burglar

Michigan Volkswagen Enthusiasts is putting on an open track day at Gingerman Raceway in South Haven, Mi. If you don't know where that is, it's about a 2.5 hour drive from Chicago. (I have to drive 3.25 hours from Detroit.)

Ride along
Above is a ride along of the new extended version of the track in an S2000.

Here is the link to the info packet and registration form. They are allowing passengers as well, so you can bring your wives / girlfriends / mistresses / boyfriends / whatever.

If a couple of you would go, I bet we can negotiate the "invited groups" price of $150.

I'd love to not be the only rotary out there, so join in the fun.

burglar

Anyone but me going? Get your registrations in.

burglar

Final bump - 19 days away.

Suspension

Hmm, I used to take my VW to Steve's European. I will be at Gingerman this weekend for the first time with NASA in my s2000. I may have to do this one as well.

burglar

Off topic, but would you compare / contrast the S2000 and RX8? I've never driven the two back to back, and in my brain they drive similar.

Oh, and BTW the pre-inspection isn't necessary at all, it's just for those who are unsure if their car is track worthy.

Suspension

Everything is a bit faster in the s2000, steering, yaw, roll, etc. In stock form, it terminally oversteers, my R3 undesteers ever so slightly (it needs a bit more front camber). The backend would come out in the s2000 all the time, I can't get the back end out on the RX-8, it's just too composed and forgiving.

I drove both of them at Grattan, but didn't get any laptimes with the R3. My modified s2000 on street tires was most likely faster than my stock R3. The s2000 would step out on turn 2 as I trail braked, but the RX-8 just stood firm as I braked and turned. There is A LOT more steering feel in the RX-8 but it's bigger, heavier and has less power.

The RX-8 is an amazing car, if I had to choose one car, I'd reluctantly keep the RX-8 as it's 90% of the car the s2000 is with 100% more practicality. But then it'd need a turbo.

burglar

Thanks for that. Honestly, I find the sound alone of the S2000 on the track intoxicating.

Chad D.

iTrader: (19)

Have fun!
I was really considering this but decided to spend a week in the smokey moutains instead.
I'd really like to go to gingerman again, I hadn't been in like 6yrs.

merkidemis

Damnit, I'd love to go but we'll be in MN this weekend.

Bavarian_Motorist

I drive by Gingerman all the time when im visiting friends up in South Haven. really need to get out on that track...always wanted to drive it

burglar

We had a blast! The RX-8 was a fun car, although I found R-comps a little nerve wracking:

[youtube]FX3XuD3XqwM[/youtube]