I was looking to try out lapping this year and was looking at the AISA academy, but I am not sure I want to spend 600$ not counting the helmet I have to buy to see if I actually like it or not. I know I probably can just pay the membership fee, but how does that work for someone that never tracked their cars before? Is there a time that only newbies use the track?
Hello JF450,
The AISA academies are usually the best way to become familiar with the sport, but if you wish to try it out before going into it, the ASE Monday nights are also a decent option for anyone who is starting. Your progress may be a little slower, though, because you get a lot more track time during the academies. As you become familiar with lapping, you will soon learn that practice is the #1 thing to invest in to become a better driver.
For Monday nights, you need to be a member of the club for a minimal fee (100$ I think, anyone correct me if I am wrong), and sessions were 25$ for 20 minutes last year. If it is not the same this year, the fees will be similar.
Newcomers getthe following on Monday nights at the ASE:
- Theory course about safety, the track, what to do, what not to do, flags, etc.
- 20 minute sessions available every hour, dedicated to just newcomers, with an instructor on board all cars and no passing, all in a controlled environment
- Instructors will drive your car every now and then for a minimal amount of time, but only for a few laps, just to show you things that are difficult to explain. The goal is to put you behind the wheel as much as possible (another hint about practicing and how it makes you a better driver
).
- Once you are cleared as safe for you and the others to drive alone on the track, you will be promoted to the intermediate level, where passing will be controlled and only allowed in certain circumstances, to make sure that everything is kept safe.
You will need:
- A car in good working condition, with a passenger seat. If brakes and/or tires are soon to be due for a change, I highly recommend you change them before showing up at the track.
- A helmet Snell SA or M 2005 or later
- A will to learn and to have fun
Don't hesitate to ask more questions if you have them. Note that you can always show up and say "hi" when we are at the track. It is free and some instructors may take you for a ride along if you have your helmet.