Participants,
Thanks to everyone who is making this possible. I have heard from Sunako's manager that there might be two others who are joining us, both former Sunako students - one is a nice lady who drives a WRX..STi...I think...
Here is a link to places to stay, shops, etc. in the area, just in case.
[スポーツランドやまなし]周辺ガイド
繝ｫ繝ｼ繝医う繝ｳ髻ｮ蟠趣ｼ丞ｱｱ譴ｨ逵鯉ｼ上Ν繝ｼ繝医う繝 ｳ繝帙ユ繝ｫ繧ｺ
http://www.vistapoint.jp/
To review:
Time - 0730 to 1600. Gates open at 0730, Sunako will begin lecturing at 0800, and further, I need to turn in the list of participants by 0800. We plan to get on the track at 0900. For those of you who have not yet paid, please pay me directly when you arrive.
Insurance (for track, presumably -website just says "damage") - provided.
Weather - last time I checked, cloudy. And high of 30 degrees! Bound to be humid, I think. Bring a change of clothes, bug repellant / sunscreen if you'd like.
Car prep -
1) people should bring vinyl tape, in order to tape up their lights as well as tape on the "zekken" numbers on the doors. I will bring some extra.
2) unloading the car - be prepared to spend time unloading unnecessary weight from the car like floor mats and spare tires (mats are actually dangerous, as they might get tangled on the pedals), air fresheners, etc. In other words, a few minutes spent at home unloading that bicycle/junk/toddler seat from the car might be a good idea. We will be able to use the covered pits to store our stuff.
3) mechanical - car prep means no oil leaks, a full tank of gas (fill up in town before heading up towards the track), a working seat belt (or harness) and 4 good tires. Those of us with some experience may have particular tire pressure settings for the track. Bring air gauges and pumps, if possible (I have a cigarette lighter plug-in one people can borrow, but it's slow). The schedule will allow us to refill during the day.
4) Everyone, by showing up, agrees to be responsible for their own car, and whatever damage that might occur. As common with tracks anywhere, if two cars get in an accident, each bears his own repair costs, no matter whose fault it is. Further, this is obvious, but everyone should have their own medical insurance too.
Person prep
1) Be rested, get a good night's sleep. Think about staying at one of the two hotels I listed above, if you are not a morning person. For those who have never done this, you will be surprised at how tired you are after you finish.
2) Afterwards, you may want to take a nap, before heading home. Plan ahead.
3) Gear - motorcycle helmet or better, gloves, long sleeve shirt and pants made of natural fibers (synthetics will melt onto your skin in a fire). Tennis shoes or better, if you want to practice heel/toe then thin soled shoes are best. You will sweat, bring a change of clothes.
4) if you get lost/problems, my cell is 080-3496-7535 (for those who are Softbank users, you can email me at the number as well - that address is, just in case -
mrkansai@t.vodafone.ne.jp - long story). I will be staying with the organizers somewhere nearby (I myself don't know yet). If you know others on the board, might be a good idea to get their info too, just in case.
AM session is practice under instruction, at two different points along the track. Faster we get done, more lap time at full speed in the afternoon. In the PM, we will be split into 2 groups, for 15 minute sessions - one group on the track, the other off. You and your car will both need rest
Sunako has no problems with video taping him while he/you are driving. Photos ok too, of course.
Lunch. Bentos provided. For any spectators, I am sorry but the number of lunches ordered is supposedly limited to participants, might be wise to bring something for yourselves, just in case. Drinks, as this is Japan, I would be very surprised if there weren't at least two vending machines at the track.
I don't think there's anything else, but feel free to call/PM/email if you have any questions.
See everyone on Saturday, bright and early!!
Aki