Anybody want to run the Rolex 24 road course at Daytona??? Registration has opened for the Daytona HPDE to be run 12-14 December 2008.
You run the "NASCAR way", i.e. counterclockwise.
Last December the Audi Club from Cleveland, OH sponsored the first ever HPDE at Daytona. It was supposedly the first time an event was ever run there that didn't require a competitive license. It was very successful and they will be running it again this December.
I drove the event and it was incredible fun!!! The twisty/turny infield section is fun, but it's a real thrill when you get out on the 31 degree high-banked oval and just let 'er run!!!!!
This event is not cheap at $999 (plus you've got to join the Audi Club for $44). Even instructors pay a $499 registration fee. It's a 3 day event, and there's no provision for just doing 1 or 2 days. Many events are about $250 per day, but this one comes out to more than $340 per day (I heard it cost them something like $25,000/day to lease the Speedway). But, you do get a lot of track time. Last year we did 4 sessions per day, 30 minutes per session - so I got a good 6 hours over 3 days.
I got an email from the Audi Club saying registration has opened up today, 5/1. It says that they will take registrations from drivers that participated last year and Audi Club members before they start advertising it on other sites like here. But, I bet they'll take your application if you want to send in your money!!!
This is a true driver education event. It was my first HPDE when I ran it last December and was in the newbie group. We had classroom instruction and I had an instructor with me for a few sessions, but got signed off for solo when we both felt I was ready.
Here's a link to the Audi Club's website. For more info click on "Events", then click on "Events calendar for 2008" where you print out a registration form:
Ohio Valley Chapter
My registration is going in the mail today - hope to see more Corvettes here this year!!!
Bob
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