Drive your Vette at Sebring

Gannet · 07-02-2007, 08:19 AM

We were talking at the "lunch cruise" last Saturday, and some folks mentioned they had heard you could drive your car at Sebring, and wanted more info on how to do that.

These events are known as "track days" or HPDEs (High Performance Driving Events). They are not races. You will be on the track with other folks in your "group". Passing is only allowed in certain areas and under certain conditions. You will be assigned to a group based on your experience level. For your first few events you will have to go out with an instructor before you can go out on your own.

There are two main groups that run these events at Sebring (among other tracks), Chin Motorsports and NASA Florida (not the space folks). Here are links to their sites:

Chin

NASA Florida

Events are also put on by the Porsche and BMW clubs, and others. For a pretty good calendar of events east of the Mississippi, see this link:

TrackSchedule.com

Also check the track websites of the tracks of interest to you.

For a ton of info on what to expect and how to prep your car for these events, check out the "Autocrossing and Roadracing" forum over at the Big Forum. Start with this sticky

NEW TO AUTO-X AND ROADRACING? look in here...

For your initial foray into all this you just need a helmet and good tires. It is highly recommended that you put on fresh brake pads and have the brake fluid changed out to a high-temp kind. Other than that, your regular street Vette is just fine.

Have fun!

sglfladad · 07-02-2007, 08:52 AM

Great info! Thanks,
Chuck

THOR · 07-02-2007, 09:39 AM

Thanks Dave for the info. You always seem to be in the KNOW. Mark

Gannet · 07-02-2007, 11:38 AM

Something to mention and ponder: even though car-to-car contact and off-course excursions are HIGHLY discouraged and very rare, they do happen. Most insurance policies DO NOT cover any damage that occurs on a "racing surface" (racetrack), whether you happen to be in a "race" or not. If in doubt, get it IN WRITING from your agent.

vett boy · 07-02-2007, 05:46 PM

I've been there when people we're racing under Chin.It looked like a blast.
I was there on busness and stayed at the four seasons in turn four ,great place to stay.

Classy · 07-02-2007, 05:49 PM

I say we ALL go one weekend and burn up the track

Thanks for the info.

stgry1 · 07-02-2007, 08:01 PM

I'm in!! Seriously, if we get enough folks together, could we do this one day??

98 softtail · 07-02-2007, 08:32 PM

If we could put that together, Count me and Deb in !

Joe B.

Carl81 · 07-29-2007, 11:06 PM

What is the charge for that?

www.mycarframes.com

Vette900hp · 07-30-2007, 04:59 PM

we went to sebring last weekend (on the 21st) and let me just tell you...one of the best rounds around the track ive ever been in, and the owner of the car has ever had. There were 4 other vettes there if i can remember correctly...another blk Z06 two other vettes and an official race one..not street legal. It is very worth the 2 1/2hr drive and the heat i had to indure. next time they have it open, i reallllly suggest it!