Looking for a track in Michigan or Ohio. From Detroit area

[Motown]

Where do you guys go? I went to Infineon a few weeks ago and I am a mess thinking about the fun I had. Sort of ruined me to. After taking these R8's to the limit I am bored driving around the hood.

Where do you guys go? Anyone meet regularly?

[SteveR]

Infineon... That will be tough to match around here. So far it's my favorite track. The closest you will come to that in this part of the coutry is probably Mid-Ohio, which I would love to try someday.

Gingerman (near South Haven) - This is a great track in many ways. The new layout after last years renovation is fun to drive and learning the best lines reward you with much better times. Also, it has good runoff in every corner so the penalty for a mistake is low. It's generally populated by laid back fun people and there is open track time every week, which is fairly inexpensive. I try to get out there at least once a month and quite a few people show up from the Chicago and Detroit areas, including the occasional R8. If you would like an instructor, check out CGI Motorsports. Their all day classes give you a lot of track time and an instuctor rides with you if you go in the beginner group. There are also several freelance instructors that will meet you there if you like. Definitely give this one a try.

Gratten (east of Grand Rapids) - Many say this is good also. I haven't been there yet, but I will try to make it to one of the Audi club events.

The Autobahn Club (Chicago) - I'll be going there in two weeks with the Hooked on Driving group. It looks pretty good, but with 19 corners (not counting the multiple double and triple apexes) I expect I will spend most of the day just learning the track.

Road America (WI) - OK, it is 7 hours from Detroit, but it's an epic track you should try at least once. Several R8Talk guys plan to go with the Audi Badgers in August. I have some mixed feelings about this track, but you can't deny it is world famous and probably has more history than Infineon. It is less technical than Infineon or even Gingerman. It will, however, allow you to crack 140 mph three times each lap if you are good. You can hit over 160 on the front straight even if you are a novice like me. On the other hand, many of the corners penalize you with walls or tires if you make a mistake. I saw more broken cars in one day at RA than I have in half a dozen track days elsewhere.

I have an admittedly western Michigan perspective and can't tell you much about the east side tracks.

[Motown]

Thanks for the time and awesome reply. Gingerman seems like the ticket. Are you going anytime soon? I need some speed!!!

[cavaret]

Oh no!!! He's got the bug!

[Motown]

I do. After that going to dairy queen for a ice cream just doesnt do it. I need more!!!

[SteveR]

One nice benefit to track days is that you sort of "get it out of your system", at least for a while. Better to drive it like you stole it there than on the street.

I'm not sure when I will get out there next. The next 6 weeks are sort of busy but I may hop out for a test and tune session once or twice. If you have a day picked out let me know and I'll try to make it. I'd get a real instructor or do the CGI school your first time to get the most out of it.

[Motown]

Will do. The next 6 weeks or more are a wash for me to. Maybe late summer. I will pm you when I get closer. Thanks!

[SteveR]

Sure thing. You might also consider bringing your family. South Haven Beach is minutes from the track and Saugatuck (an even better tourist town) is only about 10 miles away.

They are nothing like San Francisco and Sonoma, but not bad for a little 1-2 day trip.

[desperado]

Come to RA with Audi Club. The club provides great instruction and emphasizes safety. It's NOT like open track days, the testosterone is kept to a minimum. As great as the Audi Sportscar Experience is, driving your own line is a whole 'nother level of rush compared to lead-follow. And best of all, we'll be maiking the VERY long trek all the way from California and meeting up with a strong R8Talk contingent will just be AWESOME!

[Motown]

when do you do this? Are you driving in or do you transport your car?