I would really like to get all the Aston Martin owners near me to come out to the upcoming AMOC West Track day.   I’ve done this every year I’ve had my Aston and it’s been a little sad when only 10 Astons show up and we have to fill the rest of the event with BMW’s and Porsche’s (fine cars, just not my tribe).  Can you make the pilgrimage for a day of fun?   Please do.

Track day ISN’T racing day.  You may feel trepidation about coming out to the event since you don’t think of yourself as a ‘racer’.  This event isn’t about racing, its about taking your car out on a safe piece of road and being able to feel it accelerate on the straights and hug the corners, all in the safety of a racetrack.   Racing other cars isn’t part of it.

In the past we’ve had all manner of the Gaydon era cars (DB9, Vantage, DBS, Vanquish and 4 doors), plus a smattering of older Vanquish, Vantage and even some DB5’s and DB6’s.   I’d love to see some new DB11 and Vantage (Dare I dream for a Superleggera to appear?)

This is a privately organized event by AMOC title, Aston owner and enthusiast George Wood.  Here is how the event generally works out:

• We hope to fill the event with 40 Astons
• The event will be on Sunday January 13th, 2019
• The event is held at Thunderhill Raceway in Northern California.
  • A manageable drive from California, Nevada and Oregon.
    • Click here to see it on Google Maps.
    • Check out the whole track on Google Street View.  You can drive the whole track.
  • We will be driving on the very fun 3 mile/15 Turn portion of the track.
    • Check out driving a lap here on this great instructional YouTube video.
  • While you are in the region you can make a long weekend out of it and visit nearby San Francisco, Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe, and even Sacramento (where I live).
• George asks that you sign up in advance so he knows who’s coming and can plan accordingly for food, etc.
  • There is a simple sign-up form you can download here and then send to him at onefastaston@aol.com.
• Those travelling from a distance often choose to stay at one of hotels in nearby Willows, California (about 10 minutes from the track).
  • The Holiday Inn Express is new’ish and reasonably priced.  Check out all your options here.
  • You could stay in Napa Valley or Sacramento the night before and make the drive out early in the morning.  I leave Sacramento about 6am and get to the track right about 7:30am.
• An informal group dinner is held at the Casa Ramos restaurant in nearby Willows at 7pm for those staying overnight Saturday before the event (click here to learn more about Casa Ramos)
• Cars start to arrive at the track about 7:00am on Sunday morning.
• George will meet you in the main building and sign you in
• A nice buffet breakfast is served starting at 7:45am
• At about 8:30am a drivers meeting is held to lay out the rules for the day
  • This is a TRACK day, not a RACING day.   No one is allowed to race.
  • Everyone wants to finish the day with undamaged vehicles.  Everyone respects that.
  • The group is split into Novice/Intermediates and Experienced.
    • I usually run in the Novice class – less stress and I don’t fancy myself a racer.  I just want to get out and listen to the roar of the engine on the straights and not worry about tickets for a change.
    • Passing is generally limited to safe and controlled waive byes only in specified areas.   If you are just out for a fun stress free day, this is your group
    • The Experienced group is for the go fast folks that want to push their cars a little harder.
• Racing helmets are required.  Not to worry, the track rents them for a nominal fee for those that don’t have their own.
• Experienced drivers are at the event and will gladly take a few laps with you to help you get acquainted with the track.   Very worthwhile if you are a complete novice and a little nervous
• The groups alternate 30 minutes on, 30 minutes off.
  • You can pull off anytime you want, and go back out anytime you want during your session.
  • 30 minutes may not sound long, but its just right when you are doing it.
  • The 30 minutes in the pit is some of the most fun time to BS with the other owners and ogle all the cars.
• A lunch is catered at 12 noon and everyone relaxes and refuels.
  • This is a good time for a Group photo session
• The afternoon is more sessions until we all tire out.  I’m usually mentally done by 4pm and make my rounds to say goodbye and head for home.

You can even bring a friend!   My Sweetie usually comes along and George only asks for a nominal extra fee to cover the meals.  She usually drives a session or two.

Planning on attending?   Check out my article on how to prepare your car for a track day.  It’s easy.  I’ve blogged about my past track day outings with the group and you can see some photos and videos here.

Help me out!  Let’s fill the event completely with Aston Martins.  Download the signup form here and please send it back to George ASAP so he reserves your spot.

Also – Please leave me a comment below if you are thinking of coming, and we can say Hello in person at the event.