Z06Vette.com - Corvette Z06 Forum

**mdickie** · 03-12-2008, 12:36 PM

I have learned that the NCM will not be able to run an HPDE event for us for this year's Z06 Fest. This is due to a variety of other major events going on at the same time as the Fest this year. I am waiting to talk with Roc to confirm this.

As a preemptive strike, I have contacted Phil Wicks about his ability to run an HPDE for us on either 9/9, or 9/10. Phil was receptive to the idea and asked if we would rather have the HPDE at Nashville Superspeedway or at Talledega Grand Prix Park.

Below are links to both track so you can see the difference:

Taslledega Grand Prix

Nashville Sperspeedway

We have run HPDE events at Nashville twice before, so most of you are familiar with the setup. Talledega is in Munford, AL, just east of Birmingham, about 4-4.5 hours south of BG.

Phil is willing to do the event in either location. Please let me know where you would be willing to go to attend an HPDE event prior to the Fest.

Mark

**DennyM** · 03-12-2008, 02:49 PM

Thanks, Mark ...
Humnnn...
Haven't voted yet.

Been on the Nashville course - uses most of the black (Troval) and transitions into the two infield sections shown in gray.

Talladega appears to be a good instructional road course - somewhat like Putnam.

Here's a Trackpedia link to track info for Talladega:
Talladega Gran Prix Raceway - Trackpedia
I think I'd rather do Talladega, as I haven't been there ... gotta figure out the logistics of that, from MD ... then I'll vote.

**Zippy** · 03-12-2008, 05:15 PM

No brainer for me. Nashville Super Speedway is less than 14 miles from my home, and it's all twisty/curvy, back roads!

E-Z link from NSS to I-40 then I-65 North to BG.

**DennyM** · 03-15-2008, 12:00 PM

Did some map recon and re-read Mark's lead post here.
Some considerations:
Recognizing that ASSumptions can be exactly that, I hope that a vote is an intention to participate in the event.
Looking at distances, it APPEARS that a Tuesday date (9/9) might be necessary if at Talladega, with a layover and drive up to BG the following day (Wed 9/10) ... allow for basic parking lot pit maint before the W.A.R.T

Nashville could be Wed, 9/9, as one could journey down EARLY that AM from BG or RON in Nashville Tues nite and return to BG evening of DE event is certainly doable.
Haven't voted yet; still surveying the options.

FWIW

**mdickie** · 03-15-2008, 04:47 PM

Denny, I think you are correct, as I see it:

Talledega offers a new track, but would require a Tuesday HPDE with travel back to BG on Wednesday.

Nashville is what it is, not a true road course, but better than a sharp stick in the eye, and it is close enough to BG to head down and back on Wedneasday.

Mark

Z06Fix · 03-15-2008, 06:34 PM

Would you have instructors at this event?

UVETTYA · 03-15-2008, 08:38 PM

Nashville.

**mdickie** · 03-15-2008, 10:36 PM

Yes, the Phil Wicks Driving Academy will be running the HPDE with multiple run groups for different levels of drivers and full compliment of instructors.

Mark

JasonI · 03-18-2008, 06:02 PM

I've run both, and I think you want to do NSS. TGRP is a fun track, but it's pretty small for the number of cars you had the last time you came to NSS. When I've run TGRP, they limit it to 15 entries, 3 cars on course at a time. There are very limited opportunities to pass. The track is HARD on Corvette brakes as there are almost no straights long enough to cool them. I boiled my fluid, cracked two rotors, and completely corded my left front 710 the last time I was there. I plan to go back again next month, with more brake ducting and more brains, but I think most Z06 driver's would have a lot more fun at NSS.

Oh, and consider having it at night. Nashville in early Sept can be brutal. We had a night event last summer at NSS and it was a blast. I don't know if the track charges more to run the lights or not, but it's worth checking into.

**mdickie** · 03-18-2008, 06:37 PM

Now that is not a bad idea, running at night would be cool and very different, I will check with Phil...

Mark

**Zippy** · 03-18-2008, 06:47 PM

NSS runs the IRL event at night, and it's awesome. Lighting is excellent.

Zipster

ZO6 NTHEWIND · 03-18-2008, 11:14 PM

Just FYI. If the HPDE isn't at Putnam Park I won't be going.

Later,

**mdickie** · 03-19-2008, 07:20 AM

Sorry, Putnam is not an option this year...

**Jim Lembo** · 03-19-2008, 09:17 AM

I voted Nashville, Had a great time there a few years ago,,,,my instructor was a Z06 owner, so that made it even more fun! Wicks just needs to get real with his pricing!

Jimbo

JasonI · 03-19-2008, 08:29 PM

Ya know, if you're willing to travel to TGRP, Barber is even closer.