VOI 13 COTA - Track plans

[VIPER GTSR 91]

I'm not saying the layout isn't better than what I've heard of previous VOI's. Just that a 20 min session is way to short to really "get in a groove" on a new track once you take out the warm-up and cool-down laps. Plus, the Viper (mine anyway) isn't for w2w racing. It does get trailered to track and I run it on Hoosiers, but it's strictly a track day car. Way too stock to be competitive in a real race.
As far as these short stints you guys have to deal with with your local track days, that *****. Chin is who I did most of my track days with before going w2w, and it was always a 50 minute session, followed by 3 sessions of 45 minutes each, then a 1 hour "happy hour" open to all cars/drivers at the end of the day.
Maybe they have shortened their sessions though. I just looked at their schedule for Sebring and it's 4 sessions of 30 minutes and then the "happy hour". Road Atlanta was where I did most of my Chin events and they don't have the schedule posted on their website yet to see if they've shortened it there or not.

Sign up for the Sunday event along with your registration for VOI and you will probably get all the time you want in addition to the other times. COTA far exceeds any tracks in the past. Technical, long, fast, and nearly brand new !

 

[ViperJohn]

At past VOI's, if you went back to track on optional day and/or waited until near the end of your scheduled time, you cold often get more than enough track time. Most people would loose interest or were finished by then. If the instructors saw the lines were low and enjoyed being out there with you, you could stay out there quite a bit.

 

[kverges]

My thoughts on scheduling, as a racer, DE enthusiast, and founder of Apex Driving Academy. First, I almost never see any DE, track event, or test day with sessions in excess of 30 minutes. Even Chin when it goes to COTA will have 30 minute sessions. For races, unless they are enduros, 20-40 minutes is typical. If you are qualifying you better get it done in 3 laps or so as most tires I have driven have their sweet spot in that range.

In a DE environment, I find that driver fatigue, heat in brakes and cooling systems of street cars, and time to debrief and digest a session makes 20-30 minutes about right. Even on member days at MotorSport Ranch the standard sessions are 30 minutes and that is usually plenty.

What will hopefully be possible is to release a new group as the previous group cools down. If everyone pays attention to flags, it should be fine to release a group as the last car in a prior group gets to T12, provided last car acknowledges flags and has clearly slowed to cool down pace.

CoTA is simply spectacular in terms of technicality, long straights to enjoy power, check gauges and permit overtaking, and decent runoff for a pro venue. The runoff is also paved, so there is grip and you won't fill the car with grass or dirt. That said, T4 and a couple of other places can bite if you are careless, and you will be able to achieve 140+ at least 2-3 places, and the downhill entry into the T3-5 esses is very fast, so utmost respect is critical for safety.

 

[MtnBiker]

So we have reached out to this driver, and he has allowed us permission to use this video. Mike Skeen (mikeskeen.com) is an excellent driver, and shows us how fun the track will be during VOI 13.

Enjoy, be prepared for some adrenaline.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sp7hTuLoog0

You did not ask permission to use my photos. I realize since I posted them on this forum they are in the public domain, however, you should have asked!

 

[MtnBiker]

CoTA is simply spectacular in terms of technicality, long straights to enjoy power, check gauges and permit overtaking, and decent runoff for a pro venue. The runoff is also paved, so there is grip and you won't fill the car with grass or dirt. That said, T4 and a couple of other places can bite if you are careless, and you will be able to achieve 140+ at least 2-3 places, and the downhill entry into the T3-5 esses is very fast, so utmost respect is critical for safety.

I reached over 140 on front straight and 165 on back. My brand new (OEM) rotors were warped after the first day. Watch out for turn 19. You need to get as close to (or even straddle) curbing as possible.

 

[Nsane1]

Mtn -

Please check your PM, the quote you used doesn't have any pictures, so I'm confused... You're right, anyone should have asked, we did get permission from Mike, so there must be some mix up.

Greg

 

[Schulmann]

Is there an update on the track event formula ?
Instructor, inspection so on ?

Is there a trackshop that can mount tires ?

 

[Viper X]

Is there an update on the track event formula ?
Instructor, inspection so on ?

Is there a trackshop that can mount tires ?

Hey Shulmann,

Not sure exactly what your first question is. Maybe you can PM me and explain what you mean by "formula". Should be lots of track time and an optional driving day on Sunday so you can run as hard as you are capable of running safely.

There will be "in car" instructors during the VOI driving portion as stated above. However, unlike past VOI events, drivers will be divided up into run groups based upon driving experience including beginner, intermediate and advanced. Run groups will be released onto the track together so that you can line up and run with your friends.

The more experienced drivers will be able to explore the limits of their Vipers to a much greater extent than in any past VOI that I know of.

Tire mounting services should be available at the track along with "Viper Techs" from local Dodge dealerships for emergency repairs if needed. Gasoline, 93 octane, will be available at the track.

See you at VOI 13 COTA,

Dan

 

[Nsane1]

We have inked our contract with Apex Driving academy to run our COTA track portion (and another company to run the AutoX). http://www.apexdrivingacademy.com/

I've known Keith for about 20 years, he is an AMAZING driver, runs an amazing driving school, and we are very lucky to have him and his great team.

Now that this is solidified, we can comfortably say this is going to be MUCH more driving event, much less past VOIs. I could never get Keith to a VOI because he always complained about our track events (and so did I). So now he/we gets to change all that.

We will be announcing a price change for 8/1 and beyond, so if you are waiting to sign-up to manage cash-flow, there will be a new incentive to do so before 8/1.

See you there!
Greg

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

Great update news guys and really cool that Viper techs and 93 oct. will be there.

 

[Viper X]

UPDATE, This just in:

We have recently made a few changes / refinements regarding the track portion of VOI 13 at COTA. Many of you have asked us for more opportunity to drive this world class track.

1 - Our VOI 13 track day will be Friday, September 26 with instruction. We'll have the same run groups as previously mentioned, i.e. beginner, intermediate and advanced. Track time will be 1/2 day for one group and 1/2 day for the other. This will be a great opportunity to learn the track prior to running it on your own on Saturday.

2 - On Saturday September 27 while some VOI attendees will be cruising around San Antonio, visiting local wineries or visiting Fredericksberg on their "cruise" day, we are now offering an optional "open", HPDE type track day at COTA. The plan is no instruction required (though it should be available if desired) with four run groups including beginner, intermediate, advanced and race. All Viper owners and all types of cars will be welcome including other makes (we need some cars to pass!). Viper owners attending VOI will be given first priority to register. We have contracted with Karen Zimmerman at of Edge Addicts to manage the Friday and Saturday track days. Karen is local to Austin and COTA's preferred track vendor. Contact Karen for more information and to register at: www.edgeaddicts.com

3 - On Sunday, September 28, Edge addicts will be offering another optional "open" HPDE track day just like Saturday's event. Viper owners attending VOI will be given first priority, but this event is open to all Viper owners and all types of cars. Bring you spec racer or "Cup" car and enjoy the track. Tell your "track" friends, come out and have a great time on one of the world's greatest race tracks at a great price. Contact Karen for more information and to register at: www.edgeaddicts.com

Don't wait on this as at the current pricing, only $495 per day, it will sell out fast.

I'm already signed up for both days.

See you at the track.

Dan

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

Dan this is awesome news and now my wife can tear it up too in her Charger. Thanks for all the updates. Just spoke with Karen and she is very helpful. FYI if drivers need loaner helmets, she says they will have them at 40.00 rental fee.

 

[Nsane1]

That is a smoking deal. Full day of COTA track for under $500, I've never seen it that low. Also, you can see that these monies don't go to the club, so there is no "mark-up" (not that there is on any of VOI, without VPA, we'd be losing money on the event).

Cruise or track day, hmmm

 

[netapp]

Are there going to be any srt vehicles available for cota and the drag strip for paid guests or people who do not bring their viper?

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

That is a smoking deal. Full day of COTA track for under $500, I've never seen it that low. Also, you can see that these monies don't go to the club, so there is no "mark-up" (not that there is on any of VOI, without VPA, we'd be losing money on the event).

Cruise or track day, hmmm

NO brainer LOL Vipers are made to race and Im preparing my ACR (again) for this awesome event. You guys in the VCA have excelled in putting together no doubt the very best VOI ever!

 

[Viper X]

Are there going to be any srt vehicles available for cota and the drag strip for paid guests or people who do not bring their viper?

We're working on this and have been for a while. Had a conference call with a few folks from Dodge yesterday and will know more in a week or so. Fingers crossed.

Due to the recent realignment, and perhaps some other factors, their decision making process for marketing dollars has changed a bit, i.e. more folks are involved. We all know what that means.....

Dan

 

[Nsane1]

We've gotten a few questions about the track days. We always had the track with an optional day on Sunday (it was never rented by us). The original plan was to split into 2 groups of 250ish. Due to the demand for more track time (as well as not getting 500 sign-ups), we decided to take the second day to an optional track day for the more hard-core set.

Even the original plan was to only have 1 day of track 1 day of cruise (for everyone), no one ever got 2 track days, now you can, for the cheapest price I have ever seen for a single track day at COTA. You can still do an optional day on Sunday.

Bottom line, for the original track plan, no time has been subtracted, you now have the option for 2 more days of track time.

 

[fuelman]

I've been to five VOIs, and in those we have never been on a track like COTA. VOI's give everyone a chance to experience their cars on a rrace track with instruction, no matter their experience level. This VOI does that, as well as letting those that want more time on this amazing track, an option to do that.

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

I've been to five VOIs, and in those we have never been on a track like COTA. VOI's give everyone a chance to experience their cars on a rrace track with instruction, no matter their experience level. This VOI does that, as well as letting those that want more time on this amazing track, an option to do that.

Very well said fuelman and I too have been to several VOIs. The best IMO was Las Vegas but THIS event will out do that in all aspects I think, the track, the hotel, etc. See you there...........

 

[Paul Hawker]

I believe this VOI will set the standard for VOI's going forward.

In the past, there were lots of complaints from the super fast guys that people out for the experience were making a full open lap difficult to obtain. Often you would see a train of people backed up behind someone that was having their first time ever out on a closed track, and were just learning for the first time the potential within their Viper. This often launched new people into years of pleasurable track experiences, but could be frustrating to those already there.

On the other hand, some newbys were intimidated by those riding on their bumpers, and trying to dive underneath them to pass in a corner. Sometimes uncomfortable for both drivers, and challenging for the instructors riding along side.

In the past, regional clubs were staged together, so people could go out on the track with their friends. Again this often grouped very experienced go fast attendees with people having their first time ever on a track. Frustrating indeed for all concerned.

This year, people will be grouped by their prior track experience, and the fast guys will driver with other fast guys, and first timers will be out with other first timers. Should be much more enjoyable for everyone. Nobody should feel pushed to go any faster than they wish, and for others they should be able to turn up the wick to their own potential.

In addition to the normal group day, other times are scheduled for those who's priorities are more track oriented than cruising. This should entice those wanting to learn the track on the first day, but come back to a much higher level of performance. They will then bolt on their track tires, adjust their suspensions to warp, and ******** their helmets and lap belts just a little tighter.

This new, well thought out track time should offer a little bit of everything for most everybody.

With the way things are trending at COTA, this may indeed be an opportunity of a lifetime to experience one of the finest tracks in the world.

 

[fuelman]

Well said Paul. I don't know any ********* track people, that won't jump at the opportunity to run COTA on the VOI day, learn the track, then come out the next day and go to "Warp" speed I believe you said. This is a great opportunity.

 

[flatblack]

Saturday track day is paid for and locked in!!!!

Who else will be there on Saturday?

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

Saturday track day is paid for and locked in!!!!

Who else will be there on Saturday?

Yours truly !!

 

[Stuntman]

Here's a good turn-by-turn tutorial of the track:

http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArtic...h-Billy-Johnson--Circuit-Of-The-Americas.aspx


Its really ******* brakes so make sure you have new rotors, pads, and fresh fluid.

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

Here's a good turn-by-turn tutorial of the track:

http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArtic...h-Billy-Johnson--Circuit-Of-The-Americas.aspx


Its really ******* brakes so make sure you have new rotors, pads, and fresh fluid.

Good post and this was included with the email from Edge Addicts for all those signed up for Sat. running with forms to complete and email back. Tech form, experience, etc. So far not enough interest for Sunday runs.

 

[Viper X]

Saturday is nearly sold out per Karen at Edge addicts.

Come on guys, we need some more sign ups for Sunday! A bunch of us want to run Sunday as well (I'm on the waiting list).

Would like to follow one of you guys that knows this track Saturday first session.....watching videos and studying, but no track time on COTA yet.....

Dan

 

[Viper X]

Are there going to be any srt vehicles available for cota and the drag strip for paid guests or people who do not bring their viper?

Dodge is planning to be there with cars +.

Not sure what cars will be available to drive yet or how they'll let us drive them.....

Dan

 

[ACR Jim]

I wanted the VOI cruise experience, have heard great things about the Fredericksburg area, so I am " signed up" for Sunday as that fit into my VOI plans better. Suspect that more info about this and clarifying the sign up process which shows it as $0 when you check out to show them the level of interest is needed.

Thanks for all you're doing to make this happen!

Jim

 

[Nsane1]

We have 3 cruise options, 1 includes Fburgh, which is indeed awesome, so I hope you will enjoy it. We will publish the details on Dodge participation this week, looking very good!!

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

Got an email from Edge and they now have Sunday open for those that are interested for COTA on Sunday too.