Hey guys,

Do any of you have experience with Chin Motorsports DEs? I am looking to go to Sebring in March - what d'you think?

Thanks in advance,

I've done many o' events with them. They have gotten much more professional throughout the years. You'll love Sebring and you'll have more than enough track time. Usually around 4-5 hours. Sebring usually brings a large crowd, but track length and numerous passing zones will make it fairly stress free.

Just keep your eye out for Chin in his Formula Mazdas. He sneaks up on you fast. no matter what you're driving.

Yikes, he drives the FM's on track with sedans?

Yeah, pretty startling. I remember turning onto the back stretch and barely seeing the rear wing in the rear view of my '01 M Coupe. It wasn't in my rear view for long. And his buddy was right behind him.

Pretty big eye opener.

I've only done one event with them. I think it was ok. Actually some of the best classroom time I've had. And Mr. Chin was more involved with the beginner group than any other organizer I've seen. He went out with us in his NSX to get video for review in the afternoon classroom session.

That said, I feel their format caters more to the intermediate and advanced guys. Lots of track time, mixed groups, etc. I would have been pretty uncomfortable if it was my first event.

Sebring rocks.

What would worry me even more would be coming around a corner and finding a FM spun in the middle of the track and facing the wrong direction. The carbs often flood in a spin and they won't start for 20-30 seconds. Meanwhile, you come around the turn in a sedan, ride right up over the front of the car and smash the driver's head. It's no fault of you own and yet you've got to live with it.

Originally posted by DannO

I've only done one event with them. I think it was ok. Actually some of the best classroom time I've had. And Mr. Chin was more involved with the beginner group than any other organizer I've seen. He went out with us in his NSX to get video for review in the afternoon classroom session.

That said, I feel their format caters more to the intermediate and advanced guys. Lots of track time, mixed groups, etc. I would have been pretty uncomfortable if it was my first event.

Sebring rocks.

This will be my first DE - I will be driving my E30 325is, built up as a track toy for DEs and the like - nowhere near a serious racecar, just something to enjoy on the weekends. It has all the standard for-track additions - coilovers, cage, Sparcos, harnesses, etc, and is lightened and stripped of Unnecessarium (my new word :D ) - I'm looking forward to it, it will be my first event in this car, too.

I can do Road Atlanta in March or Sebring - I'm having a tough time making the decision - I'd like as much time out on the track as possible >>> I have plenty to learn.

I’ve instructed for Dr. Chin a few times. I agree that it is a great format for mid-to-advanced drivers due to the amount of track time and free-form nature of the day, but is still a good format for fast learning newbie’s. The classroom is great. They do take the FM’s out on occasion, but usually when the students are in the classroom. When point-passes are required, the chance of spinning a FM is minimized because they are constantly going through corners slow (compared to their ability) waiting for the next passing zone. I heard they were selling the FM’s and buying some spec-miata’s to take out for fun.

Bob

Originally posted by 1BADM3
I’ve instructed for Dr. Chin a few times. I agree that it is a great format for mid-to-advanced drivers due to the amount of track time and free-form nature of the day, but is still a good format for fast learning newbie’s. The classroom is great.

So Chin events are good value, regarding track minute/dollar :D ?

What do you mean, "free-form" nature of the day?

And finally, what's great about the classroom?

Thanks for your help, guys.

I am also looking at the Sebring event...

Originally posted by stjobs
I am also looking at the Sebring event...

Really? We should convoy.

Given those two choices (Sebring or RA) and no prior track experience. I'd suggest you start at Sebring. Sebring is by no means an easy track, and not really the best track for beginners. But feel it is better to start flat than at a track with extreme elevation changes.

As far as classroom sessions - novices are required to attend a one hour course in the morning and another one hour course after lunch. It's basically classroom schooling about driving techinques, dynamics, control, safety, etc... It is a great time and place for Q & A. You'll learn a lot if you pay attention and get involved.


Sell a FM for a SM? No thanks. Miatas are fun, but certainly no FM. Maybe he'll sell me one for dirt cheap :devillook

Originally posted by Low Level
So Chin events are good value, regarding track minute/dollar :D ?

What do you mean, "free-form" nature of the day?

And finally, what's great about the classroom?

Thanks for your help, guys.
Yes, you will get more track time than a new driver can handle. The classroom is great because of Andy Fox and his other good classroom instructors. After moving from Ohio, I noticed that the classroom sessions at other driving schools down here are not near on par with say the Buckeye Chapter events. But Chin’s are very good. The “free-form” nature allows for many large windows of time for you to hit the track. This makes it more relaxing and allows you to control your own schedule.

Chin events at Sebring fill-up very fast. Much faster than other schools at Sebring. So if you want in one particular date, I encourage you to registrar early.

Bob

Chin gives you a lot of time, but it's not cheap.

Mr. Chin -> Dr. Chin - my bad, gotta give props.

Sebring is 17 turns - a lot to learn, even for an intermediate driver. My recommendation for those in the Southeast is to start at Roebling Road. It ain't glamorous, but it is a GREAT track to start at. Check www.trackschedule.com for events there.

Definitely pick Sebring or Roebling over Road Atlanta as a starting point.

Regardless - have fun out there. Leave your ego at the door, do exactly as you are told, assume you know nothing, and embrace the beginning of a long and rewarding learning process.

First DE in a prepared car? Scary.

Still, I know several people that started at Sebring and did just fine. Just not the way I did it, or would do it if I had to start again.

I agree with Bob's comments about Chin's classroom being very good. I just think the format makes it a hard place for newbies to start. Chin's classroom plus a PCA style event at Roebling would be ideal IMHO. Andy Fox is a great instructor and guy. Bob LaPiana is also good people.

Originally posted by kaiservon
Sell a FM for a SM? No thanks. Miatas are fun, but certainly no FM. Maybe he'll sell me one for dirt cheap :devillook

I'm about to sell my FM for an SM. Interested? :wave:

Sorry to tease ya Bryan. I wish I could be serious about buying a FM. Maybe when business takes off and afford to do it as a write-off :12:

Chin events are great. Actually, you'll get to be in more traffic than even at a Panoz school. As far as not being "as much" for a beginner, I disagree. I think it's more of how prepared the beginner is for their first track experience. If you have absolutly no experience other then street driving, you are not ready. I would suggest at least playing Gran turismo. Also, some basic knowledge about your vehicle is a must. Tire pressures, brake fluid, pads, rotors are minimum key areas you must understand in order to disect what you are feeling while driving on track. ...and as I always like to tell beginners "You are not there to find the limits of car nor to find the limits of yourself. You are there to learn, have fun and to end the day wanting to do another event".