10-10-2017, 05:32 AM
(10-09-2017, 04:45 PM)GTBrandon Wrote: Seems like the general consensus is don’t take my one and only car on the track as you never go onto the track with the intention of “I’m going to total my car today”. I guess it’s skewing to look at people 10 years older making 10x more and think, “Hey I can do this as a 20 year old in college with a part time job.” Autocross is definitely fun for me but nothing compared to being on track, yet it is safer and more realistic so I’ll stick to it for now.
So, you are right but people are just warning you on possibilities. We aren't saying don't track. We are saying do it but just realize these things and be sure you are okay with them then go. If you aren't then don't.
If you want to go out but can't lose the car or don't want to buy DE insurance.
If you don't want to buy DE insurance than don't go if you can't afford to lose the car, etc.
I did 1-3 in college. It was risky. I was insane but it was fun and I would do it again if I had the chance to again. The Mazda3 was my only car and I really couldn't afford to total it at the time (risky) but I still went with it as I had a couple thousand in savings I could use to buy a cheap car if needed.
I hit a tire wall in DE3 my junior or senior year? I can't even remember. I repaired it myself and have driven two events on the car since then. I decided to put a roll bar, seats, harnesses, and hans as I was pushing the car decently hard (Something I'd highly recommend you do if you get up to DE2 and thinking of DE3 or even sooner the better). Before I decided to take a chill pill and not make up my mind on what to do, Christina Lam was offering to give me a check ride to TT as I was "fast" enough in her opinion. I almost did it but held off.
So to sum it up, it is possible to move all the way up the ranks of DE->TT->Race or whatever floats your boat in college. It was super fun. I used to miss driving constantly when I didn't. I've moved over that phase and realized when it's time it's time. Right now I'm doing karting, autox, etc. to keep me busy. It's all about what you can afford and risk you take. Just be aware of everything and own your decision. Don't question it.