Compare different lapping days and tracks

jhynesrockmtn · 06-14-2007, 06:55 AM

For you veterans, how different are the Speedware and Proformance lapping days from the club sponsored events? I assume they are only for more advanced drivers? I heard a comment last year at the PCA/BMW double day that had two incidents that the Speedware days could be "rough".

Who's run at Spokane, Portland or Mission? Which is your favorite?

I've done PCA DE's and Alfa club and am just a toddler at this but as I advance, is it worth going to check out these other events and tracks?

Dantilla · 06-14-2007, 08:31 AM

Portland is a more forgiving track than Pacific Raceways. Lots of run-off room, no drop-off if you are too far outside turn one, no place like the 5A "table top" that will send somebody into the weeds if two cars enter side-by-side (shouldn't be a factor for DE).

I like the elevation changes at Pacific. Portland is completely flat. Portland is also (marginally) easier on tires. It won't shread the right front like Pacific.

Both tracks are gobs of fun.

Dave Nordhoff · 06-14-2007, 09:54 AM

Proformance lapping days are my favorite. 2 run groups, 30 minutes on / 30 minutes off, really good drivers, self tech, arrive at 8:30 for Don's driver meeting and on the track at 9. You can really improve your driving when you are on the track every 30 minutes.
Dave

don911 · don911's Garage

What Dave said. All day lapping is the way to go for track time.

Also, a local shop sponsers one or two events/year. A few weeks ago it was 26 cars total. One run group, green flag all day except lunch and a brief afternoon break. I did 300 miles that day.

Only downside was almost 3 tanks of gas.

Dave Nordhoff · 06-14-2007, 01:49 PM

300 miles, WOW! I did 270 one day last year and I had stop with an hour to go. I was drained and so was my second tank of gas. PIR is also a great track, I try to make it down once or twice a year. I've heard good things about Spokane and I am looking forward to lapping there in August with Proformance.
Dave

Jeff Higgins · 06-14-2007, 02:06 PM

Speedware days are just fine; they are anything but "rough". This is a great disparity in cars that show up, far more so than with the Alfa or Porsche clubs, but they do divide the run groups well. They also provide a great deal of track time and pretty much self-tech. Some one will come around kicking tires, but that's about it.

If you have run with the PCA and Alfa club, you will have no trouble with Speedware. Hell, even the Alfa club days have a reputation as being somewhat "uncontrolled" or "wild", but I have not seen it. Funny, the most restrictive of all of the clubs, the PCA, seems to lead in accidents.

I've run with ProFormance as well and have had a ball. I would not recommend them until you are very comfortable with PCA, Alfa, and then Speedware. Maybe just my perception, but I kind of see that as the order in which they get faster, and demand more of you. You can't beat ProFormance for track time, though. It's an easy two or three tank day if you want it to be.