I went to Sears Point with my Z on Sunday for my first open passing event. I was informed that no beginner group would be offered, just advanced and race groups. Advanced is for ten or more track days. I'd done four but was assured I was ready to advance. I accepted the promotion but must admit I was reticent. The cars in attendance were impressive. Only one other car had street tires, a Mustang GT, according to the registration info. When I saw the car it had Nitto two groove tires that were feathered across most of the tire surface. He was here Saturday as well.
I was out of my league and over my head. I contemplated leaving most of the day. I knew if I did I might never come back. So it was better to push on than give up. The other piece of good news was that the last event of the day would be a mix of both advanced and race team together.
I also brought along two large house fans to blow air over my rotors between sessions. It worked perfectly until a corvette with super sticky tires drove over my 100' extension cord and drove off with it wrapped around his axel. Eventually it returned in two pieces.
This track can get up to 100 degrees and we were blessed with an 82 high and 75* with a breeze most of the day.
The day resulted in two cars into the wall and light contact between two race team members which will likely result in temporary suspension. My day though was without incident. I did ask a couple of others in charge of the club if I should do the mixed last event. He told me their is nothing they do in R group that is different from A group except the safety equipment. So I did it, and by the time I came off the track that day I was 15 seconds faster than the morning and had convinced myself I will stay in A group.
Recap. I had my back side handed to me all day
Sears Point - Third run "Group A" CFRA 9/9/12 - YouTube
Sears Point 4th run in A Group - YouTube
Sears Point CFRA First time in A group - YouTube
Final A & R Group Run - YouTube