When to start LRRS

[tls25rs]

I agree although a garage isnt a MUST have, its GREAT to have.

Shelter from the elements, electricity so you dont have to run a generator if you're on warmers.

There are plenty of electrical drops in the infield. No need to run a generator for warmers.

[WinVT]

For the record, I am arguing that money aside, I prefer to be in the infield. This is a legitimate argument.

And yes, power is not an issue, there are plenty of outlets. No need for a generator.

Protection from the elements? Come on, this is racing, not ballet.

[csmutty]

You have an enclosed trailer? You should probably just switch to an open landscape trailer. Same difference.

[nhbubba]

Someone smarter than I told me something to the effect of "racing is already expensive enough". I buy that.

But anyway. First round, find some garage space to mooch. Find some of those black and white plate cats. Shut your mouth and open your ears. After that, your call.

[Chippertheripper]

Garage schmarage.

[nick5446]

Can't believe I just read that whole thread! I should be out there on an SV in the Spring. Just moved back to Boston from the left coast.

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[csmutty]

Can't believe I just read that whole thread! I should be out there on an SV in the Spring. Just moved back to Boston from the left coast.

Attachment 41305

Sweet! Have you raced before?

[nick5446]

Sweet! Have you raced before?

Yup, I did about 4 years worth of track days on a Ducati and 2 CBR600rr's and 2.5 years of club racing and a Ninja 250 and SV650.

[Yknot]

More important than garage or not is finding a group of people that can mentor and ease the introduction into the racing community. I have been fortunate to have been adopted into a family in the infield that have spread the burden of creating an environment conducive to developing ones race program. Some others have been fortunate to have been adopted into the ECK, RSP, CentralMass, and other families that have provided that environment. Without that support, both the infield and the garages can be a difficult task to flourish in. Find like minded individuals that offer that and it doesn't matter where you. Understand your needs and abilities and align appropriately.

I prefer my infield environment but had I found these folks in the garages I would have been there. Until I got booted for starting a pallet fire in the tech garage.

[OreoGaborio]

More important than garage or not is finding a group of people that can mentor and ease the introduction into the racing community. I have been fortunate to have been adopted into a family in the infield that have spread the burden of creating an environment conducive to developing ones race program. Some others have been fortunate to have been adopted into the ECK, RSP, CentralMass, and other families that have provided that environment. Without that support, both the infield and the garages can be a difficult task to flourish in. Find like minded individuals that offer that and it doesn't matter where you. Understand your needs and abilities and align appropriately.

I prefer my infield environment but had I found these folks in the garages I would have been there. Until I got booted for starting a pallet fire in the tech garage.

Could... not... agree... more. The support I've gotten from those around me has been both immeasurable and invaluable.

[TheIglu]

If I ever start racing again, I'm gunna find an enclosed trailer to mooch. Ultimate in cheap.

[nhbubba]

Geezus.. I thought I was cheap. Even I can justify buying my own trailer. It's the tow vehicle I'm hung up on.

This is a fine point by the way. A big part of why I resisted going racing is because of the expense. Not the expense of actually racing.. but the expense of all the crap that goes with it. Trailer/toy hauler/van/whatever + tow vehicle + insurance for it + yadda yadda. Look around the infield and it is obvious that race fees are the tip of the ice burg.

[MaRce1o]

Yeah the extra expenses added quicker than i thought lol

[Mustang]

My first 2+ seasons racing, I used the hitch on my daily driver 4cyl car, to tow the open HF trailer I bought used for $200; all of which I'd already owned to get to track days. I jammed all my shit in said car or tied it Beverly Hillbillies-style to the trailer, and when I got to the track mooched a spot in somebody's van/trailer/camper. Many others do the same but with a tent (which they likely already own too, or paid $40 for).

Now, I've gone through a cargo van, to an enclosed trailer, simply for convenience. Said trailer is still pulled by my DD 4cyl car btw. Ancillary expenses can add up, but don't have to.

[Petorius]

Now, I've gone through a cargo van, to an enclosed trailer, simply for convenience. Said trailer is still pulled by my DD 4cyl car btw.

Tell me more... your 4cyl car hasn't imploded yet?

[nhbubba]

What the hell are you driving that can pull an enclosed trailer?!?

My point wasn't that the costs are required. Simply that they become desired. Wants vs needs. Heider and Brian and countless others make it work with tents and simple open trailers. I know I can (will?) too. But I'd much rather sleep indoors, up off the ground.

[GingahNinjah]

What the hell are you driving that can pull an enclosed trailer?!?

He is pulling with a Golf GTI. I am hoping to get one of the same trailers for 2015 and haul it with my Subie

[nhbubba]

Nooooo frickin' way. Those cars are only rated to like 2k lbs. (Your subie too.)
I trashed the rear struts on mine pulling a ~800 lbs aluminum 4x8 + my two bikes. (Figure ~1400-1500 lbs total trailer weight.)

[MaRce1o]

Ratings are only numbers lol

[Mustang]

Nooooo frickin' way. Those cars are only rated to like 2k lbs. (Your subie too.)
I trashed the rear struts on mine pulling a ~800 lbs aluminum 4x8 + my two bikes. (Figure ~1400-1500 lbs total trailer weight.)

Yes frickin' way '12 GTI with 27k on it when I bought the trailer. 5x10, v-nose, 5' interior height, steel trailer. 1100# empty...plus an SV, set of rain wheels, rolly HF tool box, and cube fridge (plus various other shit that doesn't weigh much). I approximate 1700# loaded? Never had a single issue so far, and the struts are still fine at 37k.

[Petorius]

Manual or DSG?

Edit: Nvm, forgot that I dont care (cant store a big trailer).

[nhbubba]

I care! I have space for a 'big' trailer. MT or DSG? How bad is your highway mileage? Trailer brakes/brake controller?

I got low 20's heading out to NYST this year with my open trailer. (I normally see 30 MPG average across the board.) Car did it, but felt like it was pissed with me the whole way. Braking performance was.. not optimal. Figured a closed trailer behind that car just had to be a non-starter.

You and I have to chat at round 1 next year. SV, spares, a cot, coffee maker and mini-fridge is exactly what I want.

Maybe it's the hair. My haircut sucks.

[tsorfas]

Boys ambulance all the way. Easy to store. One registration and insurance. Fit all the bikes you want. Sleep in. Plus you own an ambulance.

[MaRce1o]

Great daily driver too

[Mustang]

I care! I have space for a 'big' trailer. MT or DSG? How bad is your highway mileage? Trailer brakes/brake controller?

Manual of course! MPG towing is 18-20, driving 70-75 on the hwy. No trailer brakes.

To be fair, this has only gone to NHMS and Thompson. I haven't taken this rig to NYST yet, so idk how it would do on those crazy hills.