Hey there everyone,

I'm a regular over at torontomazda6.com

A good friend of mine from the 'States asked if I could spread the word and gauge interest about a possible Mazda/MazdaSpeed sponsored HPDE at BeaveRun Raceway in Pennsylvania (~ 5 hour drive from T.O).

In short:
The track web site: www.beaverun.com

The event will be sponsored by Mazdaspeed, and for (an estimated) cost of $150 USD you will get

- in car and class room instruction,
- 1 1/2 hours of track time each day,
- breakfast and lunch as well for both days
- an event shirt.
- camping will be available at the track

For instructors, Mazda will be looking to invite:
- Chip Herr
- Michael Galati
- Charles Espenlaub
- Jason Saini
- Sylvain Tremblay, Nick Ham and others :)

The event is tentative at the moment, as 150 drivers are needed to make this happen. The organizers feel that they have around 75-100 from the U.S. that they can count on, but they'll need more.

To quote organizers: "Whether the car is modded or not, if it is a Mazda, they can track the car".

Also, "there will more than likely be a woman's novice group as well, so they can feel comfortable tracking their cars...."

It would be a great opportunity to get instruction from REAL pros who race Mazda's full time!

The proposed date is October 11-12, 2008.

Anyone interested?

Please pass this along to any Mazda owners that you may know.

Thanks!

-Steve

Wow. Very tempting. Very very tempting.
If I was in TO, I'd be 100%, but unfortunately I'm about 14 hours east...

Assuming I can get the finances in order (and depending on event cost) I would want to attend.
Any idea how hard this track is on cars? Might have the better half do the ladies group if double-stinting the car won't kill it. (Certainly can't bring two cars that far.)

^ if it was any further west in PA, it would be in CA lol. Sounds like a super deal, and a great time esp. with those instructors (!!!). I'll keep it in mind and consider it, but it's for me as well 11+ hrs west of home base so trip gas + 5 nights hotel + event gas + really really great event price = still a lot....sigh....

Correction, looks like it's closer to 18+ hours, but still thinking about it.
Girlfriend actually thinks it's a good idea...(and wants to do a novice ladies school if they have it)

Hey guys - thanks for the responses!

To answer Redshift's question: I can't really say. I'm a somewhat avid Autocross guy, and this will be my first time at the track with my Mazda 6.

I guess the short answer is, the track is as hard as you want it to be. If you want to drive hard, then you may want to look into a set of brake pads that are designed for track use....and rotors...then stainless steel brake lines and synthetic fluid...then R-comp tires....and the madness never ends!

I'll pass along this info to the organizers. When things get firmed up, I'll update this thread.

Anyone else interested?

Cheers!

Steve

I am definately in for this!!!.. I am an avid track person and am always looking for a reason to buy some r compund tires:).....we'll see what the wife says about the r compunds.......Thunder,you should be all over this too....bring the car out and see what it can do!!! Keep me updated. sounds awesome.....its about a 7 hour drive for me from k town.

Thanks Burnsey. I'll have to research this track a little more and see how hard it is on the equipment.

I have a set of lightly used Carbotech XP9s sitting on the shelf, and a burned up set of Pilot Sport Cups on my track rims (would have to replace those I imagine). The RX8 hasn't seen the track since I bought the race car. I'll probably embarrass my self trying to take it back on to a track again, but this is a really tempting event.

I guess with it being October the air temp won't be so bad so shouldn't have to worry too much about getting too much heat into the car.

sure im up for it ill start saving money now

Hey everyone - quick update. Things are looking really good!

I've asked for details on formal signup procedure...that's in the works and should hear soon.

Here's a cut-and-past from a torontomazda6.com thread in the "MeAt Planning & Discussion" area:
-------------
Guys, the event is happening ...

We will having the event, Pirelli is on board and will be having free giveaways, including a set of tires as well. C-PE will be donating prizes and I am meeting with HAWK next week to see what they are going to add to the mix. Mazdaspeed Motorsports have okayed my budget for food already. Here are the particulars

When: October 11-12, 2008

Where:BeaveRun Motorsports Complex (www.beaverun.com)

Time: TBD gates open @ 7:00AM

Cost: $150 (tentative) I don't expect this to change, but it could.

What I need is a list of all of the owners who are serious about attending the event. I am working on lodging and caping is available @ the track. fo $20.00 for the weekend. so if you can start a list, so I can show all my numbers to the sponsors and to Mazdaspeed Motorsports, that would be great!

As always I appreciate all of our friends in GTA, for stepping up, we will always take care of you guys when you are here.

------------------------

Stay tuned!