[travislambert]

(Moderators, this is a non-profit event. I only charge what it costs for the track rental, insurance, food, etc.)

I'm hosting a private open track day at PittRace (North of Pittsburgh, PA) on September 19th, 2022. This event is limited to 40 cars. Other events typically have 160-180 cars, and it's tough to get clean laps due to congestion and inexperienced drivers.

September 19th is a Monday and Chin Track Days is hosting an event Saturday and Sunday. Join both events and make it a three-day weekend. Registration for the Chin event opens tomorrow (7/18) at 9PM Eastern, so you'll want to be quick. It's not uncommon for their events to sell out within a few days.

This event will have several very fast cars and we will NOT have instructors available. For this reason, it's open only to experienced drivers who are comfortable with pass anywhere with a point-by rules. If you are interested, message me with a summary of your track experience, and if it appears you are a good fit for our group, I will forward a private link to the motorsportreg.com registration page.

Cost
Driver: $469
Co-driver, Same car: +$229
Adult guest lunch: +$29 each
Non-driving passenger: +$0

Schedule
(9/18)
6:00 PM - Gates open for overnight campers and vehicle drop-off.
Contact PittRace if you plan to use electrical connections (additional fee required).

(9/19)
6:30 AM - Gates open
7:30 AM - Registration at the north track garage
8:00 AM - MANDATORY drivers meeting
8:30 AM - Warmup session (no passing)
9:00 AM - Open track
12:00 PM - Catered Lunch
1:00 PM - Open track
5:30 PM - Final checkered flag

[synolimit]

hmmm definitely the most expensive track day ive seen but 40 max would be nice. been a few years since i raced here but sounds fun with the same cars! full track, north or south?

[Baddawg53]

Let me know when you host an event like this in California... Sounds absolutely amazing!!!

[travislambert]

Originally Posted by Baddawg53

Let me know when you host an event like this in California... Sounds absolutely amazing!!!

You could fly in and rent a Camaro or Corvette from 89x Motorsports for the weekend. They'll be at the Chin Track Days event as well as my event.

[Baddawg53]

Originally Posted by travislambert

You could fly in and rent a Camaro or Corvette from 89x Motorsports for the weekend. They'll be at the Chin Track Days event as well as my event.

I've looked them up before, makes me want to rent out my Camaro for track days!!!

[travislambert]

Originally Posted by Baddawg53

I've looked them up before, makes me want to rent out my Camaro for track days!!!

If you did, I think you'd be surprised at your expenses. I know a guy who thought the same thing and started renting cars for a little less than 89x charges. He was in business about a year before calling it quits.

Believe it or not, the rental business guys hardly make anything. 89x used to charge less, but had to increase their prices out of necessity. Most track insurance will only allow a claim every 3 years. Two claims in 3 years will get you canceled. In the rental business you'll lose more cars than that, and you have to eat it. Just this year he lost a new SS 1LE literally on its first day of track use. I think he has also had to replace about 4 blown LT1s out of pocket in the past 18 months or so. Also, with the price of fuel, it's not uncommon to spend $1,000+ in diesel just getting the cars to and from the track.

Once you factor in true overall costs of a rental business, it's really not that bad. He covers everything, tires, brakes, fuel, insurance. All you have to do is drive.

I've rented from 89x a few times in the past and was very satisfied. Sure it's expensive, but everything sustainable is expensive these days.

[travislambert]

Originally Posted by synolimit

hmmm definitely the most expensive track day ive seen but 40 max would be nice. been a few years since i raced here but sounds fun with the same cars! full track, north or south?

We're running the full track.

It works out to just under $60/hour and the time is of very high-quality with what will feel like having the track to yourself. Compare that to the Chin event the day before. Their cost is $379 for 3.5 hours of track time which works out to $108/hour and there is no food included. Their events often have 160+ cars, and they are considered one of the better hosts. Our event is 40 max, but we may only get 20 cars or so. Last year we had 22.

The event I'm offering is on a whole other level, but we just aren't well known because it's somewhat invitation only. I personally vet out the driver's experience to make sure they are a good fit. Last year, we had multiple people running in the sub 1:50 range (fast for PittRace). Throughout the entire day, we had one yellow flag for a car going 4-off without contact. I don't think I've ever been to a public event where there was only one yellow and no black flags.

For what this is, you simply cannot beat the price unless someone is willing to take a larger loss than I do. Last year I paid about $12k out of pocket to supplement the event.

There's another group that does something similar. They limit events to 25 cars, but they charge about $2,250 per day.
https://www.davidmurry.com/

This really is a rare opportunity.

[travislambert]

Just giving this thread a bump in case anyone is interested.

You do not need to be a track expert to be a good fit. If you have more than a few track days under your belt and are very comfortable passing and being passed in turns, you'll be fine.

PM me if you're interested.

[Lewisracing]

Definitely trying to make it! Gotta get the car ready!

[travislambert]

Bump

[ponycar]

The price is a bargain if the event is well managed. I regret that I am not available. I hope that you folks have a great day.

[travislambert]

Thank you for recognizing the value. Unfortunately, many people only see the price and not what they're getting in exchange. I've received plenty of comments about how the event is too expensive. If I lower the price, then it just becomes like every other event with too many cars.

This year it looks like I'll be paying about 9k out of pocket just to make it happen. There will be so few cars it'll be like having the track to yourself all day for $469. That is an insanely good bargain. The lunch should be really good as well. We are spending $43 per person on lunch.

[khcoaching]

I'd love to be there and tried to rent a car but after the initial call, never heard back.....

[travislambert]

Originally Posted by khcoaching

I'd love to be there and tried to rent a car but after the initial call, never heard back.....

I'm really sorry to hear that. Please know that is not typical of Mike. He's a great guy and normally very responsive.

I sent you a PM with my cell number as well as Mike's.