The day started with about an hour of classtime followed by a couple parade laps around the course at about 40 mph. There was quite an assortment of cars at the orientation class: an NA Miata, '10 Camaro SS, a newer Corvette Grand Sport, Porsche 911 GT3 w/ motons, 4th gen camaro, a 90's Mercedes SL600 V12 and my '99 EJ6. Afterwards, I had a 20 minute session with an instructor. Other than our orientation group, there was another group of cars that was there for open lapping. We alternated 20 minute sessions with that other group.
Needless to say, prior to lunch, I had one more session after my first with a different instructor and found myself spinning my car and getting my front 2 tires off course (pointed directly into the corner). All I can say is I was pretty bummed out (of all my classmates, I was the only one to take the car off course/spin). I have come to the conclusion that I am glad that I didn't have another session prior to lunch as was originally intended; our session ended before I could have an available instructor. The time off the track calmed my senses and allowed me to really think through what happened and what I would need to do next time to avoid that situation.
Anyhow, after lunch, I had one more session with the first instructor that I had. I was really starting to feel comfortable and understand what had previously caused my little mishap. Basically, I had been going into the corner a little too fast and tried to correct myself by turning the wheel sharper into the corner. Well, the back end got loose and instead of getting on the gas to straighten it out, I panicked and tried to steer myself out of it. Well, now I learned my lesson; I actually would have never discovered the importance of getting back on the gas when the back gets loose if I had not spun the car like I did. Anyhow, needless to say, my third session went extremely well. I remember it was quite funny as I was just paying attention to all the inputs of the instructor that I forgot to shift; I took the whole session in nothing but fourth gear. I was taking in everything that he said; my arms were sore as I was still figuring out the best lines and learning to really push the car in the corners.
Anyhow, after that I felt extremely comfortable with the car and with the course; I was ready to drive by myself. The next session was where the fun really began. I started throwing in heel-toe downshifting when necessary as I slowed down into the corners. I was beginning to understand how amazing it is to blast through a road course. I was having so much fun, I almost didn't notice I was starting to run low on gas (around a 1/2- 1/4 tank). Well, needless to say after the session, I went and got some gas at a local gas station.
And to the conclusion, the number of people that were still at the track was beginning to dwindle (this was around 5:15 PM - track was to close at 6PM). As I was waiting for my session to come up, the track marshal lets us know that due to the small amount of people still at the track, we were to combine run groups and have one long 40 minute session. I was ecstatic and super pumped. I felt as though my day was just starting! Most of the guys in my class were starting to get tired from the long day but all I can say is I was not. Anyhow, this last session was a total blast!!! One by one, my orientation classmates left the track, but not me! Near the end of the session, I didn't see a single person on the road course. I could honestly say that I was the only person still driving! I felt pretty good having the whole course to myself!
Well, hope I didn't bore you all to death. I highly recommend going to a track day and having an instructor help you learn more about your car, the track and yourself.
As for pics/video, I was too busy making sure I had everything ready, and I don't really have a good camera/camcorder. I'll get some more pics/video next time I go.
For more info about the school, go here: http://www.drivefullthrottle.com.
And the track: http://www.midamericamotorplex.com
