First Timer's Guide to American Street Car Series

[GregWeld]

Oh hell! I knew I'd seen that somewhere before!


LOL


I'm old --- I forgot.

[gerno]

Do most people run both days at these events or just one? How much actual time is there in the car vs waiting around? Finally, I know some will drive there but I'm not going to chance a 500mile trip there and back. Is there plenty of room to park trailers?

[Flash68]

Originally Posted by gerno

Do most people run both days at these events or just one? How much actual time is there in the car vs waiting around? Finally, I know some will drive there but I'm not going to chance a 500mile trip there and back. Is there plenty of room to park trailers?

Steve, RTTC2 (2011) was a lot less track time (for me at least) than RTTC3 (2012). The organizers are getting better at figuring things out, timing, logistics, etc.

I would only go for both days if I was travel from Norcal like you. I would think anyone but local Socal guys would commit to both days, schedule and money permitting.

There is plenty of trailer room. Tons of trailers there. I'd guess 70-80% were trailered this year. Just the locals and a few die hards drove sans trailer.

I would definitely be in for both days if my car was running.

[gerno]

I really want to go try an event but I just ran the numbers through my head and starting to have doubts. It's going to cost $1K just for logistics and lodging there and back. Sucks I have to choose between inproving the car or using the car. I definately need to figure out how to make more money. I was also wanting to hit SEMA in late Oct as well.....decision, decisions....

Transport = 450 miles each way @ 10MPG and $4.5/gal = ~$400 (2x)
Hotel = $80/night = $240 (3x)
Registration = $360 both days

Total = ~$1000

How does one of these events compare to a normal track day? Does the format and overall group of attendees make it worth the cost and a must do?

[Flash68]

Yours number are right on.

It really is a decision/comparison of track time vs social time and some variety mixed in.

If you desire pure track time, an open track day with NCRC or one of those organizers at Thunderhill or Buttonwillow is most bang for buck by far.

But the RTTC is a huge social gathering that doesn't just begin and end with the time at the track. You def get something extra for that extra money.

[SLO_Z28]

The ASCS is one of the worst events in the cost per seat time, what your paying for is really the ambiance. There is a ton of events near you, id recommend heading over to : http://www.baautox.com/forum/index.php and looking around.

[Vegas69]

I was happy with the seat time this year. It sure beats an SCCA event where you are there for 8 hours, get 6-7 runs, and have to work half the day.

[Flash68]

Originally Posted by SLO_Z28

The ASCS is one of the worst events in the cost per seat time, what your paying for is really the ambiance.

True. And many are willing to pay for said ambiance and comradery.

Originally Posted by Vegas69

I was happy with the seat time this year. It sure beats an SCCA event where you are there for 8 hours, get 6-7 runs, and have to work half the day.

Yep. And the local AAS events I've been to I've gotten 3-6 runs for the whole day AND you have to work like you mention.

If you extrapolate to get a real Apples to Apples, you may actually get a better value at a Run to the X event actually.

Your basic open track day is the most bang for buck if you are valuing minutes or laps per dollar spent IMO.

[BANKO]

Thanks for the tips. What about fuel? How much do you guys go through? Do I need to bring my own shade?

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Originally Posted by gerno

I really want to go try an event but I just ran the numbers through my head and starting to have doubts. It's going to cost $1K just for logistics and lodging there and back. Sucks I have to choose between inproving the car or using the car. I definately need to figure out how to make more money. I was also wanting to hit SEMA in late Oct as well.....decision, decisions....

Transport = 450 miles each way @ 10MPG and $4.5/gal = ~$400 (2x)
Hotel = $80/night = $240 (3x)
Registration = $360 both days

Total = ~$1000

How does one of these events compare to a normal track day? Does the format and overall group of attendees make it worth the cost and a must do?

A grand is average for auto events but it's the stuff you don't expect. Food, extra fuel spent sitting in traffic on the 405, break downs, speeding tickets, Dr visits, ambulance rides and hitch hikers.