No, the hard breaking zones came easy. Both the hairpin and the 2 chicanes. Going uphill, turn 8, right before the flag stand. Into the paint strips and the Cup 2 I paid extra for, broke loose. They tell you to stay in the car.
So we asked this very question of the instructors. They stopped short of saying it's 100% a sure thing but they did mention that the current GT500 and Mach one track attacks would end at the end of the year. They said it was their understanding that the dark horse would also have a track attack program, but they didn't have any dates on when it would actually happen. Their Assumption is that it would began late spring/early summer of next year.
I know exactly what curve you're talking about. That sucks. If you don't mind me asking how bad was the damage and what did they quote you for repairs?
Thanks for the answer!
No I dont mind, I waited 30 min. in the car and finely the track meds showed up. None of the instructors that said they would come get you stopped. They said are you hurt why are you still belted in the car? 2 instructors stopped up the track and had a pow wow by never came over to ask me if I was ok. The supervisor came from the main building 15 min. later and took me back. Asked me to write a statement and the kid from the front desk came in with the credit card machine ka ching $5000.00. Supervisor came back said the estimate was $17,000 bent frame rails. (From a guy in the shop put it up on the lift.) I asked for a written estimate from the repair shop. Said it could take 2 months from Rick Hendrick. I asked for pictures (didnt have my phone) and the instructors statement (I was right behind him, and he kept telling me what a great line I had.) He said they would forward all three of them. Two months later I call he says "My boss said not to send the estimate and pic." He said they averaged 1 crash a week. I am the only one to ask for something in writing? Just found it unprofessional unlike the rest of the course.
Yeah that seems out of character compared to everything else. Totally makes sense to ask for all that info. I bet they add some nominal fee for lost revenue based on how long the repairs take and the car is out of use. Pure speculation on my part.
This was my 4th day on track. I think the tires were worn. The car broke loose on me twice during the acceleration exercise. On the banked front straight away. Did not do it on the flat pit road. (More rubber?) Told two different instructors who said the track/tires were cold. The second time the car went completely sideways into the painted part of the infield on the 3rd to 4th shift! This was the first track session about 11:30. Should have insisted on a car change. Too excited for sure.
Funny I told my instructor they should open the whole day with the ride along. Get the blood going and the excitement. But hearing that I get it. I was genuinely shocked at what my instructor did in that car considering what I thought was "intense" after 3 rounds.
Yeah I don't really know much about tracks around the country but Charlotte seemed like a good mix logistically speaking. Not very far from a major airport and plenty of accommodations very close to the track. I'm assuming most major speedways are similar in those regards but am really guessing to be honest. That might be a fun forum topic for people who know way more about tracks throughout the country. I'm sure proximity to airports and lodging will play a big part if they do move the school.
My experience is that most really good tracks are a fair distance from a major airport. I think about Road America and you're an hour away from Milwaukee, Mid Ohio you're 45 minutes from Columbus, Road Atlanta (while distance close) you're many days from the airport (sarcasm but you drive Atlanta traffic then talk to me). Most tracks have decent lodging within 15-20 minutes but nothing like Charlotte with Marriott and Hilton within 20 minutes.
To echo what the others said : instructors couldnāt/wouldnāt confirm but said the school wants to and itās āworking on options with fordā. They did mention that they are supposed to sell all the GT school cars to be replaced with the new S650 GT so that will be cool as I wonāt be picking up a new dark horse but do want to go back for the advanced school. I didnāt hear anything about leaving Charlotte, I preferred the track at the Utah school but enjoyed the Charlotte roval more than Homestead or Daytona.
I'm signed up for October 11/12.
