Taupo Trackday - 2009

[KiwiTT]

We had a NZ Committee Meeting last weekend and we are planning on holding a few events. The most significant of which is a track day. More events will be posted soon.

We are looking at holding a track day in Taupo in the second quarter of 2009. /rally

The Club VR-4 will be underwriting the event with full members getting a significant discount which will probably exceed the cost of one year's membership, so it will be worth signing up or renewing.

Please indicate whether you are keen to attend this. We will need at least 10 people, if not more, who will definitely go to make this worthwhile.

NOTE: PM Joanne to join ClubVR4 to get the discount. :scholar:

[GroundControl]

You'll probably need to book well in advance. GPForums do them a couple of times a year (with another one coming up on the 21st August).

Are you planning on booking the full track (track 1 or 4 variants) or one of the half tracks (track 2 or 3)?

Given my understanding of the hirage cost, "at least 10 people" could make it quite expensive per person. With GP they need at least 20 people for it to cost about $150 each hiring the full track.

[CANDEE]

I'd be in...

Hopefully we can have Wynn's car going for a shake down track trip by then...

J

[KiwiTT]

As I said, the Club will be underwriting the cost quite significantly, so the cost will be a lot cheaper than what GPforums have to pay.

As to what or how we book, we will need a "Volunteer" with more understanding to give us some guidance.

[bradc]

I'm there!

[Ryan]

As am I... When in 2009 is it likely to be?

[bradc]

2nd quarter :)

[Subaru ETA]

Woohhoo!!!!

[hi flyer]

Awesome. I'm in too!!

[Gly]

im in,

and maybe the misses too... if non mitsi's are aloud??

[Adie]

Im in!!!

[Munta]

100% in

[scott.mohekey]

If my car was ready by then, I'd be keen. Chances are slim though.

[OnBoost!]

Oops edit,the taupo part failed to register until now,i assumed it was at pukekohe,taupo too far away,the fuel bill would be astronomical!!

[bradc]

We used about 28 litres going down from the top of the Bombay's and we got there in just over 2 hours, so we weren't going slow!

[OnBoost!]

Oh okay well that's not too bad then.

[bradc]

You'll also use around 1 litre per 2.5km on the track, ie 1.5 litres a lap. So factor that in, and you will chew up standard road tyres if you go fast, so either bring some old ones down (if it is a dry day) or be prepared to buy new ones the next week.

[OnBoost!]

Ah ok cheers for the heads up brad!

[Zitchu]

I have used 38L and travelled115kms on the Taupo full track (although thats in an Evo) so you do need to set a good bit of $$$ aside.

[GroundControl]

I've found a full track day at Taupo generally uses at least a tank and a half of gas in the Legnum - I'm usually popping back to the Tauhara BP around midday/early afternoon.

[fuel]

I am keen!

[Fully]

You'll also use around 1 litre per 2.5km on the track, ie 1.5 litres a lap. So factor that in, and you will chew up standard road tyres if you go fast, so either bring some old ones down (if it is a dry day) or be prepared to buy new ones the next week.

You could use slicks :D
Contact some of the chaps racing in the Kumho sport saloon series, quite a few evo's in that event with wheels and tyre that will be a straight fit.
Pm me for details.

Here is some advise for those that have not done this before.
Get there early so you can walk the track. But check with the track officals first. Gives you a good feel for the track.
first lap to warm up your tyres, 2nd lap and 3rd lap take your time to get the feel of the track. You have nothing to prove. Then when you have got it go hard and have fun.
If you crash your car and are still on the track stay in it until you are told to get out. Unless its on fire.
Its all about having fun.

[GroundControl]

Every trackday I've been to at Taupo they've taken all drivers out for a sighting lap behind a pace car after the driver briefing.

[CANDEE]

Any updates on this???

[VR4 MAD]

I would have expected something to be happening by now, or we'll miss out on getting a booking for this summer season altogether......... :speechles

Didn't someone have a contact at the Taupo track? We really need this to be progressed guys...........:thinking: cause the 'second quarter of 2009' isn't far away now......../pan

/toycar

[CANDEE]

I am happy to help make this happen if help is required.

J

[Gly]

this wont happen at all as a cvr4 only event,
its not financially viable,

i did get pricing for it, but thats as far as it got,
and no one took it any further than that,
(no one on the committee is organised enough to get the ball rolling)

best to attend a playday on track event.

http://www.playdayontrack.co.nz/news.html

or jump in on a open day or another club.

[dickytim]

this wont happen at all as a cvr4 only event,
its not financially viable,

i did get pricing for it, but thats as far as it got,
and no one took it any further than that,
(no one on the committee is organised enough to get the ball rolling)

best to attend a playday on track event.

http://www.playdayontrack.co.nz/news.html

or jump in on a open day or another club.

Actually Carsten Joanne has taken this on and is looking into the options, but the most likely is to go to an open track day, more details to follow as I don't want to steal Jo's thunder.

[GroundControl]

There's another GPForums trackday on the 16th March at Taupo - I'll be there. $150 for the day.

http://www.gpforums.co.nz/thread/337669/

[Joanne]

I've called up the track to find out what we can do, and just waiting for a reply. I'll give them another call soon if I don't hear anything back.

The only problem with the PlayDay and the GPForums track days are their on a Monday. If people are happy with going down on a Monday, which means taking time off work, then I'll organise something.

[bradc]

It doesn't have to be a monday, a friday would probably be ok too.

I'm not worried at all about having it on a week day if it means the track hiring is a substantial amount cheaper. I've got plenty of holidays to use up anyway.

[CANDEE]

I cant speak for the other Welly guys, but I think a week day would be better. :)

[Gly]

i dont care, any day friday to monday is fine,

weekdays are cheaper for track hire thou

[pungatree1]

My first contact has let me down but my family know the track manager well and so I may be able to sort something through him - I'm just busy at the moment but I can check for you guys and get some idea of a price and availability.

[Joanne]

That would be nice thanks :) A Friday would be nice please, in April is possible.

Kenny and I are going to be away pretty much all of March, so if something is organised for then, I can do all the plans, but not be there!

[bradc]

Any updates?

[Joanne]

Haven't heard back from them, and been a touch busy recently. So I'll email them today, and try to get something sorted next week :)

[Ryan]

If my car was ready by then, I'd be keen. Chances are slim though.

You now have a VR-4 which is quite capable of navigating a race track /yes

[Ryan]

Haven't heard back from them, and been a touch busy recently. So I'll email them today, and try to get something sorted next week :)

Any update on this Jo? :thinking:

[Joanne]

Nope :( I'll email them *again* but perhaps we'll have to look at joining in with another clubs track day or some other option.

[Ryan]

Nope :( I'll email them *again* but perhaps we'll have to look at joining in with another clubs track day or some other option.

Waaaahhh! But I wanted the track all to ourselves :bigcry: :baby:

[scott.mohekey]

You now have a VR-4 which is quite capable of navigating a race track /yes

Hah, I had forgotten about this! So I'd need to book some time off at work, save up a few hundred dollars for travel fuel etc..

It could be done!

[Joanne]

Right - I have a reply from them! Just talking with the other committee about the best thing to do now :) Stay tuned - looks like there will be progress with this soon :D

[pungatree1]

I only had a quick chance to speak with one guy at the A1 event but he seemed to think that joining in with another group would be the best. However, he also mentioned the have a go days where the full track is open and it is very cheap - $10 for 5 laps.

[Ryan]

I'm a little concerned about my brakes... it doesn't take much for them to start smoking.

[CANDEE]

It only takes a week for a set of carbotech's to come from the states... :P

[Joanne]

However, he also mentioned the have a go days where the full track is open and it is very cheap - $10 for 5 laps.


hmmmm, that's no where near the price I've been quoted!

[Ryan]

uploaded/50107/1234775129.jpg

[CANDEE]

Any updates Jo?

[Joanne]

Not at the moment - got to talk to the rest of the committee to find out where to go from here. Also - I'm going to be away all next month, so everything will be on hold from me for that period sorry.

[CANDEE]

Thanks Jo.

Are you able to confirm that this will not likely happen in April?

Thanks,
J

[Joanne]

I've been told there is nothing available in April, and they were checking to see what's available in May - I'll email them back today :)

[taupodrifta]

ime in

[bradc]

What about Hampton Downs? That is opening fairly soon and is MUCH closer for Auckland members.

[Ryan]

What about Hampton Downs? That is opening fairly soon and is MUCH closer for Auckland members.

It also looks like a cool track - has a bit of Sepang and Interlagos in it me thinks.

[Zitchu]

Hell yea cant wait untill thats finished.

[Zitchu]

Anyone here keen to go to GPs next one on the 31st of August?
May be going.

[GroundControl]

I posted about it a while ago (http://www.clubvr4.com/forum/showpost.php?p=441721&postcount=49) but I haven't seen anyone I recognise register their interest.

Unfortunately I won't be at this one cause I'll be in Queenstown for a spot of skiing then.