OTR at Willow Springs - Nov 9

[Jack Olsen]

Normally, I'd keep this post on the Racing/DE board -- but we've gotten guys from the board together at these events in the past, and had a lot of fun. This next big-track DE is going to have more space available, because there's a POC short-track event at the Streets of Willow track the weekend before.

So, if you're from Southern California and have thought about tracking your car, this Tuesday the 9th is a pretty good opportunity to enjoy Willow Springs in ideal weather (70 degrees and dry) with instruction, including classroom time (led by yours truly), ducks-in-a-row driving out on the track, and then track time with an instructor, and -- if you're ready for it -- solo time on a very fun track.



You also get a free lunch and t-shirt, and the organizers even cover Willow's $10 admission fee -- all for $145, which isn't bad.

What's more, this particular event is being done in the memory of Paul Mumford, who was a local club racer I met a handful of times who was just making his entry into the pro racing world when he was killed in a small-airplane crash after his second pro race.

There's more information at www.opentrackracing.com, and you can sign up the day of the event as well.



And if that's not enough, there's also a 125cc shifter kart day at Willow on Saturday the 6th, where you get all the necessary equipment, and an (insured) kart for one flat fee ($350, but unlike a track day, you need no equipment and there are no other costs). Email me for info if you're interested.

Disclosure: I have no financial stake in either event. But I've participated in them in the past, along with other So-Cal guys who post on Pelican, and have had a blast.

[DByers]

I have attended a these events put on by OTR and can say they are alot of fun. The Pelican turnout has been growing also. The last event Jack was the head instructor for the event and did a fantastic job. Tyson usually shows up and is also a great in car instructor. Best bang for the buck as they say.
Unfortunatly I wont be attending this time do to work restrictions. But like Jack said, if you have wanted to get your 911 on the track this is a great time and a great organization to run with.

Bumb for the morning crowd also.

[Zeke]

Can't make this one, due to construction on the car. Just FYI. if this is too short of a notice, another follows on Jan 19, '05. Same drill, except the organizers REALLY like to have reservations WELL in advance. If people don't go to these things, they might be cancelled altogether, or reduced to a couple times a year.

There is no POC schedule posted for '05, but I worry about the same conflict as this month has with the POC Streets event on a weekend of the same week. The first POC event of the year is their annual driver's school.

Some info on OTR: You don't have to go screaming into the very intimidating turns 8 & 9 at OTR big track event. Much of the rest of the track is like a few really nice, big freeway on/off ramps and transitions. I know everyone like to get on it thru these. Go out to Willow and do it leagally and safely. And drive at your pace, no one will embarass anyone for not driving at the limit where you aren't comfortable. It's about having fun. It's not a race, just an opportunity to wind it out and not worry. No timing is supplied, the only times are by the guys that have lap timers. Lots of different tires and car setups, many bone stock. So, first timers, go and have some fun and hang out with Jack (and git yer picture took).

Another morning bump.

[84porsche]

I might be interested in the Jan 05 one. I have never done this type of stuff before. What kind of requirements does your car have to have and what do you need to have as a driver besides the money. I have not really pushed my car as it has over 180k on the odometer.

[Zeke]

Chris, there is some info on the link. But, you only need to wear long sleeves and pants, closed shoes and have a helmet. They allow almost any helmet. Any tools you might need to check your wheel nuts and such are available from other members.

Go out there and ride with Jack. You'll come back a new man. New grey hairs, LOL!

[nostatic]

OTR is a pretty good event for starting out (that's the way I did it), but the track can be intimidating. There is no substitute for doing something like a POC school at Streets of Willow, but showing up with a stock car, helmet, long pants and long sleeve shirt will get you a lot of fun and an eye opening experience as long as you pay attention and take as much instructing help as you can get. Be prepared to be humbled. If you go in with your ego riding on board, it might not be pretty.

I really want to do next week, but I've got some pretty nasty extenuating circumstances that make it near impossible. I'll know this weekend if I can get away on Tuesday. Glad to hear about the January date, as I thought I was going to have to wait until Feb to get back out on the track. Although a friend of mine is bugging me hard to do California Speedway with Speed Ventures in Dec ($310 though...ouch!).

[Zeke]

Not to hijack the thread, but Ca Speedway is going to become my favorite track. Does SV do the Roval or the infield course only? I would like to try the infield course, that's what Skip Barber uses.

Yeah, there's no reason ot have an ego at Willow. What does Jack say? Something like learn it in a day, master it in a lifetime. CS doesn't seem to be that complicated, maybe a good place for a school. Learn to drive more than learn the thrack.

Chris, in a word, go. Where's Big Rubber Jeep? He's become a track junkie.

[nostatic]

here's the CS course. Not sure if this is the same configuration we ran for parade laps

[DByers]

Todd, thats the same course we ran for the parade laps. When in Decemember is the SV event? I am also trying to figure out when POC plans on having their DE in January/Feb. That is high on my list.
Man I wish I could make it on Tuesday.

[smestas]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm............

If I can manage to get new CV joints and brake pads and install them Ill see you guys there.

Otherwise have a great time!!

[nostatic]

Bump for the night before. I've cleared the decks. Unless I can't wake up (haven't slept much for the past few weeks), I'm in. Who else will be there?

[Jack Olsen]

Now's the time to start 'feeling sick' for tomorrow's (therapeutic) track day.

[bigrubberjeep]

Chris: I missed the event due to conflict with schedules, however I SRONGLY recomend you attend a track event sometime soon. You will see and live the true Porsche experience. It's like Ortega highway but @ 80-100MPH minus the jaged cliffs.

Give me a call, maybe we can make the California Speedway event, 714-330-1263 Since your in Anaheim, I could probably meet with you a few days before the event and do a safety check of whole car.

George

[84porsche]

George,

I am getting slowly addicted. I think I would like to try out Willow in January if my car can take it. I have never really pushed her except on the freeway. I appreciate the offer of the help, you will probably be receiving a call from me sometime soon. When is the Cali Speedway event? Can you get away for the Willow event? I don't have much automotive engine knowledge except what I have read here so it would be cool to go with someone who knows more about the car.

Chris

[84porsche]

Are Targas safe for the track. All the pictures I have seen are coupes and I just saw this -

Convertibles: Contact Open Track Racing prior to entering if you drive a convertible. Some tracks allow convertibles with roll bars.

[nostatic]

I don't know about doing CA speedway as a first event. While a number of us have done the course during parade laps, Speed Ventures is advertising the event for experienced drivers. The roval course can see really high speeds.

I think that Streets is ideal for a first-time experience. Big Willow is a fast track...I did my first one there, but in retrospect Streets would have been a slightly more gentle intro. The POC school (whenever they have it...rumors of late jan or feb) is the ideal way to go, but OTR works well as long as you've got instructors available.

[DByers]

Chris, If you look at the first picture Jack posted, you will notice a targa. Happens to be my Stay Puff. At the time the picture was taken she was basically stock. Stock torsion bars and NO sway bars. The hoop on the Targa is considered a roll (and is actually) a roll bar. So yes in short, Targa's are safe for the track. You should be ready though to start the slide down the slope if you do go to the track, right Todd.

[bigrubberjeep]

Chris: Give me a call anytime.

[nostatic]

Originally posted by DByers
You should be ready though to start the slide down the slope if you do go to the track, right Todd.

I have no idea what you are talking about. All of the changes to my car were necessary for...umm...safety. Yeah, that's it...safety.

I've actually paused for now, as the car is pretty solid right now. I'd like to sort the sub belt issue, but beyond that I just want to spend my money on oil changes and seat time.