Sat, Jul 11 - Sun, Jul 12, 2020

NEQ at Palmer Motorsports Park 2020 (Clockwise!)

Palmer Motorsports Park

About this event


 

Palmer Motorsports (Clockwise!) with NEQ -  Weekend Event: Saturday and Sunday, July 11th & 12th

Always wanted to take part in a High Performance Driving Event (HPDE) but never been able to take time off during the week?  We have got an event for you – it’s a two day weekend event at the fabulous Palmer Motorsports Park in Massachusetts. We'll be running the track clockwise which is an incredible experience.

We are monitoring the CDC and local guidelines very closely and are making changes to the event format to ensure everyone's safety.  This will include digital waivers and forms to reduce contact, social distanced meetings and debriefs, and an ease in cancelation fees.  The question I am sure everyone has is if there will be lead/follow or in-car instruction.  I am working closely with the Driving Education Committee and our Chief Instructors to do testing on the best option to comply with guidelines.  Again, since guidelines are rapidly changing, we will share the format out closer to the event.

porschenet.com reports "We all certainly love Palmer Motorsports Park up in Ware, MA. The complexity of the elevation and camber changes is absolutely addictive. So now imagine you could also drive it the other way - clockwise! ... And the early reports from the folks who have been able to give it a try - myself included - are that it may just be even better! The turn 14/13/12/11 complex has a whole new feeling. Going uphill through 9 and then through 7 - just wow! And when you crest over Turn 6 and get a panoramic view of Connecticut, it's breathtaking. I was literally slowing down at that point because the view was stunning."

Palmer Motorsports Park is 2.3 miles long, 40-feet wide, over 190 feet of elevation. Designed by grassroot racers and professional track designers and carved out of Whiskey Hill granite, (courtesy of J Read Corporation )  the road course is a 15-turn rollercoaster ride around a scenic and secluded alpine wilderness.

This is an all abilities high performance driving school.  All vehicle makes are welcome.  

NEQ's High Performance Driving Schools are suitable for all skills levels from Novice to Expert. The school combines classroom and on-track instruction in a closely supervised and controlled environment. Students are divided into "run groups" according to their prior experience and evaluations from previous schools. In between the track sessions, students get classroom instruction in an environment appropriate for their skill level. 

 

Registration Fees

Students Cost is $575 per student for both days.
Instructors:  There is no cost for instructor registration for this event.

 

What is a High Performance Driving School?

The purpose of a driving school is quite simple: to improve your driving skills. We conduct the school on a racetrack under the close supervision of experienced and trained instructors. You will learn how to handle and control your vehicle at speeds not normally attained on public roads. This will help to prepare you for emergencies in normal driving. It will also allow you to explore your capabilities as a driver and those of your vehicle in a controlled environment. At no time will you be pushed or encouraged to go any faster than is comfortable. All participants will be organized into run groups in accordance with experience, skill, and type of vehicle.

What you learn on the track depends on your driving skill. Beginners are taught driving style (smoothness, consistency, the ability to read the track), more experienced participants continue to work on consistency, while developing new skills such as trail braking and threshold braking. Every time you are on the track, you will have an experienced instructor in the passenger seat.

For the most experienced drivers, you can be “signed off” and drive solo when you have proven to your instructor and the Chief Instructor that you understand the basics of high speed driving, you can consistently drive the correct line, and you show proper etiquette on track. Maturity, good judgment, skill, and significant experience will lead to being signed off for solo driving.

Though you are on a racetrack, other drivers of similar driving skills, it is not a race. Passing in corners is not allowed, and you are not expected to shift at redline, or go screaming through each corner with the tires squealing. Safety of the event is of the utmost importance. Driver conduct will be diligently monitored throughout the day by the staff, instructors, and corner workers.
 

Track Time

You will have four on-track sessions each day varying from 20-30 minutes each. At the end of the 2-day event you will have had between 3-4 hours on-track over the two days. That’s a lot of driving time and a lot of personalized high-quality instruction!
 

Classroom

Your day is divided between driving on the track, classroom sessions, and free time. Yes, this is a school, and there is mandatory classroom time. All participants are required to attend classroom sessions throughout the day to learn vehicle dynamics and driving techniques.

In the classroom, you learn a lot of high speed driving theory. Learn about the difference between an early and late apex. You’ll get a better understanding of car dynamics so you understand what is really happening when you brake or why your car understeers or oversteers in certain circumstances. Each classroom will also include an opportunity for Q&A.
 

Do I need to own an Audi?

We welcome all makes of cars  -- you don't have to drive an Audi to enjoy our events.  This school is an excellent way for you to improve your driving skills and have fun too!  

All participants must simply be members of the Audi Club of North America (ACNA).  There is a $49 fee for annual membership. To join or update your membership, please go to the ACNA website (http://www.audiclubna.org/) and click on "Join ACNA" at the top of the page.
 

First Time Students

Our club is a friendly community of individuals who share a passion for driving their cars.

We know what it’s like to drive on a race-track for the first time and we customize your experience to make it an enjoyable as possible. We love welcoming first-timers to our events and we have a good number of first-timers at each one – you will not be alone.  Your novice classroom teacher and your personal in-car instructor are ready to make you comfortable and give you the tools and confidence to enjoy driving your car on the race-track. Don’t forget – this is not competition driving. There is no overtaking in corners or racing other cars. This is all about having a safe and enjoyable experience.

We have some restrictions on driving convertibles and you will need a helmet. Requirements are on the next page. We have rental helmets available if you need one. Should you have any questions which are not answered on this page, please contact us and ask. We want to make you comfortable and we’re happy to talk with you. Use the "Contact Host" button on the right side of this page.

This YouTube video shows even more about events with our club.


 


92db Sound Restriction

Please note that Palmer enforces a strict sound limit of 92db.  If you have a modified car (street cars are not an issue) it is your responsibility to ensure you do not exceed this number.  The volume is monitored at various fixed and random spots around the track.
 

Lodging

Hotels -  There is no official base hotel for this event but there are many options including two that have offered the club reduced prices for the event.  Be aware there are limited room numbers at these facilities so, book early.

Trainmaster’s Inn – In the center of Palmer, about 10 minutes from the track.  Book by May 1st with the code 'AUDI' and recieve a special rate of $120 per night.  The hotel has an attached restaurant with priority seating for you as well as a free dessert as a hotel guest.  413-531-3281

Sturbridge Host Hotel – In the center of Sturbridge with several good restaurants nearby.  One of the largest hotels in the area, and about 20 minutes from the track.  Call the front desk and ask for the Palmer Motorsport rate of $79.00. 508-347-7393.  

There are also several other hotels in Sturbridge that will likely have rooms available, but have not offered any special rate.

Holiday Inn – $143 per night. 508-347-8000, Comfort Inn – $148 per night. 508-347-3306, Economy Lodge – $58 per night.  508-347-2800,  La Quinta -- $157 per night. 508-347-5141


Tech Inspection

Registration and Tech inspection will take place at the track on Friday evening, from 5-7pm.  While this is preferred, Tech will also be open Saturday morning at the track but timing will be critical, so come Friday, relax, check out the other cars and meet your fellow drivers.


Interested in attending or have other registration questions?

Please continue through to the next page for more information about the event and helmet and technical requirements. Please Contact:  Eventmaster - Alex Sunseri with any questions.

Check here, Facebook, or the NEQ website for updates on this event.

 

 

Event requirements


 

Helmet requirements have been updated.  A helmet with a SNELL  SA10 or SA15 rating are the only helmets that may be used.  No more M (motorcycle) helmets will be allowed.

Tech pre-Inspection


Well in advance of any on-track driving event, you'll need to get your car pre-inspected by a competent mechanic, who will have to provide a completed and signed copy of the Safety Inspection Checklist form (first page only) for you to bring with you to registration. Please get your car inspected at least two weeks before the event to avoid disappointment if the inspection uncovers repairs that must be completed before the car will pass.

The Northeast Region Quattro Club recognizes several Audi-VW tuners and service centers. They are NEQ supporters with years of experience and scores of satisfied customers. As a benefit for NEQ members they will provide free tech pre-inspection for applicants of our schools. Bring your Safety Inspection Checklist form. After inspection they will sign your form to be sure you are eligible for our event. Naturally there will be a charge for any parts or labor that are additionally required to prepare your vehicle. Two of these sites are APR distributors. They are all participants of our events with much experience in regard to car preparation and advice for upgrades. You will also be happy with the services of any Audi dealership but may utilize another dealership or full-time automotive repair shop at whatever rate you agree to. Be sure to call for appointments well in advance of an event.

 


General Track Event Information:
Information that applies to all on-track driver education events. Be sure to study all of this information before attending any NEQ track event.  Please note that Palmer enforces a strict sound limit of 92db.  If you have a modified car (street cars are not an issue) it is your responsibility to ensure you do not exceed this number.  The volume is monitored at various fixed and random spots around the track.
Clothing
Vehicle Requirements
Tech pre-inspection
Open Top Cars: Open top car owners read this section carefully!
Track Terms
Tires
Helmets: Helmet with a SNELL SA10 or SA15 rating are required.  No M rated (motorcycle) helmets will be allowed.
Flags
 

 For further information on this event and all NEQ events and requirements, please visit our website at www.NEQClub.org

Registration and Tech Inspection

Registration and Tech will take place Friday evening, from 4-6pm (for the weekend event).  While these are the preferred options, Tech will also be open Saturday morning at the track but timing will be critical, so come Friday, relax, check out the other cars and meet your fellow drivers.

 

Please Contact:  Eventmaster - Alex Sunseri


 

Entries (100)

GF
Gianni Ferrara
EB
Evan Binkerd
HP
Harry Pollard
mM
mohamed Mahmoud
MC
Matt Cerne
PI
Prakash Iyer
BG
Bruno Granville
GB
Graham Billings

Palmer Motorsports Park

Palmer, MA
Download track map
Download track map
Watch a video tour/lap
Watch a video tour/lap

Organizer

HPDE organized by

Audi Club NA - Northeast Chapter

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Event over!