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how do you get to drive on a track
Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 3:20 pm
by SILINC3R
or how do i keep myself from driving fast on the intersate. do i just find a track and pay a fee to run or do i have to have some kind of saftey measures. helmet, roolcage,etc.
Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 7:51 pm
by Buffman
What kind of track? Car in your sgnature to race on a drag strip only would (assuming it's stock) require basic safety such as battery tie down, no major leaks, center caps removed, etc.
A auto-x or road course usually requires a helmet and other basis safety stuff.
None of them are free to go to either.
Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 8:54 pm
by SILINC3R
no drag. maybe auto-cross but like on a race track- not oval. you something where i would be able to see top speed and how well the car can handle around turns.
Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 10:48 pm
by n2x4
I'm not sure how many tracks you'll find where you can get NA 2.2 Legacy to hit any top speed...
But you can find an auto-x and I highly recommend you do! As far as where to look, try finding chapters of the SCCA in Georgia. Get a hold of someone there and they'll help you out.
Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 12:43 am
by ericem
haha hey there not that slow!
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2008 9:12 pm
by New92
Hey SILENC3R, I may have told you about this before but.....you need to get signed on with wrxatlanta.com. It is one of the best local subaru forums around. They are very active in Georgia and host events constantly. You should really check it out if you want to test your mettle during a track day! Oh and dont do what I did years back, if you start out with AutoX, buy some cheap tires that you can tear up. I cooked my Goodyear Eagle RSA's the first day out. They looked like hamburger and of course they were the only tires I had!
Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2008 6:23 am
by SILINC3R
New92 wrote:Hey SILENC3R, I may have told you about this before but.....you need to get signed on with wrxatlanta.com. It is one of the best local subaru forums around. They are very active in Georgia and host events constantly. You should really check it out if you want to test your mettle during a track day! Oh and dont do what I did years back, if you start out with AutoX, buy some cheap tires that you can tear up. I cooked my Goodyear Eagle RSA's the first day out. They looked like hamburger and of course they were the only tires I had!
nice i need to do that cause right now i only have the mounatins since i am at school and it gets dangerous. plus the fact that i got a ticket for 29 over that got reduced to 20 over.
Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2008 6:44 am
by SILINC3R
ahh that board looks confusing but i am registered now
Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2008 4:03 pm
by kimokalihi
ericem wrote:haha hey there not that slow!
I think he meant that it would take a lot of straightaway to hit your top speed in an N/A EJ22.
He's right too. I was driving my NA wagon down a slight decline long straightaway and I only hit 115 and I had to stop accelerating and it was slow accelerating at that speed. Fastest I've ever driven a car. I'd like to break that speed in my new turbo sedan once I get it running but I'd also like to do it somewhere safer without people on the road. Nevada? lol
Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2008 4:18 pm
by evolutionmovement
My wagon would easily pull 115 before slowing and 120 wasn't too hard to hit. Saw 133 on the speedometer staying about even with an overrated Nazi car. Over 120, it really started to drag.
Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2008 5:13 pm
by skid542
I don't want to burst bubbles here, but there does need to be a distinction drawn.
There is a large difference between open road track racing and Auto-X.
Auto-X is an awesomely fun hobby and a lot cheaper than open track. It's also a sport that you can enter a non-prepped car into a lot easier, both from a competitive standpoint and more importantly - a safety standpoint. You need no formal training to drive in Auto-X, just a helmet.
Open track, or road racing, is a different beast. You are running the car towards it's functional limits for extended periods of time. This will take it's toll on brakes, tires, and your motor's cooling system. It's not uncommon for guys to go through a full set of race pads and take out rotors after only a couple of days of racing. Tires don't last that long either and you will need a quality tire that can handle the heat generated. It is suggested that you upgrade your suspension and brakes before getting on the track - you probably already know this though.
The thing with open track is you're out there with other people. Auto-X you're by yourself so if you spin out, no biggie. You're going to take out some cones and depending on the venue, maybe do some body damage. Keep in mind though there is always potential for things to end badly. However, if you slide out on the open track you have a much greater chance of taking someone else out with you. The speeds invloved are also a lot greater, obviously.
To run open track, you will likely have to go through a certification class/course and maintain your certifications.
Top speed is one thing, top speed on a course that is designed to keep high power cars from topping out is another. I used to have a FWD L-model so I know they can get up, but don't kid yourself - you won't be able to hang with the big guys on the straights and you won't be able to get it up that high of a speed. Most straights aren't thaaat long. No offense, just saying.
If you really want to get into the expensive world of track racing, do some research on the local/area racing venues. Rules will change from site to site, but understand it's not as simple as drive up, pay, and race. That's what Auto-X is for

.
Again, I don't want to be a negative guy or sound uppity, just trying to make clear that there are some very serious considerations involved with open track.
Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2008 7:22 pm
by SILINC3R
no i undersand. i would like to race other people, i just wasnt to see if my upgrades have been worth and what my car do.
Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2008 9:19 pm
by ericem
evolutionmovement wrote:My wagon would easily pull 115 before slowing and 120 wasn't too hard to hit. Saw 133 on the speedometer staying about even with an overrated Nazi car. Over 120, it really started to drag.
Agreed. My dad said when the car was new like only a few thousand kilometers. He was able to bottom out the needle no problem. Not sure what no problem was? But you have to figure, if the drivetrain was still good meaning little resistance, good wheel bearings, newish engine. I am sure it would pull really good, but when you factor in the wear and tear on bearings etc, I guess they are as fast as they are now. My car is 4EAT AWD btw n/a.