in the pits with baked brakes, ask me how I know ) SA2005 helmets are required as well. Beyond that basic maintenance things such as no leaking fluids, no loose batteries, positive battery terminals covered in tape at the very least (terminal covers are preferred), no loose objects in the car. Headlights will have to be taped as well. No loose wheel bearings, ball joints or pivots.

If there are any people up here in the Bay area who would be interested in doing a roadster track day I might be able to set something up with Track-Masters racing. I've been working with them doing autoX days in the Sears Point paddock and I might be able to get something set up if there is enough interest.

Will

Will, I get what you are saying.
Howsomever
I drove my 1949 MKVI Bentley around Laguna Seca at speeds that I probably shouldn't have done, including almost getting airborne at the corkscrew. And the brakes did fine (drums all round - servo -assisted front - 5 people on board)

I am not proposing a 10/10ths event, just an opportunity to drive our cars at highway+ speeds without the CHP breathing down our necks.

It's just for FUN. If regulations don't permit us to do it, then it won't happen.

I'm just looking for interest at this point - hurdles can be evaluated later.

And I have been in an autocross car, and it was FUN (scary fun) - but not what I am trying to create.

So in other words you are looking to do parade laps for $200 a person? When you say track day, those of us who play on the track assume open passing, and wide open throttle, not dinking around at freeway speed. Parade laps, stock brakes are fine, track speed, stock brakes are not fine after about the 1st lap, especially for a first timer. (The first time I went out on track was at Thunderhill in 2005, my brake pads were barely good for one lap, were mostly gone by lap 2, and after two corners were nonexsistant by lap 3.)

It sounds like you are looking for two different things, the first post describes a track day, then your last post sounds like you are looking to do parade laps. I'm not trying to knock what you are doing, but you might want to be a little more clear. Just as a side note, from what I know, there are perhaps only about 6 people who track their roadsters in SoCal from what I know. Seeing a bunch of roadsters out on track would be really cool. The most I've ever seen at once is two.

Will

Jeez Will
You are missing the point.
Perhaps I haven't read the Webster Dictionary definition of 'track day' - so forgive me, I will look it up!
I just was 'speculating' about the 'possibility' of having access to a local speedway where we could let our cars and our drivers have FUN without worrying about speed regulations.
As I have mentioned TWICE, there may be rules that prohibit this as a possibility, I am just trying to find interest.
So, if there is a straightaway that allows 120mph+ and requires serious braking for the next corner and your car is not up to it, just experience the speed and brake early - or just lift off the pedal.
If Buttonwillow AND Laguna Seca will allow WHATEVER (including my aforementioned Bentley) to run on their fields (Parade Laps with VIGOR perhaps) then why not. I was at Buttonwillow when a Cobra took me on the inside (total rule violation) and then spun out on the next turn (bye bye)
Parade laps for $200 a person - NOOOOOO!! pointless.
I could happily 'parade' around Laguna Seca for HOURS.
]And per your response "there are perhaps only about 6 people who track their roadsters" that is one of my points. Have ALL of the racing roadsters on the track - hello

so this is what speedventures requires - not necessarily appropriate for what I intend - but rules may be rules
1.Convertibles must have either OEM/Factory roll protection or Aftermarket roll protection.
2.The car must be in good working order and NOT LEAKING ANY FLUIDS.
3.Either a TOW HOOK or some TOW POINT is mandatory on the FRONT and REAR of your car before going out on track. The important thing is that you have a place picked out for the FRONT and REAR that we can hook on to in order to tow you off track. Please determine appropriate tow points - it is your responsibility and we will not be responsible for any damage done to your car!

4.You must have a helmet (or rent one from us). Any Snell rated (2005 or newer) helmet (M or SA) is allowed. If you do not have a Snell rated helmet, you can rent one from us. Open face helmets ARE permitted.

5.You must bring a fully filled out TECH FORM to the track, available here. You may tech your car yourself, or have your shop do it if you are not qualified. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to arrive with a safe, sound vehicle.

6.You must have NUMBERS, at least 8" high, on both sides of the car AND on the back of the car (viewable by other drivers). We provide either Racers Tape (free) or numbers (for a fee) at the track.
7.Battery must be securely fastened down (they are on all cars from the factory).
8.Tires: a.Street tires must be in good condition, with at least 2/32 of tread remaining. NOTE: 2/32 is probably not enough to get you through a day at the track!

b.Race tires must be in good condition, with no cord showing.


9.You must have 3-point seatbelts, or better, in good condition.

Peter,
Most of the popular outfits ie Speedventures, HookedOnDriving, Trackmasters etc. will require a roll bar for convertibles, and even a "broomstick" rule. I think you would need to run a private event to meet your goals, and I'd be happy to help get you started with contacts. I think the idea of an All-Datsun track day isn't new but definitely should be done! The beauty of open track days is that all skill levels can drive at their own pace/enjoyment in multiple run groups.

Alvin
I think you are getting what I am trying to achieve.
Let's see if anyone is interested - that's all I am currently focused on.

I totally get your idea.. My car on the other hand is not about to pass tech at 95% of tracks and organizations out there..

But if they will let me run I would show up..

Well, Mike - that makes TWO (including me!) <G>

tech inspection form from extremespeed etc.
http://www.extremespeedtrackevents.com/ ... &Itemid=19" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

doesn't look that tough - tech wise