November 5th, 2009 Golden Gate VCOA Track Day at Thunderhill Raceway

[300+_T5R_855]

On Thursday, November 5th the Golden Gate VCOA is planning a track day at Thunderhill Raceway in Willows. As you know from your participation in previous track days, it’s a fun way to develop your driving skills and share your stories and experiences with others. If you haven't participated in one of these events now is a good time to start.

The cost is $210.00 for club members/ $235.00 non members. This is for the day, with lunch included. We also need help with logistics and driver skill instruction. There are many ways to enjoy the day, support the event, and the participants.

Make check payable to GGVCOA and include your filled out registration form.

Mail to:
GGVCOA
c/o CJ's
2318 Clement Ave
Alameda, CA 94501

This event is open to all makes and models. We are not restricting it to Volvo's only. We would like to, but not enough Volvo seem to want to come out. Help us change this. Bring out your Volvo and drive!

Additional information and the sign up sheet can be found on the club website. http://www.ggvcoa.org/thunder_fall_09.html

[scottyd]

Ooo sounds fun. What's the tech inspection cover?

[jgunnar]

Ooo sounds fun. What's the tech inspection cover?

Tech stuff.......:-P

[300+_T5R_855]

The basics. Battery hold down, seat belts affixed to the car securely, no oil or water leaks that would cause problems. You have to cover both the +, - terminals on the car with covers or tape. The headlights have to be taped. That's about it.

[badvlvo]

I don't know if I will have a car for this or the money.
If I can come up with the money I will be there in something. I can find a car.

It would be nice to get some track time this year.

[orie]

This is ON my birthday. I really want to go! I need a car to drive though..

For the rest of you, i went to my first one after the 09 Davis show. It was one of the best things I ever did. If you're even considering it and have the cash, i urge you.. DO IT.

[badvlvo]

It is fun, everyone should try it once.

[Brickster151]

My friend is trying to sell her Xterra right now, it should sell this weekend and once we order the specE36 coilovers/sways and new brake stuff for her 325is we'll sign up...... [speaking of which I need to renew my membership]

[badvlvo]

Ok, NOT going. It's definate right now.

[300+_T5R_855]

There have been some changes to this event.

All of the participants that have signed up have requested group C which is the fastest group. We are changing the format to an all out track day.

The following changes have been made.

No run groups, all participants will have appx. 6-7 hours of track time.
Prior track time is now required.
Multiple drivers per entry will be allowed, $235.00 per car including 1 driver and $75.00 for each additional driver.

[scottyd]

Welp, not going now. :( I have no previous track experience.

[300+_T5R_855]

Sorry about the change, we have no choice. We didn't have enough entrants to keep it as it was. This was not an easy decision to make.

The Thunderhill event following the Davis meet is also in jeopardy if we cannot get members to step up well in advance of the date. The track requires a 120 day notice for cancellation or the club is on the hook for the rental. This means we are no longer going to wait for members to sign up and send money at the last minute. The date is tentatively set for May 3rd 2010 and we will need payment no later than February 1st or we will cancel the event and refund your entry fee.

[scottyd]

Do we know what the cost for the May 3rd event will be?

[300+_T5R_855]

We don't have that info yet, we still have to confirm that we can get the date. It should be about the same. +- $15.00-$20.00

[orie]

Frustrating situation. Track days are expensive no doubt, but it's just one of those things that is only clearly worth the money once you are there. Do you know roughly how many volvo-specific people are likely to make the Nov. 5 event?

I've been out once and did fairly well, would you say that's sufficient track experience to not be just a bother to other drivers?

[300+_T5R_855]

I am going to have to say no at this point. The cars and drivers that are signed up are very experienced. I need to have more experience than one track day. Check into the May track day if you're interested in getting more seat time.

[orie]

Damn, so much for my Birthday track day. :-(

[300+_T5R_855]

You are not the only one. I have had several others that wanted to participate, but didn't step up. We offered steep discounts so people would sign up early. Only one took us up on the offer. Down to the last week and everybody says they want to go. We cannot run these events like this. It costs the club bank to book these events and were on the hook if we don't cancel 120 days out. FYI the May 3rd track day will be sold out by Feb 1 or it will be CANCELLED!

[orie]

I hear ya. A bit more warning in this case would have helped me be able to commit sooner, finances being as they are these days. But that's what I get for only paying attention to Turbobricks events list. :)

After the holidays, i'll be sending in my payment for May. Though the way it sounds like these event sign-ups have gone in the past, well, i won't say it.

Thanks for all your hard work anyways!

[300+_T5R_855]

You need to sign up for the GGVCOA forum. Then you will be on the newsletter list and will be notified weekly of upcoming events. The Spring event will sell out, don't wait if you want to go. If something happens that we have to cancel the event you will be refunded your entry fee.

[300+_T5R_855]

Tomorrow is the Track Day. If you haven't signed up, but want to come out and drive you can pay at the gate. 6+ hours of track time for $250.00! You can't beat that with a stick. Just a reminder you must have adequate track time under your belt to participate. There are some very fast cars and drivers attending.

I am going to make this announcement now. We are scheduling a track day in May to coincide with the Davis meet as we have done for many years. There is one big change next year if we don't have 40 entries by February 1st we are canceling the track day, no exceptions.

Thank you for your continued support of the Golden Gate Chapter VCOA.