Denver Audizine Track Day!

[b7_Andy]

Hey everyone, I've been dying to get back on HPR this season and I figured we could maybe do an Audizine track day and get a chance to meet other Audi owners and run some hot laps! I was thinking about doing it Friday, June 10th. This way it gives everyone some time to make arrangements if you'd like to join. The track is called High Plains Raceway if you haven't heard of it and it's about 50-60 miles east of Denver. Depending on whether we do a half day or full day it usually costs ~$100 to race plus $25 for a helmet rental. Let me know what you guys think... I think this would be really fun!

[Aok303]

its super fun!! i have done both cars and motorcycles there
the first weekend got rained out so far but they did clean up the track a bit from last year i was told

[b7_Andy]

its super fun!! i have done both cars and motorcycles there
the first weekend got rained out so far but they did clean up the track a bit from last year i was told

Ya they had a free track day for HPR members in January I think it was and the track just got covered in mud. I hope they've gotten the track all cleaned up!

[jjvwg]

I'll try to make this. Just need to swap out one last turbo coolant line and get some good track pads and fluid and I should be good to go. Been over 10 years since I've been to a track, it's inexcusable haha

[Docwyte]

Much better to go to an organized event at HPR, whether it's hosted by NASA, PCA, BMWCCA, etc, etc. The open track days tend to be a real free for all and not for novice drivers in the slightest.

I've seen some real ass hattery at the open days, people who clearly don't know what they're doing, shouldn't be on track without an instructor, haven't done the minimum prep for their cars to be safe, etc, etc....

[DrBeerMD]

Hey Guys, Berg Performance is having their own track day at High Plains next Friday, May 13th in case any of you are interested in attending??
$100 for the half day, $160 for the full day. Details on their Facebook page.

[b7_Andy]

Much better to go to an organized event at HPR, whether it's hosted by NASA, PCA, BMWCCA, etc, etc. The open track days tend to be a real free for all and not for novice drivers in the slightest.

I've seen some real ass hattery at the open days, people who clearly don't know what they're doing, shouldn't be on track without an instructor, haven't done the minimum prep for their cars to be safe, etc, etc....

I see what you mean, the first time I went out there on an open track day there were a bunch of Porsche guys warming up for a race event over the weekend and it was practically all race cars tearing up the track. The second time I went there were a lot less people and it was all street cars like Subarus and actually quite a few Audis. I'm hoping that by just picking a random day there won't be as many people out there because it sucks if there's some kind of event and then you just have a shit ton of people trying to get on the track...

[Docwyte]

The big problem is that you have no idea of the skill levels of your fellow drivers.

A friends car got heavily damaged on an open day by a guy who should've never been on the track without an instructor. He'd put 4 off several times just that lap!

Any other time that's a black flag on the first incident and a talking to.

Unless you're an experienced track driver and comfortable with open passing do not attend any open track days.

[b7_Andy]

The big problem is that you have no idea of the skill levels of your fellow drivers.

A friends car got heavily damaged on an open day by a guy who should've never been on the track without an instructor. He'd put 4 off several times just that lap!

Any other time that's a black flag on the first incident and a talking to.

Unless you're an experienced track driver and comfortable with open passing do not attend any open track days.

Damn that sucks! Sorry to hear about your buddy's car... Well I do think it'd be fun to get some guys together and do some laps. Do you recommend we just try and attend an event like the Berg track days? If so do you know of any good ones later this summer? I think planning these things way in advance allows a lot more people to plan ahead and be able to show up.

[Docwyte]

Yeah, they were pissed. A lot of effort went into their race car getting it ready for the season and then to get hit like that. It was bad.

Honestly it's more money, but sign up with for a real event hosted by NASA, BMW, PCA, etc, etc. The Berg, Emich, etc days are basically open track days too, no instructors, really loose passing rules, no tech for the cars to make sure they're up to snuff, etc. I think it was an Emich/Open day that my friend was at...

[100Daily]

Damn that sucks! Sorry to hear about your buddy's car... Well I do think it'd be fun to get some guys together and do some laps. Do you recommend we just try and attend an event like the Berg track days? If so do you know of any good ones later this summer? I think planning these things way in advance allows a lot more people to plan ahead and be able to show up.

Dont let old Doc discourage you from open lapping. Its a hell of a lot of fun and you will be just fine. Open passing rules are very easy to understand. I have attended around 15 open track days and every person on the track had a good time, not even a close call. I have never been there when 2 cars hit each other though accidents can and do happen. If you are worried you can always pay an instructor to ride with you, which would be recommended your first time. At least have someone who knows the track go out with you.

I also attended PCA and NASA events and was completely bored out of my mind. The problem with those groups is you have to start from square 1, with basic driving 101 with no passing playing follow the leader. At least in my experience you will be in class with baby boomers have no clue how to drive, I felt like like it was an AARP meeting (especially PCA). NOT the B7 crowd I can assure you. You also need inspections by a mechanic, officially signed. You need to fill out tons of forms and learn the many rules of the group. You will need to have your car officially "classed" and learn all about that. You must have certain safety equipment not required for open lapping. Some people are looking for a very structured and safe experience with incremental learning where you can work your way up and eventually compete if you so chose. That is really cool if you have the time and money.

Or if you are just looking to have fun for the day go open lapping.

[b7_Andy]

Lots of good advice and comments here... I've been to 2 open lapping days at HPR last fall and both were great. I think I'll keep the June 10th date for open lapping as I have never had a problem either. I know which cars I can pass and I do it safely, and I know which cars are running faster than me so I wave them on in the straights to help with clean passes. They go over a lot of stuff in the driver's meetings before the race and even with a lot of new guys out there I never had a problem. One day a guy pulled off in the pit or on part of the track... Got out of his car... Banned for life. So the staff there does a pretty good job of keeping things in control. And 100Daily you made a good point about the Audizine crowd... We all know how well our cars are running and if they can handle the heat of the track and I know there's a lot of good drivers here so I don't think anyone is super interested in instructors... And you really can't beat the open lapping days, $100, go out on the track and have fun. If you know what you're doing and keeping safety in mind it's a great time. Of my 2 open lapping days I've never had a problem or been unhappy so let's stick with rounding up whoever wants to go and plan on June 10th!


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[Docwyte]

You just proved my point. So you think there's a problem with having your car inspected to make sure it has enough brake pad material and fresh brake fluid and is safe to drive on the track? That it has the proper safety equipment to keep you safe and all is in working condition? That you get an instructor that makes sure you're comfortable in the environment and can have a good time?

Passing is allowed at NASA and PCA/BMWCCA in all the run groups, novice included.. It's not a follow the leader exercise.

It's not just Audizine guys out at an open track day, it's everyone out there. It's not getting waved by only on the straights or waving people by only on the straights, it's open passing, everywhere. I've had people dive bomb me in the middle of corners, you need to be aware of where people are at all times.

Accidents happen, I've seen several car to car contacts during open days, compared to never during an organized DE.

At the end of the day you're all big boys and can make your own decisions but go into it knowing what it is. It's NOT a DE. It's an open track day and you need to be very, very careful and honest about your abilities and don't show up with a hoopty.

Don't be that guy (like the Dbag that hit my friend) that causes other people thousands of dollars of damage and tons of lost hours because of your own ego/mistakes/inepititude

[b7_Andy]

As far as making sure my car is suitable for the track I do all the work on my car myself and know every problem, if any, that exist. I actually just now had the wheels off and noticed that I have a lot of pad life left... And from all the threads I've read it seems like any other guy on here that would take their car to the track is like me and knows everything about their car and what it needs to be safe in a racing environment. Yes accidents happen, but they can easily be prevented if you know what you're doing. I've been on the track before and my very first day ever on a circuit was an open lapping day at HPR with 80% race cars on the track. And yes people have dive bombed me in the corners so you've got to be prepared for that stuff. I don't really want to argue, but I do appreciate your advice and it's good for people to know these things before going into an open lapping event. I still think an open lapping day is the best day to do this and I assume most people that will be attending will come well prepared.


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[b7_Andy]

This was my second lap ever racing and I had this guy dive bomb me on the outside and cut in hard, it was pretty damn close. But anyway let's not make this a "what not to do on the racetrack" or "you look really young in that picture, do you even have a license" or "why do you have wood trim" or whatever lol... I just want to see who wants to race on June 10th haha

[DOCEVG]

Dont let old Doc discourage you from open lapping. Its a hell of a lot of fun and you will be just fine. Open passing rules are very easy to understand. I have attended around 15 open track days and every person on the track had a good time, not even a close call. I have never been there when 2 cars hit each other though accidents can and do happen. If you are worried you can always pay an instructor to ride with you, which would be recommended your first time. At least have someone who knows the track go out with you.

I also attended PCA and NASA events and was completely bored out of my mind. The problem with those groups is you have to start from square 1, with basic driving 101 with no passing playing follow the leader. At least in my experience you will be in class with baby boomers have no clue how to drive, I felt like like it was an AARP meeting (especially PCA). NOT the B7 crowd I can assure you. You also need inspections by a mechanic, officially signed. You need to fill out tons of forms and learn the many rules of the group. You will need to have your car officially "classed" and learn all about that. You must have certain safety equipment not required for open lapping. Some people are looking for a very structured and safe experience with incremental learning where you can work your way up and eventually compete if you so chose. That is really cool if you have the time and money.

Or if you are just looking to have fun for the day go open lapping.

Look who showed up! What car did you finally end up with to replace the B8 S4? Hope all is well.

[Aok303]

Ive done both. the classes yes are a snooze fest and some of the questions make you wonder why someone is at the track, the inspections is very easy to pass if you maintain your vehicle. most of the time their are people there that will help you pass if you are missing something minor. you do get good pointers that are to stop close calls, and what to look for so you know when someone is still out wide and will dive in on you on the corner its actually an overtake defensive move. but it depends what type of race that depicts if you see it more, seeing how most are track time races and not placement you have less of this. if you can get in on the early session you have better drivers on open session then after lunch seems more of weekend warriors that push rather then honing skill. bad enough doing the track in a go kart is just as fun they usually run them when were on the Motorcycle or we take turns.

if you run the track like you're a driver you will be fine, if you run it like its nascar someones gonna loose. if you act like your in a cup circuit then you will have butt pucker moments. but no reason not too

[Aok303]

This was my second lap ever racing and I had this guy dive bomb me on the outside and cut in hard, it was pretty damn close. But anyway let's not make this a "what not to do on the racetrack" or "you look really young in that picture, do you even have a license" or "why do you have wood trim" or whatever lol... I just want to see who wants to race on June 10th haha

you forgot the HEY both hands on the wheel in a turn!!! lol JK the HPR facebook forum has a june 10th thread seems like it will have a good amount.

[b7_Andy]

you forgot the HEY both hands on the wheel in a turn!!! lol JK the HPR facebook forum has a june 10th thread seems like it will have a good amount.

Gosh darn Facebook! Well maybe we can make it another day when more guys chime in... And now that you said it I really don't ever drive with two hands haha, even back when I drove an Automatic

[100Daily]

Look who showed up! What car did you finally end up with to replace the B8 S4? Hope all is well.

Hello old friend! pm sent

[DOCEVG]

Hello old friend! Sorry to thread jack but since you asked... : )


All I know is I miss my S4 and the good people of AZ. How is evergreen? Your stable of Audi's doing well I trust?

Will send a pm to allow this thread to get back on track.

[b7_Andy]

Will send a pm to allow this thread to get back on track.

Back on TRACK... I see what you did there ;)

[Zaxon55]

FYI, the Rocky Mountain Audi Club is hosting their event at HPR on the 20th.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hpr-tra...ts-24515804431

[b7_Andy]

That looks fun, I won't be in town though


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[b7_Andy]

Hey everyone I'm still planning this for the 10th if anyone is interested... I've heard from a couple people that can probably make it so don't miss out!


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[Coloradomark]

This was my second lap ever racing and I had this guy dive bomb me on the outside and cut in hard, it was pretty damn close. But anyway let's not make this a "what not to do on the racetrack" or "you look really young in that picture, do you even have a license" or "why do you have wood trim" or whatever lol... I just want to see who wants to race on June 10th haha

This picture is a good example of what Doc is talking about. Don't take this the wrong way as it was your second lap, so it is not your fault.
First thing I see is that you have a passenger. Is he an instructor, or a buddy coming along for fun?
Second: radar detector on the windshield.
Third: one hand on the wheel
Fourth: you were off line. The probably very experienced race car was frustrated because you were being unpredictable. He dove on you to get the hell away from your erratic lines. You probably now know that the car being passed stays on line and the car that is passing goes off line.
All that being said I love open track days, if you have not been on a track before seek help in car prep and driver prep.
PCA is having an event the weekend after your planned date; you might be sharing with some of them who take advantage of an extra day to make up for a long tow.
Have fun,
Mark

[b7_Andy]

This picture is a good example of what Doc is talking about. Don't take this the wrong way as it was your second lap, so it is not your fault.
First thing I see is that you have a passenger. Is he an instructor, or a buddy coming along for fun?
Second: radar detector on the windshield.
Third: one hand on the wheel
Fourth: you were off line. The probably very experienced race car was frustrated because you were being unpredictable. He dove on you to get the hell away from your erratic lines. You probably now know that the car being passed stays on line and the car that is passing goes off line.
All that being said I love open track days, if you have not been on a track before seek help in car prep and driver prep.
PCA is having an event the weekend after your planned date; you might be sharing with some of them who take advantage of an extra day to make up for a long tow.
Have fun,
Mark

Lol I knew I shouldn't have posted any pictures...
1. Ex-girlfriend
2. Never know when there might be a rosser on the track
3. One hand on the wheel, one hand on the hand brake... Never know when you might need to bust out some sweet drifts for those XP points
4. I was in the middle approaching that turn because I wasn't sure which side he wanted to pass on, he chose to pass on the outside (probably for the better line I don't blame him)... So that's how I ended up there in that picture, still a little aggressive on his part. And it was my second lap but also everyone's second lap of the day so cold tires, cold brakes, no need to get rowdy that early in the day. But ya still, I was not as experienced and obviously you learn from stuff like that. Not really one guy's fault or the other. If everyone is paying attention, which it's a racetrack so most people are, it's pretty easy to avoid stuff like and I don't ever get concerned with collisions. Everyone's trying to be safe and smart and avoid that kind of stuff.

And since this thread has kind of gone off the track, I'll leave it at this: I'll be at HPR on the 10th for an open lapping day, whoever wants to join me is welcome.

[b7_Andy]

Just registered for an afternoon half day this Friday if anyone is still thinking about this


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[Reggie]

You just proved my point. So you think there's a problem with having your car inspected to make sure it has enough brake pad material and fresh brake fluid and is safe to drive on the track? That it has the proper safety equipment to keep you safe and all is in working condition? That you get an instructor that makes sure you're comfortable in the environment and can have a good time?

Passing is allowed at NASA and PCA/BMWCCA in all the run groups, novice included.. It's not a follow the leader exercise.

It's not just Audizine guys out at an open track day, it's everyone out there. It's not getting waved by only on the straights or waving people by only on the straights, it's open passing, everywhere. I've had people dive bomb me in the middle of corners, you need to be aware of where people are at all times.

Accidents happen, I've seen several car to car contacts during open days, compared to never during an organized DE.

At the end of the day you're all big boys and can make your own decisions but go into it knowing what it is. It's NOT a DE. It's an open track day and you need to be very, very careful and honest about your abilities and don't show up with a hoopty.

Don't be that guy (like the Dbag that hit my friend) that causes other people thousands of dollars of damage and tons of lost hours because of your own ego/mistakes/inepititude

Well said Josh

[b7_Andy]

Well too bad no one wanted to race on Friday, you all missed a great time! There were about 10 other Audi's out there with the 3zero3 homies and we all had some fun out on the track. It was crazy hot, like 100° and sunny. I managed to keep my engine cool but did a number on my brakes melting the custom cooling hoses and wearing the brake pads clean through and scoring one of the rotors (thanks for not working pad wear sensors). But at least that was at the end of the day so we still got a lot of lapping in. Managed to run a 2:22 as my fastest lap and gave a few other Audis a good run. Here's a few pictures and a video... Hopefully next time some of the Audizine community will join me!

Edit: Here's a link to a higher quality version of the video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_NaxYlqBqY

[100Daily]

Glad you had a good time! The sensors melt and fuse together on the brakes, glad that little lesson didn't cost you an accident. Use the whole track, in every corner you have another few feet to use to take a better line.

[b7_Andy]

Glad you had a good time! The sensors melt and fuse together on the brakes, glad that little lesson didn't cost you an accident. Use the whole track, in every corner you have another few feet to use to take a better line.

Good to know I can take a few more seconds off! And that makes sense with the brake sensors, I figured the heat had something to do with it. I was checking out my pads every time I got off the track and occasionally had one of the 3zero3 guys look at them and we saw enough pad each time so I figured I was good. What happened is there was a little more pad left on the inside of the rotors where I could see, but in the middle the pads were worn more and that's where they scored the rotor. Lesson learned that next time I get close at all just calling it good for the day. Otherwise it was a pretty good day. I raced from 1-5 and the first couple hours there were some cars, but really not that many. After 3 I was all by myself every lap, like maybe 2 other cars on the track at a time...