Quote:
Originally Posted by NJSPEEDER
.......
I also will not put an event on at that joke that is the road course at Etown. Narrow track, ungaurded light poles, no run off room, no safety traps, and no on site safety and recovery team. Not a good formula for an event that will be largely filled with drivers ranging from minimal experience to total newb.
|
That is good to hear. There is no comparison at all in the facilities, E-town versus NJMP. I would not do E-town, I don't think its safe if you push to find the limits for the reasons stated above, plus there is the potential to go off course and cross into another section of the track (leading to a head to head or broadside situation). I'd just as soon keep my $250 in my pocket than blow it on that place.
NJMP is a real roadcourse facility with plenty of runoff, and support facilities/staff. I have been on the Lightning course and its a blast, I am going to try and do another date in October on the Thunderbolt course, we'll see.
EchoMirage makes a good point about turnout potential from this board, but you can't let the potential non-participants dictate the venue. There are plenty of opportunities to autox and I have rarely seen anyone else on this board show up at M-club, NNJR SCCA, Philly Region SCCA, SJR SCCA, Porsche Club events. So while interest might be high, participation would be scarce. It also tells me that there would potentially be a lot of inexperienced drivers on the track. That is not a bad thing (everyone has to start somewhere), but I think that means the facility should be of a higher caliber. NJMP is close enough and if you are serious, you'll make the journey.
As to track saftey and instructors, they are a must. I would not want to be on course with a bunch of people with no or minimal track experience (myself included) just flying around. That's just dangerous. I am not even sure if most people without prior track/autox experience would even know what the limits of their car and own skills are and the warning signs when you are close to the edge. That's what the instructor is there for, to gradually build you up to a comfortable level.
I am definitely in, but safety has to trump all else. Safety begins with the venue.
Chris