I just spoke with JR @ Gingerman....
As of right now he doesn't think the gates will be open past 10:00p.m. Friday night...
Also I guess the paddock has some concrete and lots of grass, not as bad as BHF, but probably be a good idea to have a 4x8 piece of plywood to put under your carpet to make life easy when putting bikes on stands....
Tiff, can you please confirm how late the gate will be open Friday Night, and can anyone else confirm the condition of the paddock?
I have never been there before....
Thanks
North end of the paddock has some asphalt to work off of. Tire vendors usually grab some of that space. Only problem is that it's at the opposite end of the paddock from Pit Out/Pit In. Probably 90% of paddock is along one of 2 roads that would require you to set up in the grass.
There are a couple of hard canopies in the asphalt area like they have at MAM that they rent out.
Although I don't have "first hand knowledge," I've been told that there are "ways" to get into the paddock after 10pm. ;)
Remember too that they are on Eastern Time so you'll lose an hour coming from the West.
Rick
QuoteRemember too that they are on Eastern Time so you'll lose an hour coming from the West.
Rick
:o Good point! Thanks....Going to be a long drive :-/
10pm is the cut-off. I've seen them close as early as 9:30 and open just past 11, but don't plan on getting in after 10 (eastern... yeah).
The shelters at the N. end of the paddock are rentals. I forget the rate, but believe it's like $100/weekend. Not a bad idea if 3-4 people go in together.
Here's a bit more info...
If you plug into power, they will come by, catch you and charge you for a full day. Regardless of how much you use. Last year, someone was charging a battery off the track power and they were forced to pay the $20/day charge, or be removed from the track. They don't screw around.
Next tidbit... There are RV spots south of the scoring tower. The person who buys that power, "owns" the pit spot directly in front of it. This is confusing as the RV spots are positioned back, but I got into a pretty nasty fight with them last year over this when they tried to make me move.
If you pit in front of one of the RV spots, they will either make you move, or make you pay for power.
The track is pretty cool, but they don't mess around.
The other thing they WILL do, is come around after dark and shut off noisy generators. They are not allowed...
Gingerman is my home track, 30 minutes away. I'm glad you guys get the long drive for this one.
Anyway...
I've been to Gingerman a million times and they've never, ever, had any problem with people pitting on the asphalt. The roads are wide and even when cars race there they pit on the asphalt. The road is big enough that everyone should be able to pit on the asphalt.
There are "real" campsites with water, electricity, etc north of the paddock, which cost $$, or you can tent where you pit for free. They do now have two sets of new bathrooms with new showers, much nicer than anything your used too.
Jeff is right on electricity. Might as well just pay for it if your going to use it. They come around often and have no trouble unplugging your warmers 20 minutes before your race if you've not paid.
Not sure on when the gates close but they do have a big access road up to the gate, you could park on the grass there for the night if you have a camper.
The track is bumpy, no getting around it. The back straight is so bumpy your rear tire will lose traction as you accelerate. Also, it's real tough on the right sides of tires.
Other than that, bring your friends and family. I can't think of another road racing track where you can see more of the track, and if you go up in the tower, you can see the entire track.
Also, South Haven is a resort town so there is lots to do Saturday afternoon/evening.
And I'll second Scott's comments on a great spectator track. This place is awesome.
The facilities are great, the grounds are perfect, spectating is a pleasure, the layout is a BLAST.
The ride from S.E. WI leaves a bit to be desired, but the fun of it all makes up for it. Right now I'm weighing between G-man and Autobahn as my favorite track. G-man has had the honors 2 years running now...
And the track surface? Well, people either love it or hate it. I love it. Yes, it's tough on tires, but it's a fun track to ride...
QuoteAnd I'll second Scott's comments on a great spectator track. This place is awesome.
The facilities are great, the grounds are perfect, spectating is a pleasure, the layout is a BLAST.
The ride from S.E. WI leaves a bit to be desired, but the fun of it all makes up for it. Right now I'm weighing between G-man and Autobahn as my favorite track. G-man has had the honors 2 years running now...
And the track surface? Well, people either love it or hate it. I love it. Yes, it's tough on tires, but it's a fun track to ride...
Sounds like a great time. Can't wait to get up there and check it out!
Do you think a set of tires will last 6 sprint races for a middle of the pack AM?
Also, do you know of any onboard video anywhere?
QuoteDo you think a set of tires will last 6 sprint races for a middle of the pack AM?
With practices? Probably not. If you do squeeze it out of them, they will be shot.
I'm planning on a set for 3 sprint races w/practices.
wow I'm actually looking forward to this trip a little more now.... :)
Quotewow I'm actually looking forward to this trip a little more now.... :)
Why?
Personally, I love the track. Fun track, decent food, great spectating. The only downside is the butchering of the schedule at Gingerman.
QuoteThe only downside is the butchering of the schedule at Gingerman.
Well, that and Chicago... :-X
I hate to say it Jeff....
Be prepared to pay through the nose for the tolls. It's extra for the RV and the trailer (it wouldn't be soooo bad if the roads weren't a pile of shit).
Dawn
I picked up the I-Pass, so it's 50% of the cash price, and since it goes right on the card, I don't even see it...
Kinda like filling with fuel. Swipe, pump & go...
I'm sure even with the I-Pass, it will be around $20 each way.