First Open Track Day @ NOLA

RedfireV8

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Starting the 2013 season my dad and I were looking forward to the next HPDE event but unfortunately they booked up real quick for their February event. Not that we couldn't just sign up and they possibly have a spot open but my dad had asked me if I wanted to go to their next Open Track Day (1-26-13), like 2 days before. I reluctantly said yes. Only because I've been out a couple times to watch him drive or to partake in their Mustang Experience but never been out there with my car.

I've been out to the drag strip with my car a dozen times but never on a road course and wanted some "instruction" for my first time out. Instead I'd be out by myself which is great but I'll admit I was a little worried about messing up or not following the flags correctly. Thankfully they had a brief meeting on the proper etiquette of being on the track. Within 2 laps I had it down.

It was supposed to be 3, 20 minute sessions but they ended up being 30 minute sessions which was great! I was amazed at how well the car overall did. Only once did I push it a little too hard and the rear came out slightly but recovered well. The brakes did well as well, especially for being stock with just HPS pads up front. Never really got mushy on me at any point during the day. Could definitely smell them by the second session. I'm definitely hooked at this point! I want to sell the 5.0 and pick up a nice DD and find an 05-09 and build it up much like the FR500's!

As far as vids and pics go, since I was driving on that day it was pretty difficult to get a lot. I did however get to play with the new GoPro Hero3. For the second and third session, I had it mounted to my dad's harness bar for some inside shots but unfortunately he noticed a leaking axle/hub seal(?) and didn't want to run anymore. I had to go out for my next session so there was no time to get it out.

The one camera angle may get a little boring and this was my first time editing a video, used to doing pictures. A lot harder than everyone makes it look on YouTube. Take it easy on me but feel free to critique me! Hope y'all enjoy!

 

claudermilk

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Sounds like fun. I plan to "graduate" to a track day later this year after a few more autocross events.

The video editing isn't all that bad once you get the hang of it, and get some good tools (GoPro's Cineform Studio doesn't really count). Part of the fun is experimenting with camera angles & how to edit them. My next time out I hope to be able to borrow my BiL's camera so I can run two & play with two angles.
 

RedfireV8

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Definitely a lot of fun man. Forgot to mention that it was kind of cool to see the car run through the S's @ 80+mph basically stock. I was pushing the FR500S a little faster in the S's but still cool to see the 5.0 "kind-of" hang with it. lol

Yea as far as the software side goes, I have access to Premier, Sony Vegas Pro, AVS and Magix. I used Magix for this one cause it was easier for me. Vegas is the big "pro" software but it really over-whelmed me when I started working with it. I figured I'd eventually start using it once I surpass Magix and its capabilities.
 

claudermilk

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I looked at Magix and Vegas & didn't really care for them. I ended up getting Pinnacle 16 (basically really the next version of Avid). It helps that I have a buddy who does a lot of work in Pinnacle for his kid's school band, so I have a free help desk available.
 

RedfireV8

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Ah ok. I'll have to look into Pinnacle and see how I like it. Have yet to find something I'm really comfortable with. Magix was just the lesser of the 4 evils. lol If anyone else wants to chime in on what they use, tips, etc. that'll be great!
 
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