The Autopian Track Day: A Day of Fun, Cars, and Surprises
I had the pleasure of attending the first official Autopian Track Day at Lime Rock Park, and it was an event like no other. The day started with a mix of excitement and apprehension, as I was both hosting the event and hoping that enough people would show up to make it a success. Thankfully, about 70 people did, and the result was a day filled with incredible cars, fun, and a few surprises.
One of the highlights of the day was the variety of cars on display. From Toyobarus and Porsches to Mazda3s and Chryslers, the mix of vehicles was impressive. The presence of a grandfather clock in Dave's Maverick was a unique addition to the event, and it seemed to draw more people to the track.
The day's activities began with a check-in process, where Scott and Otto helped set up gift bags and welcome everyone. The mix of cars was a testament to the Autopian community, with members from as far as Maine and Virginia in attendance. It was a true celebration of the love for cars and the joy of driving.
The track day itself was a blast. The wet skidpad provided a fun challenge for the slower cars, while the faster track allowed for some incredible laps. The instructors and staff were supportive and encouraging, and the atmosphere was electric. The presence of spectators, like Andrew Collins from The Drive, added to the excitement and made the day even more memorable.
One of the most surprising moments of the day was the van race. Two of the three vans ended up in the same autocross group, and the result was a bizarro IMSA-style race. The instructors and staff cheered on the van drivers, and the day ended with a sense of camaraderie and fun.
The awards ceremony was a highlight of the day, with prizes ranging from PB Blaster merch to a $200 eBay Motors gift card. The certificates created by Jason were a unique and personal touch, and the event ended with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
Overall, the Autopian Track Day was a huge success. The planning and execution were flawless, and the atmosphere was electric. The day was a testament to the power of community and the joy of driving. I can't wait to see what the future holds for these events, and I'm already looking forward to the next one.
