Events

THUNDERHILL TRACK DAY

To register for one of our track days, Click here to download a registrtation form. Fill out the form and mail it along with your check to GGVCOA c/o CJ's 2318 Clement Ave Alameda, CA 94501. There are no REFUNDS for track day events.

On Monday, April 27th the Golden Gate VCOA is planning a track day at Thunderhill Raceway in Willows. This is the day after the Davis Meet. As you know from your participation in previous track days, it’s a fun way to develop your driving skills and share your stories and experiences with others

The cost is $200.00 for the day, with lunch included. The cost is the same for club members and non-members. We need to have deposits in place by March 24th to make the event happen. If we don’t get enough participants, we’ll have to cancel and refund your money. We also need help with logistics and driver skill instruction. There are many ways to enjoy the day, support the event, and the participants.

Make check payable to NBVCOA and include the event date

Mail to:
GGVCOA
c/o CJ's
2318 Clement Ave
Alameda, CA 94501

Here are a few things you need to know in order to enjoy the track day to its fullest and avoid any difficulties.

Defintions and Rules

SESSION A single rotation of all three run groups

RUN GROUP

Group A– The group with the least experienced drivers and/or the lowest potential cars. If you have not driven on a track before, you may wish to start in this group. Also if you are a somewhat experienced driver in a slower car, or just wish to take it easy this is the group for you.

Group B – The group with medium performance cars, drivers with some track experience. The pace will be quicker with the expectation that you are a somewhat experienced driver who will pay attention to passing flags and be aware of track conditions. You will be expected to lap quickly without holding up others.

Group C – Very experienced drivers in fast cars. This group will run very fast and you will be expected to keep up with drivers that have lots of experience and are driving high performance cars. If you have a fast car, but have little or no experience on track, please start in group A or B.

CARS: Must have registration and tech stickers in the upper drivers side corner of the windshield. Must be equipped with at least a three point seat belt

DRIVERS: Must have a Thunderhill issued wrist band and a Snell 95 or later helmet.

PASSING: On straights only. A completed pass is defined as one that the passing vehicle can safely pull back in front of the passed vehicle before the end of the pit wall on the main straight, or well before the braking zone.

SLOW CARS: Cars running slower lap times than the car following are required to allow the following car to pass on the straight. Failure to comply may result in a black flag.

FOLLOWING: Please leave some distance between your car and the car ahead.

PASSENGERS:

Track Tour: As many passengers are permitted as the car has seats with seat belts. Helmets are not required.

Run Groups: A single passenger is permitted in all run groups in the front seat only. Passengers must have at least a three point seat belt and a Snell 95 or later helmet. Group A drivers need permission from an instructor before taking a passenger.

NOTICE: Some of the cones are filled with concrete but we don’t remember which.

INFRACTION LEVELS:

Dropping two wheels and continuing under control.

Loss of control, either on or off track, where the driver essentially becomes a passenger.

Any incident that involves track personnel (e.g., reset cones, sweep track, the ambulance...).

Repeated infractions will result in loss of track time.

TRACK DAY SCHEDULE:

7:00 AM	TRACK GATES OPEN – Registration opens.
7:15 AM	Tech inspection begins. Avoid delays that will keep you off the track. Be there early and have your car in shape.
8:30 AM	Drivers meeting
9:00 AM	Orientation Rides
9:15 AM	ON TRACK – Run groups
12: 00	Lunch
1:00 PM	ON TRACK – Run groups
4:30 PM	Track Day Ends

THINGS TO BRING

Helmet – Snell 95 or newer. Thunderhill has some helmets available to rent, but having a helmet is required and it is your responsibility to have one. If you have an extra helmet or two and wouldn’t mind loaning it out, please bring it.

Basic Tools – Good idea in case of minor problems or minor modifications necessary to pass tech inspection.

BASIC RULES:

Your car will be required to pass a technical inspection.

You will be required to sign a legal wavier assuming full responsibility for yourself and your property.
Passengers will be allowed for drivers with previous experience, primarily in Group 2 or 3. Group 1 drivers may carry a passenger only upon approval from an instructor. The passenger must also sign the wavier.
Specific on track rules will be discussed at the drivers meeting

CLASSROOM SESSIONS (MANDATORY)

After each on track session, drivers will be required to gather for a “download” session in the classroom. You will have a chance to ask questions and get some feedback from observers, instructors and your fellow drivers.

INSTRUCTORS

Instructors will be available to ride along to help with improving skills and getting to know the track. This is STRONGLY recommended for first timers.

TECHNICAL AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Your car will be inspected before being allowed on the track. Please complete the Tech Inspection form and bring it with you.

CAR NUMBERS

You have been assigned a car number. It is your responsibility to put the number on your car in a manner that can be read by observers, corner workers etc. The number can be magnetic, tape, or even written on the window with white shoe polish.

AT THE TRACK:

No loose objects in car (including glove box, door pockets, consols, etc.) or trunk.
Remove floor mats, dash mats, paper, spare tire, jack, tools, etc.
A nomex suit is recommended but not required.
Your number must be affixed to your car in a manner that can easily be seen by corner workers, etc.

DIRECTIONS

Thunderhill is one hour north of Sacramento, seven miles west of Interstate 5 on Highway 162. Check their website at http://thunderhill.com or call them at (530) 934-5588