What's necessary to be able to to attend open track session

[alik]

at NHMS?

I understand they require either a comp license or a certificate from a racing school.

Could anyone give some pointers?

Thanks.
Al

[Mark Swinehart]

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=1910&p=15054&hilit ... ion#p15054

[eastcoastbumps]

Some how a few knuckleheads got into the last two open tests I've been to. No track experience what so ever. One of them in a Lamborghini tried to 'get out of the way' when Paddy was making a pass. That didn't go well, but luckly no bent metal.

[paultg]

Schedule : Open Details
Open Testing
Drivers and riders wishing to participate in the Speedway Open Test Sessions should have either a valid competition license or a certificate from an approved racing school.
Open Test Session Details:
Road Course Configuration (1.6 Miles) $150 per vehicle/driver for the whole day (morning and afternoon)
$100 per vehicle/driver for either a morning or an afternoon session
Wristbands are $10. Children 11 and under are free.

From http://www.nhms.com/schedule/opentest/details/

Hi!

Paul G.

[alik]

Thanks, guys.
A follow up question.

How do I get a COM license?

[chaos4NH]

Thanks, guys.
A follow up question.

How do I get a COM license?

Hopefully you now have a Mentor assigned to walk you through the whys and wherefores. If not, I am sure Carl will assign one.

[WillM]

Thanks, guys.
A follow up question.

How do I get a COM license?

Hi Al,

As Sam mentioned above, our new mentor program is a great opportunity to email/chat one-on-one with a COM member and ask questions you may feel intimidated about asking on the forums.

Seems the biggest hurdle to attending the first track day is the fear and intimidation of the unknown. What is expected of me? What is expected of my car? What should I expect? There is a bit of intimidation and anxiety leading up to the just signing up for the first event, let alone actually getting there! We've all been there at one point or another! Upon reaching that first event it does not take long for the previous feelings of anxiety and intimidation to get replaced by the sense of "why didn't I get here sooner" and "when is the next event, sign me up!!!". That is what the mentor program is all about.

Now to actually answer your question. The only way to get a COM license is to earn one. That means registering for an event as a student, receiving your logbook (which is basically like a permit), and running with an instructor co-pilot. At the end of the event the instructor will fill-in your logbook (basically your progress and driving/racing journal as described by your instructors). At that point the Instructor has one of three choices to circle for the day:
1. Requires Additional Instruction. You remain a student and have not yet demonstrated the skill required to drive "solo" on Day 2 of the event. **
2. Safe to Solo. You remain a student and are approved to drive Day 2 of the event (without instructor) and participate in the time trial.
3. Recommend License. You have demonstrated excellent and consistent safety, awareness, and superior driving skills, and your instructor has recommended you for your license. Your next visit is to the Chief Instructor will review your logbook and make the final decision. A $50 bill slipped within the sheets of the logbook always helps. Some require $100.

** Note that the majority of students, even those attending their very first track event, often qualify to solo the next day. If a student is deemed "Requires Additional Instruction" at an "away" event (not NHMS), we guarantee that student will be able to run on Day 2 with an instructor. Though it is not a policy, we can very often offer the same at NHMS. We're racers and don't like to send anyone home on Day 2 (and would never do that on a 2-day trip to Canada, etc!).

That said, if the idea of you alone in your car on a race track is a terrifying thought, GOOD! Our 2nd day program is designed to give students some alone time in their car, but that does not mean we send them out unprepared or unsafe. From the clubs I've run and instructed with, COM seems to be the best at "tough love" for its student core. Our instructors are there to help you and hopefully not to hold you back. We don't want our instructors to be your security blanket, and neither do you! A mix of mostly instructor time and some solo time is an excellent way to learn and build confidence.

Just a thought.

[cfossum]

Thanks to Will for writing the COM Mentoring handbook!