[Hou] Red Meat + Race Fuel for 2012
 

MSR-Houston has released the dates for the 2012 Red Meat and Race Fuel events, first one's going to be on March 22nd:

Red Meat & Race Fuel

These are very informal track events, and it's the cheapest option I've seen for getting some time on a real track close to Houston. I don't see prices on the new page, but last year it was $75 to drive + eat, and $3 for guests that just show up to eat. They're on Thursdays starting in the mid-afternoon, and BBQ is included at the end of the day.

No instructors and the track staff is pretty light on these days, so you're kind of on your own. It would probably be ideal to at least do one weekend with an instructor-led program first, especially if you're not confident in your ability to get out on the track with other random cars. However, the other drivers all tend to be pretty nice and accommodating guys on and off the track, and there's plenty to learn, especially talking after the sessions. The passing rules are strictly straights-only with a wave from the front car before passing, like you'd expect in a beginner group.

I went to three of these events last year, and I'm planning to hit every single one I can in 2012, hopefully at least half of them.

damn, at that price, it can't be beat!

I would be interested if we could get some people together...

Your link is broken. Can you repost?

edited link at the top. there's an RMRF day tomorrow, but I can't make it :(

Did they change it to $200?

Yeah, they did. The program also seems to have grown up a bit, it's a little bit more like a single-afternoon DE event now, whereas before (last year) it was basically an extremely laid back open track afternoon. The old version there were no instructors, the rules were loose, there was little to no corner worker staff on hand, no EMS, etc. It was fun and cheap though, and the good community of drivers showing up and keeping things sane made it all ok. I guess now they're growing the program. They're charging more, but they're offering more as well. The new price seems fair for what the new program seems to offer, at least roughly.

Driver's Edge is a better deal at a full weekend for $300, but those are also less-frequent, spread around several tracks in the state, and fill up fast in advance.

Unfortunately I haven't made a single RMRF event this year :(. Between car downtime working on brakes/suspension issues and $work having me traveling a lot, I just haven't been able to.

You think we could get enough people together to do a private track event at MSR? I did one with the Houston M club in May and it was badass. $175 for like 5 sessions. Most of the guys I run into on the forums are all show and no go. Had a little trouble finding some track folks around town. I'm doing Grandsport Aug 12 since this last Sunday was cancelled. Thoughts on putting something together?

I would be down if u guys get something going. Should have my oil cooler finally sometime in August.

What up Chris! Maybe we can bring this up at the dyno day Aug 4....

Soon as I get my latest suspension issue (worn tie rod ends) sorted out and re-bed my brakes, and confirm that the car is back to track-ready status, I can start planning to attend more things. As it is the only definite on my upcoming track schedule is the Driver's Edge event at MSR-H on the weekend of Sept 8-9. I've been meaning to try out Grandsport though, I'll see if I can swing that same Aug 12th date or not. Good chance I can make the Aug 4 dyno day too :)

I did end up signing up for Grandsport Aug 12th. I just stuck myself in Silver since it sounds about where I've been at with TDE, but it's a new track/program for me. So we'll see what they do/say, maybe they'll make me drive in Bronze the first day or something.