Getting started on the track (Seattle area)

[atruelunatic]

It's been at least 3 years since I've been on a track in California. I want to get back into tracking, but having moved to Washington, it seems that it's a little bit different being able to get track time. Does anyone have good resources on where I should be looking to get on the track this year? I'd prefer to visit tracks as close to Seattle as possible.

[Vybz]

Closest road course to you is Pacific Raceways. If you're looking to get reintroduced into lapping days/hpde, Proformance racing school which is based at Pacific raceways would be the best place to start.

Other programs to check out are Turn2 and Hooked on Driving, but neither operate at Pac Raceways, and you'll have to drive further for their events.

Hope this helps

[Chris_PDX]

Check out the Audi Club NW as well. You need to be a member, but they run stellar track days, driver skills/autocross all the time at Pacific, The Ridge, Bremerton, etc.

Hooked On Driving is also active up there. For other clubs, you can look on motorsportreg.com.

[Bartledoo]

If you plan on running with Turn2 or HOD a lot, join Avants for the discount. I mostly run the ridge with turn2 and I like the crew, but I'm planning on frequenting pacific after my current round of upgrades. The Ridge is safer, if that matters to you. I love driving in the rain at the ridge, but I'm a bit intimidated by a wet Pacific Raceway.

[atruelunatic]

Originally Posted by Bartledoo

If you plan on running with Turn2 or HOD a lot, join Avants for the discount. I mostly run the ridge with turn2 and I like the crew, but I'm planning on frequenting pacific after my current round of upgrades. The Ridge is safer, if that matters to you. I love driving in the rain at the ridge, but I'm a bit intimidated by a wet Pacific Raceway.

Thanks for mentioning Avants. I think I'll give them a go. They offer a discount too at Group 2 motorsports which I'm about to go into for some work.

[Vybz]

Originally Posted by Bartledoo

I mostly run the ridge with turn2 and I like the crew, but I'm planning on frequenting pacific after my current round of upgrades. The Ridge is safer, if that matters to you. I love driving in the rain at the ridge, but I'm a bit intimidated by a wet Pacific Raceway.

Yea Pacific is nowhere near as forgiving. Did a track day there at the end of December in the rain on R888R's and got a LOT of practice drifting... Only 3 people spun out that day, but an M5 came danger close to totaling his car on the main straightaway. Attention to detail has to be razor sharp, but that's why I like pac raceways, plus they're still open in the winter unlike the ridge. Don't get me wrong though, the ridge is a phenomenal track

[Bartledoo]

Originally Posted by Vybz

Yea Pacific is nowhere near as forgiving. Did a track day there at the end of December in the rain on R888R's and got a LOT of practice drifting... Only 3 people spun out that day, but an M5 came danger close to totaling his car on the main straightaway. Attention to detail has to be razor sharp, but that's why I like pac raceways, plus they're still open in the winter unlike the ridge. Don't get me wrong though, the ridge is a phenomenal track

Did he lose it on the bumps on the outside of turn 9 coming onto the straight?

[Vybz]

Originally Posted by Bartledoo

Did he lose it on the bumps on the outside of turn 9 coming onto the straight?

Surprisingly, no. I didn't witness it, my buddy recording from the stands did.
It was further down the straightaway, just before you make the transition to continue down the straight.

[Bartledoo]

Originally Posted by Vybz

Surprisingly, no. I didn't witness it, my buddy recording from the stands did.
It was further down the straightaway, just before you make the transition to continue down the straight.

Eek that's a bad place to lose it.

[TMANN]

Agree with Pacific and The Ridge as the two closest. I enjoy Oregon Raceway Park (ORP) even with the 4+hr drive which is picturesque and therapuetic. Plus Portland (PIR) which I have not been to yet.
I do most of my events and instruct with the car clubs - ACNW, PCA and BMW.