Track Day @ Thunderhill

I've just completed my first "unofficial" track day at Thunderhill and I've got some great information for our readers.

The object of my writings is to give you "inside perspective" to an event you might not be all that familiar with.  I set out today - not as a racer, but as a spectator, giving interviews and learning the "culture" of the track so that you can feel comfortable on your first visit to one of these experiences.

Ok. First off... Stay at the Baymont Hotel. Most of their clients are here for the track and you will feel like you "fit in". Once you say you're here for the track day, it's almost like you're in a special club you never knew existed.  When you leave the Baymont you head up to the light and make a left over the overpass. That's how you get to the track. You drive about seven miles and the entrance to the track will be on your right hand side.  Pull up to the stop sign and sign in... there is usually no fee to drive in (but carry $20) on you just in case something changes by the time you read this blog.  When you come in, park anywhere. You will see sports cars in garages. Those are reserved but the parking spots are open to the general racer.  Go to the three story building on your right hand side and check in.

Here are some terms  you should be familiar with before you get to the track.

Novice drivers are those who have never been on the track. Novice drivers must take a course led by one of the NCRC Owners Luc - A French guy with a heavy accent.  He will tell you about flags. What they mean and how to use them to make sure you time of the track is safe and fun.  Lucs course is all about safety. He wants to make sure you understand what you are doing out there before you get out there so that everyone has a great time.  Novice drivers aren't "racing" per say. They take all kinds of cars out just to experience G forces and speed in a safe and monitored environment.

Overtaking is what you do when a car in front of you is driving slower that you are.  You can't "overtake" as a novice driver. It's against the rules because it could cause an accident.  The only way to "overtake" on the track is to be waived by by the driver in front of you.

Point by is what a driver does to signal another driver to go past them. If you are "Pointing a driver by" use your hand out the window and point in the direction you want that driver to go. If you are on the right side of the track and want the driver behind you to go on the left side of the track. Put your hand out the window and point left. They will go by and you will be safe.

Classes start at 7am. Of course by this time you would have been registered already and the course information would be in your packet.  Just be aware. They only operate 1 class per day. If you get there late you could be in an awkward situation. So get there early and make sure you know when the track class time is.

NCRC is owned and operated by Dave, Luc, Sandy and a few extras. These people work hard to make sure you have an amazing, simple and safe experience. They are a wealth of information and absolutely love what they do.

For more information on track days visit dnitravel.com or ncracing.com. Keep you eyes open for more detailed information on track days.

More to come soon...

Thanks for reading,

Rick