Track attack! Is it really worth it?

[firestarter2]

Good question the second day they told me was ~1500. Is it worth it for one day?

It seemed like 2 days + insurance + travel would be like 2500.

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[ThreeFiveO]

For me it was worth being able to push a car that is identical to mine to the limit.

 

[Bossing]

I did the Oct 5-6 trip (arrive early on the 5th and depart the evening of the 6th)... so basically budget your airfare and rental car and hotel and your meals which is easy to go frugal on anyway.... they do feed you dinner the night before and breakfast/lunch the day of the track school. I rented a compact car from Dollar and it was less than $100 for 2days tax & fees included.

Just stay at the Comfort Inn which is the closest to the track and it's only $85 +tax. The room is clean and you get a hot breakfast. It's also owned by John Potter the racecar driver from Magnus Racing and his ex-racecar Cayman S is displayed in the lobby.

Most of the track time is in the afternoon session... I suggest when you call to make a appt, ask for dates where the least amount of participants are registered if that's even possible. We had 15 drivers so you can imagine that'll eat up some time here & there.

I have good solo track experience at my home tracks and to me the GT350 Track Attack school was still worth the trip. My favorite is the 3rd (full solo) session but I do wish it was either a longer session or we had 1 extra solo session.

For a newbie, a novice, or anyone who hardly hits the track.... this is a must do IMO. Or for anyone who just garages their car most of the time or afraid to track theirs, then it's a no-brainer to go do this. You're missing out big time if you don't go.

 

[CSL]

I'm an instructor and still had a fabulous time at the Track Attack. It's certainly a worthwhile experience for all levels. Your level will depend what you get out of it, but there is certainly a take away for all levels. It's really about the experience, which is much more than just track time. Experiencing UMC alone made it worth the trip for me. The fact that this event is free to us struck me as remarkably awesome. With the cost of the trip being your only expense, it makes it a bit of a no brainer in my opinion. It's kind of like a day at Disneyland for the car guy.

 

[firestarter2]

I'm an instructor and still had a fabulous time at the Track Attack. It's certainly a worthwhile experience for all levels. Your level will depend what you get out of it, but there is certainly a take away for all levels. It's really about the experience, which is much more than just track time. Experiencing UMC alone made it worth the trip for me. The fact that this event is free to us struck me as remarkably awesome. With the cost of the trip being your only expense, it makes it a bit of a no brainer in my opinion. It's kind of like a day at Disneyland for the car guy.

Is the extra day at 1500 worth it?

 

[CSL]

I didn't do it. I'd rather spend that money on HPDEs.

 

[Bossing]

I didn't do it. I'd rather spend that money on HPDEs.

Same here, I didn't do the 2nd day.... used the funds for new tires.

 

[Stuntman]

Is the extra day at 1500 worth it?

I think so. You already have 1 day for free, you spend the $ to get out there, and the seat time in someone else's car to push the limits and learn is way worth it to me.

 

[TonyJ5150]

I may get beat for saying this, and don't get me wrong...I had a good time, but the morning was mostly a waste...why..

1. They went over heal toe shifting...we never shifted out of 3rd while on the track. Its great to know for other experiences, but we didn't get to use that skill.

2. Oversteer, and Understeer Contraption...they advised to keep the nanny controls on when you are on the track, so we never really got to use this skill either.

The cone course was fun...

I held a SCCA license for Formula Ford and V, so maybe I was expecting too much...

To me the best part was with the instructor in the car giving immediate feedback and tips....More of that would have helped improve most every driver...

All in all it was a great experience, but keep your expectations realistic...I was really hoping to perfect shifting and braking...hence my somewhat disappointing experience.

The staff and facilities are first class!

 

[stanglife]

I'm going in a couple of weeks and even sprung for the 2nd day...I'm a little worried about the 3rd gear only thing. Ive watched some videos and it seems like they should be in 2nd on a few turns... they doing this to save the cars or what?

 

[xt6wagon]

I may get beat for saying this, and don't get me wrong...I had a good time, but the morning was mostly a waste...why..

1. They went over heal toe shifting...we never shifted out of 3rd while on the track. Its great to know for other experiences, but we didn't get to use that skill.

2. Oversteer, and Understeer Contraption...they advised to keep the nanny controls on when you are on the track, so we never really got to use this skill either.

The cone course was fun...

I held a SCCA license for Formula Ford and V, so maybe I was expecting too much...

To me the best part was with the instructor in the car giving immediate feedback and tips....More of that would have helped improve most every driver...

All in all it was a great experience, but keep your expectations realistic...I was really hoping to perfect shifting and braking...hence my somewhat disappointing experience.

The staff and facilities are first class!

East must be different than west since I got into 4th twice a lap unless I let off on the short back straight. I didn't push anywhere near hard enough to get actual understeer since the GT350 whines about understeer very early compared to other cars I've owned. A GT350 barely leaning on the front tires feels about the same as my 04 STi did on the edge of finding a ditch. The Pro driver was enlightening since he pushed the fronts very very hard and showed that it worked good.

as for oversteer you could find it with some trail braking or early power. But in a way you are right since you could just lean on the traction control and stability control when you get a little silly.

 

[TDC]

We could briefly shift to 4th on the straight instead of bounce the rev limiter. Shortly after a heel toe downshift to 3rd for the left turn.

No need for 2nd as most turns didn't get below 50 if memory serves me right. Engine had enough revs to make torque out of the corner.

I loved the skid car. Wish I could schedule a 1/2 day just in that. Not sure if any facilities near me have it available.

 

[mattlqx]

I've been to UMC (formerly Miller) three times for Ford's programs (Boss TA, Octane Academy and GT350 TA). I can't say enough about the quality of the facility and the programs. It's good for all skill levels. I really don't get the attitude about it not being "enough" track time. For pete's sake, you get to essentially hoon about in their car scot free. Even if you spend a few hundred on travel and lodging, it's still worth it. You're getting a mini-vacation and there are few places in the country as wide open and beautiful as Utah.

You're right, you get more time on track at an HPDE, but you'll also put wear on your tires, brakes and oils that you likely won't count because it's an "invisible" cost. But you won't get a bunch of guys that are semi-professional drivers giving you instruction. And you won't get the same sense of adventure IMO and the about a gigabyte of included photos.

I did the Boss day on my last trip there earlier this year and don't regret doing it once. It's spendy but it's a great race car experience. I have over 100 hours in (admittedly cheap LeMons) race cars including 24 endurance races and probably around 50 HPDEs, but how prepped these cars are will probably be unmatched for most people, myself included. I loved it. I was very close to just abandoning the GT350 all together and stripping down a Boss for competition. But silly me got another GT350 and will go back to UMC again! No question about it. (And then I'll go back again for the RS Adrenaline Academy. Seriously, keep throwing in track days and I'll keep buying cars.)

 

[Stevdug]

Just got back this week. Day one was fun, Day two was crazy in the Boss. First session in the Boss was a little intimidating (didn't like it as much as driving the 350) Second and Third sessions left you wanting MORE! You are using the old Boss mustangs from the original track attack but they are stripped down to their bones and built in to a true competition ready car . The instructors use these exact cars in local NASA races.

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