Getting into Tracking the NSX

[Liquid]

Hi,

Next year I'd like to start taking my NSX to the track. What would you recommend as the best way to go about beginning to learn and develop my driving skills on the track? HPDE? Skip Barber?

I was thinking that the ideal way would be to start with some instructions by one of the NSX track rats and then if I wanted to do something more then I could go to an official racing school. Also, what can I expect from a cost perspective? What gear do I need? What issues (other than the insurance issues) should I research?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[NSXLuvr]

Please start with a search. This topic has been discussed multiple times. I'm sure somebody from the NE will chime in.

The best place to start if you have no track experience is a HPDE. Find out which DE organization is the safest/best in your area and sign up for an event in the spring. If you haven't tracked before then all you need is possibly a upgrades DE pads and brake fluid.

 

[RSO 34]

You can start with instruction from Trackmasters at one of their HPDE schools. The only problem is that they may only have one Novice school next year. Plus, come up for Kids' Day at the Glen and you can get hot laps with us Open Trackers to see what the car can do.

The Trackmaster track days generally run approximately $250 per day and you would get four sessions at 25 minutes each with an instructor in your car plus classroom instruction each day. The other costs would involve making sure your car is track ready including proper brake fluid, new pads and relatively new tires (street tires are fine for a Novice). You will be eating up those tires quicker so consider that as an additional expense.

You will need a helmet that is at least Snell 2000 but preferably 2005 if you want the helmet to last more than a couple of years (most organizations require a helmet that is less than 10 years old). Driving shoes would be good to be able to have a good feel for the pedals but a fire suit is not necessary. I would also recommend a neck collar (not a HANS for a newbie but one of the soft collars).

I started with Skip Barber which helped me develop certain skills but it was a completely different experience driving the NSX in the beginning. You would expect to pay the equivalent of 12 track days of HPDE in your NSX to attend a Skip 3 day Racing School (assuming no "incidents" involving your car).

With respect to insurance, it is the rare carrier these days that still covers HPDE but check your policy language for whether it is excluded.

 

[nsxtasy]

You will need a helmet that is at least Snell 2000 but preferably 2005 if you want the helmet to last more than a couple of years (most organizations require a helmet that is less than 10 years old).

Stick with automobile Snell ratings (i.e. SA2005), not motorcycle helmets. Find out what store in your area stocks automotive helmets, so you can try different ones on and find one that is comfortable.

 

[EvilSTi7]

Like RSO said very few insurance carriers will cover an hpde, but when you talk to them make sure you say that there will be an instructer in your car and that it is NOT a timed event. My insurance company will cover HPDE's as long as they aren't timed.

I personally would start out with the nsx in some hpde's. The group i go with is www.scda1.com, and they are great. You'll have a blast wherever you go but NHIS, Watkins Glenn, and Limerock are particularly good. If you get a good instructor i personally feel like you'll get just as much out of the hpde as you would most of the skip barber classes (except the top level ones).

 

[nsxalot]

Three good books to help get you started.

Secrets of Solo Racing (The Ship Barber Racing School) by Danny Sullivan, Going Faster! by Henry A watts
Speed Secrets by ross Bentley.

Lance

 

[stuntman]

www.skipbarber.com - 100%

Invest in yourself before anything else... For your own safety on and off the track as well as your car's safety...