[Darryl]

I was sent this from the ARDC if anyone here is interested........



Motorists wanting to drive fast without getting fined or locked up for speeding now have a safe location to test their cars performance. Management at Sydney’s Eastern Creek Raceway are making the race circuit available to licensed drivers to lap the track in road-registered cars as fast as they wish.


An Eastern Creek Drive Day is being conducted from 9am till 5pm on Easter Saturday, April 10th 2004.


Responsible enthusiasts now have the opportunity to enjoy the power of their cars in a safe controlled environment. Drivers need to hold a full licence and be over 18 years of age, cars must be registered and road worthy. A limited number of cars are on track in each session. Overtaking is only permitted on the main straight. At sign on drivers will be issued with a set of rules and regulations. No bookings required. Sign on at medical centre.



WHAT:
Drive Day. No speed limit

WHEN:
Easter Saturday, April 10th 2004
9am till 5pm. Sign on from 8am.

WHERE:
Eastern Creek Raceway. Enter via gate 7

COST:
$110.00 inc GST per driver. CAMS license holders $90.00 inc GST

REGULATIONS:


Drivers must be over 18 years of age and require:

Full drivers licence (no P plates) presented at sign on.

Cars must be registered and road worthy.

Approved crash helmet must be worn along with
a non synthetic long sleeve shirt, long pants and enclosed shoes.

An indemnity document is to be signed.

Note: If you wish to take advantage of the CAMS licence discount
your license must be sighted at sign on.



FURTHER INFO:
EASTERN CREEK RACEWAY
Ph: (02) 96721000
Email: phil@ardc.com.au

[swamos]

I have split this offto help the cause

[ScottyB]

Cool!

Another one so soon

I might make this one too if theres enough interest from the MINI people. After the last track day, I know theyre definately not to miss - even as a spectator!

[Mini2v]

Quote: Originally Posted by Darryl

I was sent this from the ARDC if anyone here is interested........



Motorists wanting to drive fast without getting fined or locked up for speeding now have a safe location to test their cars performance. Management at Sydney’s Eastern Creek Raceway are making the race circuit available to licensed drivers to lap the track in road-registered cars as fast as they wish.


An Eastern Creek Drive Day is being conducted from 9am till 5pm on Easter Saturday, April 10th 2004.

Darryl

This is an interesting devlopment at Eastern Creek, the company we have been using to date for our Track Days at EC is Motoconcepts, they too are running a Track day over Easter on 12/4 And their cost is $200 as opposed to the ARDC $110, looks like ARDC is competing with the commercial operators. I know it is not for us to question the ethics or business principals of this, but i know Motoconcepts had difficulty covering the hire fee of the Track whilst providing appropriate staff (flag marshalls, medics, fire marshalls and Driving Instructor) I believe they actually lost money on the last event. So at $110 they would not be able to compete at all. What does this mean for MINI drivers? The concept of a well organised and coordinated Track Day with professionals looking after you is obviously what we would wish to pursue, I wonder if this is a case of you get what you pay for?

I will call the ARDC and try to establish how their actual No Speed Limit track days will be conducted to ensure they are suitable to our MINI people. Stay tuned.

Vic

[Mini2v]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mini2v

Darryl


I will call the ARDC and try to establish how their actual No Speed Limit track days will be conducted to ensure they are suitable to our MINI people. Stay tuned.

Vic

Ok Called ARDC and this is the go, they are trialling No Speed Limit (NSL) days, this will be the only weekend NSL day as the rest of the year is already booked out. They will have fire, medic and observer marshalls the same as Motoconcepts days, but no driver trainer who can accompany you and passengers are NOT permitted. Groups will have no more than 30 cars in them but are not split into speed difference categories, But dedicated racing cars will not be on the track with you. There is definately no overtaking any where except on the main straight, you will be black flagged if you break this rule (take note Brad and Trelo )

They will hold some twilight NSL events when daylight saving returns with racing between 5pm and 8pm. At a reduced cost, this could be an interesting event. I have asked to be put on their mail/email list and will kep everyone informed.

If you wish to enter for this Saturday's NSL Day I suggest you contact ARDC direct on 9672 1000 otherwise you might miss out if you delay the booking, also post here if you intend to visit as i will provide any details I can to help, I am away over Easter from late thursday night working on clearing my bush property, so will not be attending this one.

Vic

[ScottyB]

Ohhh. So this isnt the same mob that ran the last one..?

Hmmm. Dont think Ill bother if I cant catch up with the freindly MINI faction

[Darryl]

Only posting it as it was sent to me. Cheap track time in a very controlled environment. Seems its the first one open to non CAMS license holders. But the $110 fee is the normal private practise cost if you have a L2S License.

I do applaud them for doing the only passing on the main straight, very good thing for beginners to the sport and I think thats who their aiming it at and if its run by the ARDC if would be very well organised. You'd find once people get a taste they'll go looking for other days so your quote on business ethics is probably not warranted.

I do worry about some of the commercial days, after noticing the drift action in a normal session seemingly allowed to happen at the Motconcepts day I attended, the term "accidents waiting to happen" springs to mind.

[ScottyB]

Wait, so Vic, Alan, Trelo, Robbo etc, you all have CAMS licences?

[Mini2v]

Quote: Originally Posted by ScottyB

Wait, so Vic, Alan, Trelo, Robbo etc, you all have CAMS licences?

No, not all of us, the Motoconcept Drive Days allow normal people like you and me Scott (not that I am saying that Trelo is not normal but ) to experience a Track Day without getting too serious. Looks like the ARDC days will achieve the same. Must admit that watching the V8's at Eastern Creek yesterday took on a new meaning now that i have actually driven the circuit, some their lines were interesting and their ability to pass in places that looked impossible on the track was quite enlightening. And even in the wet they were 15 - 20 seconds faster than us

Darryl, my comment about ethics and commercialism was based on the fact that the ARDC obvioulsy do not have to pay themselves the very high track hire fees of approx $8000 (I believe) so it must make it very difficult for any other commercial operator to compete. Helps people to understand why there is such a difference in the price, now that we have eliminated the issue of "you get what you pay for" .

It would be good if we could get a MINI driver to attend this day and report back as to its conduct, as I certainly think future events would be of great interest to our members.

Vic

[ScottyB]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mini2v

No, not all of us, the Motoconcept Drive Days allow normal people like you and me Scott (not that I am saying that Trelo is not normal but ) to experience a Track Day without getting too serious. Looks like the ARDC days will achieve the same. Must admit that watching the V8's at Eastern Creek yesterday took on a new meaning now that i have actually driven the circuit, some their lines were interesting and their ability to pass in places that looked impossible on the track was quite enlightening. And even in the wet they were 15 - 20 seconds faster than us

Vic

Ah I see. I was a little dumbfounded when I read that post. Didnt think youd have to have a CAMS licence just to do a few laps around EC

How good was the V8's! See Lowndesy sliding around everywhere! I was cheering. Dead set I say he woulda had a go for the number 1 spot if the race had been resumed. Totally on fire Some good watching. Much better than the Formula 1 (Both McLarens out AGAIN! Although the new Bahrain circuit is wild - I might go so far to say the best in the lineup).

Getting off-topic....

[robbo mcs]

Hi,

I am allready going to the BMW club driveday on Easter Monday at Wakefield. One trackday per weekend is probably enough

However, my partner is away for the weekend, so I'll probably get bored, and I might go out to EC to check it out on Saturday.

The value in these days may be limited. I noted that Vic said there could be 30 cars in one group For a 2 minute lap time that is extremely congested, especially as overtaking is limited to the straight. It would be interesting to know how many groups there are, and how long the sessions will be.

The track is the best place to take your car to experience its performance and improve your skills. However, you don't want to end up on the circuit with a bunch of rednecks, drifters or devotees of "the fast and the furious".

Having said that, I subscribe to most local motor magazines, and haven't seen this day advertised. It would seem that it has only been publicised by the ARDC, which should mean it is only reaching serious drivers.

Depending on the weather I might go out, and check out the numbers and types of cars / drivers before making a decision whether to particpate.

Robbo

[Boo]

Quote: Originally Posted by Darryl

Only posting it as it was sent to me. Cheap track time in a very controlled environment. Seems its the first one open to non CAMS license holders. But the $110 fee is the normal private practise cost if you have a L2S License.

Hi Darryl,
do they have private practise days out at EC for cams license holders?

[Darryl]

I've made a few calls and it seems that the private L2s practice days that were introduced last year (previously only offered to L3 people) haven't been all that well attended hence the opening up of them to the general motor vehicle license holder.

Worthwhile checking out, especially the midweek versions for L2s holders, could get enormous track time with little traffic for very little outlay.

I really doubt they'd get that many cars there to have 30 in a group though, hell that would be like Pitt street, geez I hope it doesn't go down the european follow the leader type of day....

Boo, both Eastern Creek and Oran Park have started private practise for L2s holders. Normally held at short notice and quite cheap. I notice Oran have one on the 12th April also. You need to keep you eye on their web sites, I normally get wind of them through club Lotus so I'll try and post dates when I find out if anyones interested.

[robbo mcs]

Quote: Originally Posted by Darryl

I've made a few calls and it seems that the private L2s practice days that were introduced last year (previously only offered to L3 people) haven't been all that well attended hence the opening up of them to the general motor vehicle license holder.

Worthwhile checking out, especially the midweek versions for L2s holders, could get enormous track time with little traffic for very little outlay.

I really doubt they'd get that many cars there to have 30 in a group though, hell that would be like Pitt street, geez I hope it doesn't go down the european follow the leader type of day....

Boo, both Eastern Creek and Oran Park have started private practise for L2s holders. Normally held at short notice and quite cheap. I notice Oran have one on the 12th April also. You need to keep you eye on their web sites, I normally get wind of them through club Lotus so I'll try and post dates when I find out if anyones interested.

Hi,

These open days can be a bit of a lottery I went down to wakefield for a day when I was trying a few things with my suspension. For 2 hours I was the only car there It was embarrassing but good However, at around 11 o'clock around 6 full on racecars, plus a couple of fast street cars turned up. Things then got very hectic, as they kept overtaking me on the outside or inside, or both at the same time

Unless something develops with the potential Easter Central Coast drive day (see the post on the Aussie boards) I will go out on Saturday and check things out.

Robbo

[Mini2v]

Quote: Originally Posted by robbo mcs

Hi,

These open days can be a bit of a lottery I went down to wakefield for a day when I was trying a few things with my suspension. For 2 hours I was the only car there It was embarrassing but good However, at around 11 o'clock around 6 full on racecars, plus a couple of fast street cars turned up. Things then got very hectic, as they kept overtaking me on the outside or inside, or both at the same time

Unless something develops with the potential Easter Central Coast drive day (see the post on the Aussie boards) I will go out on Saturday and check things out.

Robbo

All this makes the recent Motoconcepts day on 28/3 at EC look pretty good, it would be great if you don't get a better offer Robbo and provide some real live feedback, just bear in mind the ARDC have no more full day (weekend) NSL days planned, only evening events next daylight saving. which could mean more crowds and less track time.

Vic

[cityclinic]

Passing only on the main straight would a bit of a nightmare if there are a lot of cars in each group. I don't think being stuck behind cars that are slower through the twisty bits yet have a whole heap of grunt in a straight line would be too much fun ...

a la Trelo and I at our last outing stuck behind some godzilla freak who could only drive fast in a straight line but drove the corners like his mum doing the saturday morning shopping in a Volvo.

I think I might pass on this one ... Apart from that, if I have another weekend away with the MINI's, my girls won't be happy

[robbo mcs]

Hi,

I went out to the Eastern Creek open track day today.

As I am intending to go the BMW drivers club day on Monday, I was intending to go as an observer only. However, this morning, when it was a beautiful clear day, I got the itch, and put my track wheels on. I took my helmet, "just in case" the day looked worthwhile. Needless to say I spent most of the day fanging around Eastern Creek

The day was excellent value, $110, or $90 for me as I have a cams license (L2S which anyone can get without doing any examinations or track days).

There was minimal scrutineering, with only requirement a helmet and clothing covering arms and legs.

The day was divided into 5 groups
1) Unregistered track cars : mainly formula ford open wheelers and improved production cars
2) CAMS licence holders with road registered cars (me).
3-5) Road registered cars with standard licences. These groups were random, and not seeded in terms of speed

There were around 20 cars in each group. Technically it was overtaking on the straight only. However, in my group people were generally good, and waved faster cars through. Overtaking on the straight on turns 1-2 and on the back straight was commonplace, and pretty sensible. My group was a mix, with several racecars, a lot of clubmans, plus some jap and Aussie muscle cars

Groups 3-5 were a bit of a lottery. There were a lot of sensible drivers, but there were quite a few "heros". Fortunately the marshalls were pretty quick to black flag any miscreants

Groups ran for 20 minutes each. Allowing for time between groups this made it quite slow. I arrived at 8:30 and left at 3:00 and only got 3 sessions. However, I cant complain too much for the price

I was the only mini there, and as usual it attracted a lot of attention. Losts of people wanted to chat and have a look. There was a nice guy with a classic mini, who was very friendly Also, there was the usual looks of amazement and respect from other drivers after I had overtaken them on the track A bunch of guys in WRX STI, worked nissan 200SX and integra type R were completely blown away after being overtaken on the track

Overall the day was good. A little slow, but cheap. Also it was a good opportunity to mix it with a wide variety of cars.

I wouldn't recommend these days for anyone who is a first timer. However, for people with significant track experience it is worth a look.

Cheers

Robbo

[Mini2v]

Quote: Originally Posted by robbo mcs

Hi,

I went out to the Eastern Creek open track day today.

As I am intending to go the BMW drivers club day on Monday, I was intending to go as an observer only. However, this morning, when it was a beautiful clear day, I got the itch, and put my track wheels on. I took my helmet, "just in case" the day looked worthwhile. Needless to say I spent most of the day fanging around Eastern Creek

The day was excellent value, $110, or $90 for me as I have a cams license (L2S which anyone can get without doing any examinations or track days).

There was minimal scrutineering, with only requirement a helmet and clothing covering arms and legs.

The day was divided into 5 groups
1) Unregistered track cars : mainly formula ford open wheelers and improved production cars
2) CAMS licence holders with road registered cars (me).
3-5) Road registered cars with standard licences. These groups were random, and not seeded in terms of speed

There were around 20 cars in each group. Technically it was overtaking on the straight only. However, in my group people were generally good, and waved faster cars through. Overtaking on the straight on turns 1-2 and on the back straight was commonplace, and pretty sensible. My group was a mix, with several racecars, a lot of clubmans, plus some jap and Aussie muscle cars

Groups 3-5 were a bit of a lottery. There were a lot of sensible drivers, but there were quite a few "heros". Fortunately the marshalls were pretty quick to black flag any miscreants

Groups ran for 20 minutes each. Allowing for time between groups this made it quite slow. I arrived at 8:30 and left at 3:00 and only got 3 sessions. However, I cant complain too much for the price

I was the only mini there, and as usual it attracted a lot of attention. Losts of people wanted to chat and have a look. There was a nice guy with a classic mini, who was very friendly Also, there was the usual looks of amazement and respect from other drivers after I had overtaken them on the track A bunch of guys in WRX STI, worked nissan 200SX and integra type R were completely blown away after being overtaken on the track

Overall the day was good. A little slow, but cheap. Also it was a good opportunity to mix it with a wide variety of cars.

I wouldn't recommend these days for anyone who is a first timer. However, for people with significant track experience it is worth a look.

Cheers

Robbo

Thanks Robbo, a good report which will help us assess future ARDC no Speed Limit days. I understand that their next events are twilight sessions in day light saving, but with the large numbers of groups/cars it looks like you might get only one or at best 2 sessions

All the best today at the BMW club meeting.

Vic

[ScottyB]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mini2v

Thanks Robbo, a good report which will help us assess future ARDC no Speed Limit days. I understand that their next events are twilight sessions in day light saving, but with the large numbers of groups/cars it looks like you might get only one or at best 2 sessions

All the best today at the BMW club meeting.

Vic

Where have you been Vic?

Missed the Easter meet on Friday

[Mini2v]

Quote: Originally Posted by ScottyB

Where have you been Vic?

Missed the Easter meet on Friday

Someone cares

I was working my butt off at my 4Wd training property near Braidwood, clearing acres and acres of land.

But off to the Snowy Mtns next weekend for the MINI wedding, Hey Scott, those are awesome photos of the Easter Run, you are a brilliant photographer with a great eye.

Not sure if this can be worked yet, need to consult with Brad about arrangements, but you should join us for the Wedding/Snowy run, you can come with me as a passenger if you wish, I need to check with Brad on accommodation arrangements etc,. We leave this Friday and return Sunday night. PM me if interested, there should be some fabulous Photo ops.

Vic