Wai

I'm glad to see that there are more threads in the IS forum that are related to track or autocross now. This is truely a well engineered sport sedan that one could only explore its true limits on a track.

I've been doing track events for many years, mostly in my Honda. I've also done it with the IS350, and most recently, came back from the Lexus driving event and drove the IS-F on the track. The IS, regardless of it being 350, F, or even the 250, is definitely a very capable car.

I usually go with a club called NASA (not the space center ). It's a nation-wide club that I mostly participate with their Midwest and Great Lakes regions.

Midwest Region (from NE to MI): http://www.nasamidwest.com/
Great Lakes Region (from IN to OH): http://www.nasagreatlakes.com/

They have already started their 2008 season. Last year I went to 6 of their events and all of them were nothing short of awesome. Besides the regular driving and hanging out with friends, we also started the grill for some nice BBQ. For those who came but didn't drive, they still had a great time because of the people, race actions and food.

Here are the schedules for the 2008 season. I plan on making it out to 2 or 3 of them. Hopefully some of you could make it out there too. For those who are outside of these regions, you're gonna have to do some searchings on the schedules for your region:

Great Lakes Region:
April 11-13 - Mid-Ohio
May 17-18 - Putnam Park**
June 7-8 - Grattan**
July 11-13 - Mid-Ohio
August 1-3 - Road America**
August 15-17 - Mid-Ohio
October 11-12 - Putnam park

** = Crossover event for both regions

Midwest Region:
April 26-27 - Gateway
May 17-18 - Putnam Park**
June 7-8 - Grattan**
June 28-29 - Mid America Motorplex
July 19-20 - Autobahn Country Club (South Track)
August 1-3 - Road America**
September 6-7 - Gingerman (HPDE only)
October 13 - Autobahn Country Club (Full Track)

As some of you may already know, NASA is like any other HPDE clubs that you don't need a full-prepped race car to join. Whatever is safe for the public road, you can bring it to the track. Their instructors are all certified and some of them are very fast racers.

I've heard people didn't join the events because NASA charges an annual membership fee. Now NASA came out with a referral program called "Winner Cards" that would grant new member a FREE membership when registering for an event. The member who made the referral would also accumulate points towards free track days. Here are the details:

http://nasamidwest.com/pressro...=7852

I'm not advertising to get free points; but if you NEED a referral to save the membership fee, I'll be glad to do that for you. Just PM me. Or if you know friends who are interested, be their referrals and let them get the free membership.

Some random pics from last year. Saw some fellow Lexus owners out there too:

Brian231

Thanks for posting this info on this club, you initially caught my attention with the NASA acronym which is my field of expertise (LOL). I like the pics you posted. Funny seeing an ES on the track (not to poke fun an a great car).

Wai

I have to make it clear everytime I bring up the name NASA haha! No it's NOT the space center.

The ES is really not the strangest car out there. I've seen a Volvo wagon, as well as a VW Phaeton out there tearing down the track.

Really doesn't matter if you drive a sedan or family car, I'm sure the driver would still have a lot of fun.

passnu2

iTrader: (33)

Drag Brian out and get his SUPRA boys to attend the event! I am all for it

Thanks for sharing! You need to come to our next meet

Wai

For sure! I will check back more often and see what is going on.

I was at Autobahn Country Club on Saturday for the Lexus driving event (1:30pm session). I saw quite a few IS's there. I wonder if you guys rolled out there together?

passnu2

iTrader: (33)

I was just heading out when you probably got there. I was there early, 9:15 session and took off around 1pm. Brian I think may have still been there. I know there is a smaller meet this sunday if you check the Chicago section. I am sure there will be more and another big meet like we had a few months back. Look forward to meeting up

PM me or Brian231 (Brian) if you want to meet up for sunday.

Mike

TEN TIL 4

I have been to a few NASA events... autobahn cc and putnam...

Its a lot of fun!!!

I will probably do a couple this summer in my BMW...


I should be able to make the meet on Sunday at hooters....see you guys there!

Wai

Too bad I won't be able to join you guys on Sunday. I have a relative coming into town and I have to pick her up from the airport....

BTW, Putnam is this weekend too but HPDE groups are all sold out!

Brian231

BMW had an event at the Autobahn getting set up as i entered this past Saturday. It is the perfect track for an "M."

Wai

I posted some information on volunteering in exchange for free track time here:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=356497

Take a look and see if you're able to take advantage of that.