Why don't YOU take it to the track?

[Logan]

I'm asking this question to people that DO NOT participate in a "legal" form of racing (solo1/2, autoX, lapping days, whatever).
Why don't you?
Are you concerned about the costs?
Concerned about breaking something?
Don't know how to find information?
Please, tell me why you don't go.

 

[ZoomZoomH]

I think the #1 reason is cost (used up all the funds on aftermarket parts, no money left for track fees), #2 is hassle (why drive 2-3 hours away to a track if you can race in front of your neighborhood and impress the kids)

I haven't autox yet this year because I'm still prepping the RX-7...

 

[Logan]

OK, but you have a car that you will compete with once it's ready, right?
Anyone else?

 

[ZoomZoomH]

yeah once i'm sure it won't burn down while on the track

and i don't do illegal street racing, just the occasional 'reasonable and proper' above posted speed highway driving

 

[REMillers]

In addition not lot of places have access to tracks, nor do they run AutoX events as much.

But agree I dislike street racing anymore. Most times the people racing at nuts, heance why I stopped.

 

[Logan]

OK REMillers, but do you think you will ever try something formal?

 

[ZoomZoomH]

does go karting count?

 

[REMillers]

Indeed I would love going to Summit Raceway which even though its almost a 2hr drive is still worth it.
That and I would love to actively get into the SCCA events.

To me the cost of racing on the street has far outweighed the cost of any formal track time.

Is this what you were looking for?

OH and reason I haven't got actively involved in SCCA is time from work and college.

 

[turboge]

Money is a major issue. $30 an AutoX, $155 for 1 day road racing, $300-400 for a weekend at laguna seca... it adds up. Not to mention multiple tanks of gas while racing.

I'll be going through at least 3 this weekend at the track.

 

[xelderx]

I race motorcyles at Virginia International Raceway all the time. I remember I was scared to death the first time, and I probably never would have been able to do it unless one of my friends hadn't taken the time to help me get through all the stuff you have to do for it. Lots of procedures and stuff that you have to get through. If I had a friend who would guide me through what I need to do and where I needed to go, I would definetly AutoX every chance I got. I guess i just need someone to hold my hand until I feel comfortable with it. The first step is always the hardest and if you have someone there to help you not screw up it will help you build the confidence you need to do it on your own.

 

[redrims]

I don't race, but I do watch...

1. Some may think, "why would you pay to race, when you can go out late at night, show off, and have fun for FREE"

2. The track closes to early. Notice that most races happen late at night/early morning.

3. The closest track from my house is basically an hour away. For some ppl, I can see why they would lose interest going to the track. Most don't want to drive that far. Paying for gas b/c you will be guzzling it , paying to get in, and paying to race if you decide to.

4. Risk factor- some ppl just like the risk, especially young teens and young adults. I have to admit, it was pretty exhilerating trying to out run the cops.

Here's one example: (keeping it brief)

There was this hangout spot in my neighborhood that had about 30-40 cars meeting every Wednesday night. Mostly young teens and a few adults. This was near the beginning of the new college year, and I decided to bring my one of my roommates so we can chill get know each other. That same night a fight broke and cops were coming from everywhere. A few of the muture ones there, including myself, decided to just chill by our cars and not go and watch the fight. Plus it ended across the parking lot like 100 yards away.
The other guy and I heard faint sirens in the backgrounds. Most of the ppl watching the fight got caught and were issued tickets, citiations, etc... While the smart ones who stood by there cars got away, but I had to cut off a police car to get away which was aiming straight for me. Me and the cop was basically playing chicken and I had more guts.( I WILL NEVER DO THAT AGAIN. IT WAS STUPID AND DANGEROUS)
I think I was the last car to make it out since I made that brave move. Everyone else was blocked in.

Well, next Wednesday came and there were like 100-150 cars. I was like The only reason why I went again was because my roomate wanted to go SOOO bad. He told me that some of his friends were begging to come along with me.
So it seems like people also do it for the risk and adrenaline rush.

 

[ZoomZoomH]

that just sounds like you have a bunch of cheap bastards for friends

but you guys are college students, so I understand

 

[Logan]

Thanks Braden.
I'm trying to get a better idea why some people street race, and don't go to something formal and safe.
I hear money a lot as a reason, but it's funny to hear it from people who have thousands into their cars, buy lots of goodies and gadgets, and try to live a good lifestyle (partying, going out, etc).
This isn't a flame at you, you DO go to the track, and you ARE spending the money.
Just making a comparison to your comment.
Do people perceive a difference spending say $30 for a day of fun at a track, compared to say $30 for some drinks at a bar one night?
I would like to get more people off the streets in my area, so all your opinions are great!
I have never street raced, or even been out to street races, so I can't say I REALLY understand the psychology of them.

 

[PA_MP3_Man]

Well I try not to street race. Mostly cause I know I won't win anyhting so why even try but also I'm afraid of something happening now. I had a friend die over Christmas from that s***. And getting caught, the consequences of it. Losing license, huge fines, I just couldn't handle that stuff. But I do atuoX and it's only $15 a day for me for that. I don't konw how often I would do it if was $30.

 

[tmht]

I would like to get more people off the streets in my area, so all your opinions are great!

Have your city council look into what San Diego has done to curb street racing. They start to think twice when they have to forfiet their cars. I'm not talking impound either, I mean they take the car and don't give it back. This is for 2nd offense and beyond and applies even to those watching the goings on.

As far as the people who list cost as a reason not to go to the track. How much does it cost when your license gets suspended, or someone not involved in the race at all happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time?

 

[tmht]

Auto-x is only $30 a day? It cost more than that to go to a theme park. Personally I think I would have a lot more fun Auto-x-ing than I would at my local 6 Flags.

 

[mazdadan]

I don't participate as much any more because of the time factor and costs. There are so many hidden costs involved with legally racing. I used to drag race and auto-x my RX-7's when I started college. I just don't have the time to be tinkering with a car that is my daily driver for work and don't have the $ to buy another car to tune and race.

 

[Logan]

As far as the people who list cost as a reason not to go to the track. How much does it cost when your license gets suspended, or someone not involved in the race at all happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time?

I agree with you, but I think so many people have the "It can't happen to me" attitude.

 

[ZoomZoomH]

"but I think so many people have the "It can't happen to me" attitude"

so true, so true

sort of like smoker's mentality "I'll never get lung cancer smoking cigarettes, not me!"

 

[REMillers]

True, but I was rarely worried about it happening to me. Not to say I didn't think it would, just didn't worry about it. What I worried more about was the other A-holes who over time became more and more reckless. Its that lack of understanding their car that really started to turn me off to street racing.