Repost - July 5 - Private Instructions with racer Sunako-san

[akasakaR33]

Miguel - since it's OUR private lesson, we can do what ever we want. I anticipate we will probably want Sunako to lecture us on 1) driving technique, 2) driving this particular track, and then 3) riding with us/driving us on the track. Since we will have different cars with different capacities, we will have to work out how/when we can pass, or pit, or whatever.

also, my Japanese S15 driving friend Sumi-san is signing up! So we have 7 as of today, not bad... just need 3 more.

I anticipate once we get the full 10 people, others will join up as well - in which case, the cost will go down. I think those of you who signed up early should get some kind of preferential treatment, but that's just me.

[akasakaR33]

Here's the list so far... (have not included the few maybes from another list I'm on...)

1. Aki
2. Nick
3. Paul - will do final confirmation before deadline
4. Miguel
5. Daniel?
6. Dai Chan
7. Sumi-san

[Tom80]

Damn...I really wanted to join this one. I'll be in Okinawa that day, so I won't be able to join.

[Kanzen]

Originally Posted by Miguel - Newera

Daniel, you're coming or I'll punish you - BAD!

lol, I told you Miguel is good at encouraging people to sign up for stuff like this

[akasakaR33]

Just for a preview, here is a youtube clip from someone who drove this track

YouTube - 4/5スãƒ�ーツランドやã�¾ã�ªã�—走行会ã��ã�®ï ¼’

Also - an update - I was thinking that maybe we could reschedule so others could join, but I just got a call from his manager, and this will be the only date available for this driving clinic, so my apologies to Tom and any others...

[hyrev]

Looks like fun! Thanks Aki, looking forward to this.

[Miguel - Newera]

1. Aki
2. Nick
3. Paul - will do final confirmation before deadline
4. Miguel
5. Daniel?
6. Dai Chan
7. Sumi-san
8. Russ?

Russ will be doing his best to switch hi schedule at work with someone else. If he can do it, he's in...

[akasakaR33]

And I got one more, with a possible interesting second.

1. Aki
2. Nick
3. Paul - will do final confirmation before deadline
4. Miguel
5. Daniel?
6. Dai Chan
7. Sumi-san
8. Russ?
9. Richard Tanaka (S2000, from SDIJ board)
10. Justin Gardiner (maybe - one of Nick's friends and a motorjournalist).

Ok, this is great, we've got the minimum (probably, probably?)! Thanks guys. Now, let's see if we can get any others to join us - more people, more fun (up to a point).

Any other incentives that might work?

[hyrev]

I am going to twist James' arm and neck on this one. He should have his R32
GT-R by then, there should be no reason why he better tell me no. I will add
his name if he agrees.

[Swiss Frank]

Quandary... I've been a petrol-head for 25 years but never done a track.

My 2000 M5 needs new tires and clutch ANYWAYS so I'm wondering about bringing that. I know its not a track car though, probably far to soft to be enjoyable, and I don't want to shorten its life anyway as its practically the only RHD E39 M5 in JP.

The GT-R is broken in (1500km) but as I'm not keeping it I'm a bit shy of taking it to the track. I feel like I'm already driving someone else's car.

So I'm thinking of renting a Mazda cabrio, they're like 25000/day. Any comments? Will the car contract/insurance work? Any alternative spring to mind that'd be more trackable but still low-enough limit I have time to think?

[REXtreme]

I couldn't get in touch with the guy at work I have to swap Saturday with Sunday with.

I won't find out until Monday. Which doesn't help right now.

I con only let you know on Monday.

[Miguel - Newera]

For those who don't have their own cars, then you might consider renting a 350Z Coupe from Nissan. I believe they're around 10,000 Yen to rent per day, just make sure you get a manual (I doubt they rent 35 GT-R's but may be worth asking, perhaps ).

I don't know about insurance so check, but my car's not insured fully comp and I'll be driving it, as is probably the same for most....

- Where's Lostspook and the rest of the guys we met at Fuji? Don't they want to try for the chance to drive in an Endurance race with proper prep'd car?

Come on guys - Let's have some fun!

[hyrev]

We should get a rental with insurance and beat it into the ground, Jackass style.

[akasakaR33]

Guys - those of us on the list already, and Swiss Frank - it's ok, so long as everyone honestly believes that they'll be able to come - I will go ahead and tell Sunako's manager that we are a go.

If you need to back out for any reason, feel free to PM me, I understand sometimes there are times when situations call for that - but earlier is better, so I can find more people, that would be appreciated.

I hope, though, that everyone here can all come out, it would be a great way to get to know each other, as well as lots of fun.

Aki

[akasakaR33]

PS anyone thinking of renting, I would NOT mention that you would be using the car primarily on a track.

For insurance, not sure how much it covers, but for example at Fuji, insurance companies will not cover (at least mine doesnt), and the rules at their track days are that if you damage your car, you're responsible for it - even if someone else ran into you.

the good news is that there will be very few others on the track at one time - with 10 cars, we will probably be running 5 cars at one time, so any chance of damage would be if you stuff your own car. So, I think chances are pretty low of any kind of trouble...

that reminds me - stupid lawyers - we should probably have waivers signed so we don't end up suing each other...