Scrappy Jack

iTrader: (2)

I am not sure how many Central Florida residents we have on the board, but it seems like not a lot of people realize that there is a Gainesville test track and that a group has been putting on monthly track days.

They have changed the format a little bit and are planning on going to full day events (9am until 5pm) for $100 - $125 with a goal of about 40 drivers. The track is pretty short - I believe it's right around 1 mile - and pretty easy on the cars.

No walls, no cones, no coursework. It's a great compromise between autocrossing and "big boy" tracks like Sebring. You'll get more laps in 10 minutes here than you will at just about any autocross. Because they run the same format most events, it's a great place to use as a "test and tune" to evaluate driving changes or car mods.




Link with more details

9671111

iTrader: (10)

How many people/cars do you guys usually get?

Scrappy Jack

iTrader: (2)

The new, all day (9am - 5pm) format is capped at 40 cars, I believe. If they don't see good demand for the events, they will be canceled.

Unfortunately, I have something going on this year that is taking up most of my Saturdays but I will be out there for the April event.

Splitime

iTrader: (24)

Ah, that's the area hidden away at the dragstrip. It's where the GRM challenge is held every year.

Definitely more of an autox course imo from the peak I got.

Scrappy Jack

iTrader: (2)

Agreed. Like I said above, right around 1 mile so I would consider it a nice compromise between a coned autocross course and a "real" road course. I think a Spec Miata-style setup would have a Vmax in the high 70s or possibly low 80s so... Yeah. No 120 MPH sweepers.


Do the GRM guys use cones on track? I know some of the Solo2-style groups that use it do but GRRC does not.

Splitime

iTrader: (24)

They don't run the track actually. I just remember running past it on the mopeds we brought down.

The event runs on the strip and in the parking lot for a normal autox format.

kotomile

iTrader: (24)

I did an autox on that course in a friend's car a few years back. Fun miniature road course, like an oversize go-kart track.

9671111

iTrader: (10)

100 per car with a goal of 40 cars? Where's the extra money going?

Scrappy Jack

iTrader: (2)

Maybe to cover the losses from when people don't show up?

Maybe it costs $4k per event?

Maybe he reduces the cost if they get the full 40 people?

Maybe he needs upgrades for his F22C-powered Miata?

Maybe you should email him and ask?

9671111

iTrader: (10)

I figured I'd ask since from what I remember it was only about $2500 to rent the track for a full day which is considerably cheaper than $4k. And as far as losses go, from what I read from the site they want the fees paypal'd beforehand with no mention of refunds in the event of them reaching the desired car limit.

90R

iTrader: (4)

could be fun a few times a year. But it's not a lot cheaper than Savannah :shrug:

Scrappy Jack

iTrader: (2)

I think it's a fair question. I honestly have no idea what the costs are. I do believe that the last guy who ran the program when it was primarily half-day events (9am - 1pm) quit because he was losing money on the process.

Again, I'm not running the show, so I would have to direct you to the guy whose email is on the GRRC page.

pitbull113

iTrader: (14)

What event at Savannah are you referring to?

Thumper13

Roebling race track,owned by the SCCA,I believe.

pitbull113

iTrader: (14)

Thanks Thumper. I figured he was referring to RR but was curious what track event he meant.I checked their schedule and couldn't find any that cost close to the $100 stated for the gainesville event.