You're one to talk about going to track events or autocrosses.... When is the last time you did a track event?
Last time I checked, you don't need Hoosiers or aluminum exhaust systems to go to the track. I've done my fair share of track events in a bone stock Miata.
At least a track day is cheaper than a set of blinging HIDs and more fun too! NASA is $200 for the weekend or $125 for one day. TWS is more expensive, though. Something like $250 or $275 for the weekend.
8 runs = 16 minutes of track time for $35, which is $2.19 per minute. Plus you have to work two heats.
1 NASA event is say 8 run sessions, at 20 minutes per session for a total of 160 minutes of track time. $200 for MSR, so that's $1.25 per minute. Or $275 (?) for TWS, so $1.72 per minute, and you don't have to work, just drive.
As for wear and tear, maybe I don't drive on the track as hard as I autocross because I found tire wear to be quite a bit less on the track compared to a site like Mineral Wells.
You should have good brakes and tires regardless of which kind of event you go to!
Track events ARE more expensive, but they are a hell of a lot more fun. My car does terrible at autocrossing. The front end loses traction too easily due to the LSD and power. Plus it overheats within 2 or 3 laps at Mineral Wells.
how do you compare an event that allocates 16min(less if you're faster, or get less runs lol) of drive time, to an event that gets you 1hr 20min of drive time in the same one day period?
8 runs = 16 minutes of track time for $35, which is $2.19 per minute. Plus you have to work two heats.
1 NASA event is say 8 run sessions, at 20 minutes per session for a total of 160 minutes of track time. $200 for MSR, so that's $1.25 per minute. Or $275 (?) for TWS, so $1.72 per minute, and you don't have to work, just drive.
Billy's mathematical mind at work.
You do have a point, it seriously already feels cheaper (in my head) than it did earlier.
When I was referring to brakes. from what I have been told/read, after a track day I would need a new set of brakes. I can have my HP+ last a whole auto-x season.
As for tires, I have your speedmaster wheels with the old Kumho 711s which never seem to run out. I need to invest in some sticky rubber soon.
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1998 Honda Prelude Type SH - SOLD
2002 Honda S2000
A good set of track pads will last you a full season easy. Maybe not someone like David, but mine last for awhile.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PininFarina456
Billy's mathematical mind at work.
You do have a point, it seriously already feels cheaper (in my head) than it did earlier.
When I was referring to brakes. from what I have been told/read, after a track day I would need a new set of brakes. I can have my HP+ last a whole auto-x season.
As for tires, I have your speedmaster wheels with the old Kumho 711s which never seem to run out. I need to invest in some sticky rubber soon.
eh, you change them at the track. Takes 10 minutes to do. HP+ is fine for a beginner. Once you start going faster, you might want something more aggressive.
When I was referring to brakes. from what I have been told/read, after a track day I would need a new set of brakes. I can have my HP+ last a whole auto-x season.
As for tires, I have your speedmaster wheels with the old Kumho 711s which never seem to run out. I need to invest in some sticky rubber soon.
I don't know who told you that, but Hallett is the only track I know of that can eat pads that quick. I tracked my '99 Prelude a half dozen times on one set of pads IIRC- Axxis MM. There is no need on a street car to get anything more aggressive than that. With those and good fluid, unless you go with R compounds or get REALLY good you won't need anything better.
I also would NOT recommend Rs for the track unless you are experienced. The breakaway characteristics will get you into trouble and are pointless to try and learn on. Make the driver fast first. A fast car just gets a slow driver into trouble.
Also, the cost thing to me is ridiculous. Yes, $/min autocrossing is ridiculously expensive. On a typical track event, though, you will get more time than you want or physically can endure. No one in their right mind would trade a whole season of autocrosses for a single track event, either. When you look at just a few track events compared to a season of autocrossing, it starts to dwarf the cost in just fees. Add in driving time, hotel, etc. (for non-MSR events) and it really adds up.
All that said, though, nothing beats it. Track time is to autocrossing what autocrossing is to watching racing on TV. No comparison.
I'm not going to get into the auto-x vs track debate, I vastly enjoy both. Sadly, I will not be able to make it up to this weekend's event, maybe the one in June though.
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When is the last time you did a track event?
I need to invest in some sticky rubber soon.
How long would my HP+ last?
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