Prepped my 14 Z51 and headed to Sebring for an HPDE in about an hour!
Whooo Hoo !! Im so excited!!!

 

It is a fun track to drive.

 

Really tough on tires ....if you push it.
I live a couple of hours away and have visited the track
on special occasions.
Have fun!

 

So envious as I'm from Illinois with cold & snow!

 

Have a safe trip. Sounds like a fun filled weekend.

 

Turn 1 and 17 are amazing at full song, Especially wheel to wheel racing.

 

Its a brutal and demanding track, so rough with all the pavement changes. However just knowing your driving at the same place as the historic 12 hours is an amazing experience. Here is me running my previous track car there... have yet to hit it with my Z51. Love to hear what times you get as a comparison. The data trace isn't super accurate as its a low end Bluetooth connection.


This is my brother's 981 GTS vs C6

 

Awesome!!

 

I got a ride around there a few years ago in a L88 corvette and an A/C cobra,,way cool and scary fast

 

That's awesome! I live 15 min from that place and have never taken mine. I want to so bad though.

 

Living in LP you gotta do it. I instruct with http://performancedrivinggroup.com/ next event is April 12 which will feature laps as the sun sets. My parents lived in LP for nearly 26 years but just moved back down to Boca. It was great to have a place to stay when we did track days up there... but now we have to get a hotel room.

 

I agree. Henry at PDG has a well run organization. Also, the catered lunches, free water, and free pictures are some nice comps as well.

 

You guys are hyping me up big time! The only track time I've ever done is 1/4 mile though. Kinda scared to be honest. What all is involved?

 

Its nerve racking the first time out, there is a lot going on - sensory overload for sure, but being able to push the car in the proper environment at speed is just awesome.

A Z51 can be tracked dead stock but I recommend swapping the brake fluid out and changing brake pads. Your owners manual has the oil recommendations. Plus I would advise getting track insurance as your regular auto coverage is often not valid on track. Other then that you just need a helmet. PDG rents them with limited availability. As a first timer you'll attended a short class room session covering the basics of braking and cornering, as well as the flags and general track rules to keep everyone safe. After that you'll be paired with an instructor, hit the track and start pushing the car. The instructor will give you feedback to help improve your skills. Keep in mind this is educational experience... you will not be racing.

I believe everyone should do a track day at least once - as it will completely reset your concept of what the car can do. Just be warned its a very addictive hobby. I've been doing it for over 5 years and realized I enjoyed teaching as much as driving so I became a part time instructor. Everyone is super friendly and loves to chat up about cars and racing so its a fun community to hang out with. You can also just show up and observe to get a feel for it, or do a ride along with someone else for a small fee. Henry who runs PDG also rents some C6 and now C7s too if you don't want use your personal car.

 

Thanks a lot for this! Great info for sure. I'm definitely going to observe first then look into a ride along. Renting one also sounds like a good way to start getting into it.

 

So....
Great weekend! Was promoted from novice to Blue group after 3 sessions!
Here are a couple quick videos of me on the front straight...
Working on the in car cam, will post when done.
Best time was @ 2:38 (Not bad for the first time I have ever tracked a car!!)
Most where in the 2:45 area do to traffic.

Picking off Porches! LOL

SO much damn fun!

 

Sebring is on my bucket list but its a long way from home (New Jersey)
While on a family vacation a couple years ago, I got a ride along in a very well prepared M3 ( the one with the V8) Passed just about everything on the track except the Patron racing Porsches testing that day. After a short 15 min session, I had a stiff neck for two days. That track is bumpy!

 

I honestly did not think the surface was that bumpy... It has it's moments in 17 and 1, but otherwise not nearly as much as people make it seem.....

..... and no, I was not in Touring mode lol.....