Texas World Speedway - Open Track Day - Sept 14

[bigjae1976]

Six people are signed up and someone is bringing a Subaru BRZ. Cost is $150, time is 1pm-5pm.

Anyone in?

I might have to take a long bathroom brake at work and show up in my uniform which is mildly flame retardant. Day old taco's anyone?

[VMcV3y]

Hmmm. Their website reads:

"Open Track Day 1p - 5p Friday
Register at www.clubregistration.net
Must have a valid competition license to play
Car must pass safety inspection (bring current log book or completed tech sheet available at www.texasworldspeedway.com)"

How difficult is it to get a "competition license?"

- V

[bigjae1976]

The easiest way is to get solo qualified with PDS or The Driver's Edge. Or some other recognized DE organization.

[jphughan]

Funny that you mention the BRZ, I just went on a long drive from Austin to Fredericksburg along a bunch of back roads with some co-workers and we swapped rides along the way, so I got to drive a BRZ and a 997 C2S.

Quick review: The BRZ is just a SPECTACULAR car. The back seats are useless except for maybe children's car seats and I'd definitely want the turbo version if I were going to buy one (it's obvious that the chassis can handle more power), but honestly it was such a perfect car through the turns that I didn't even mind not having much power to blast out of them. Those turns were made even more fun by the outstanding seats in that car too; very comfortable, very supportive, and very grippy. I was in love from the first long right-handed sweeper I came across -- it's amazing how much more poised a car feels when it's ~1000 lbs lighter than my M3! Or to state it differently, I can't believe that the current M3 is ~1000 lbs heavier than this car....

Anyway, it was just an absolutely sublime car to drive. I'm just happy that this car exists in the world. Light, low, simple, well-balanced, RWD, a fantastic manual transmission setup, and even decent features and looks -- and all for not much more than an Accord! There aren't enough cars like that in the market. The BRZ/FR-S is hands down the best fun per dollar car available IMHO. The only thing I missed compared to my M3 while driving it other than the extra power was the sound of my V8 (especially on rev matches) because the BRZ's four-banger is much quieter -- but it definitely sounds a lot better than other four-bangers I've heard. I'm not sure how well the stock tires (shared with the Prius!) would hold up on a track, and I've heard the stock pads AND ROTORS can get chewed up quickly on a track in the hands of a skilled driver, but those issues are easily fixed. I'm especially happy that Toyota was involved in this project -- nice to see the company that gave us the Celica GT, MR2, and Supra get back on their game after years of making nothing but soulless transportation appliances.

Bottom line: You owe it to yourself to find someone who has one and take it out on a proper road. I didn't want to give it back.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by jphughan

Funny that you mention the BRZ, I just went on a long drive from Austin to Fredericksburg along a bunch of back roads with some co-workers and we swapped rides along the way, so I got to drive a BRZ and a 997 C2S.

Quick review: The BRZ is just a SPECTACULAR car. The back seats are useless except for maybe children's car seats and I'd definitely want the turbo version if I were going to buy one (it's obvious that the chassis can handle more power), but honestly it was such a perfect car through the turns that I didn't even mind not having much power to blast out of them. Those turns were made even more fun by the outstanding seats in that car too; very comfortable, very supportive, and very grippy. I was in love from the first long right-handed sweeper I came across -- it's amazing how much more poised a car feels when it's ~1000 lbs lighter than my M3! Or to state it differently, I can't believe that the current M3 is ~1000 lbs heavier than this car....

Anyway, it was just an absolutely sublime car to drive. Light, low, simple, well-balanced, RWD, a fantastic manual transmission setup, and even decent features and looks -- and all for not much more than an Accord! Hands down best fun per dollar car available now. I missed the sound of my V8 (especially on rev matches) because the four-banger is pretty quiet, but it definitely sounds a lot better than other four-bangers I've heard. I'm especially happy that Toyota was involved in this project -- nice to see the company that made the Celica GT, MR2, and Supra get back on their game after years of making nothing but soulless transportation appliances. You owe it to yourself to find someone who has one and take it out on a proper road.

Nice! I stopped by a couple of Toyota dealers just out of curiosity but of course there's a waitlist. I have time and don't need to be the first one on the block with one.

BMW is supposed to be partnering with Toyota to make an eco-friendly sports car.

[Phantom_9192]

I wanted to test an FR-S as well before buying my E92 but the combination of near-instant sale of my E46 M and no FR-S to drive for the next few months (that info from 3 different dealerships), I went ahead and pulled the trigger.


Regardless, I am quite excited to drive the Subie or the Scion once the chance arises.