Joe, I've never been able to find this out. What's the difference between parade laps and touring laps?
Joe, I've never been able to find this out. What's the difference between parade laps and touring laps?
Keith,
Touring laps are sold through HSR for $30-$40. For the extra dough you get a few more laps than the Parade laps, (usually 5-7 laps) and speeds can be a bit higher--- depending on car count. (more cars-- slower speeds). These are still not "hot laps", but a little brisker than the Parade lap pace.
The Parade Laps are free (once you sign up at the GRM tent) and are a little shorter and slower. We generally get 3-4 laps-- depending on time. Speeds are marginally slower (depending on car count) , but you can still have fun clipping apexes, and viewing the track from a driver's perspective. Also if there are time constraints due to on-track crashes or excessive caution periods, the Parade Laps are the first to get shortened-- as they are free.
Either way it's great to get out onto the track--- it gives you a much greater respect for those doing it at speed---- especially coming down the hill towards turn 12! 
Once again I'll be the "chase" car following the pack from the rear--- making sure you hooligans don't drag race, pass, or act like asshats. 
And yes--- we've thrown people out before.
If everyone behaves, everyone has fun. If someone puts themselves above everyone else by acting like a jerk--- they get beat with the Susan Hammer---- and you don't want to mess with HSR's Susan! We want everyone to have a good time. If folks "accordion" too much, they ruin the laps for the guys behind them, so we try to make sure a decent pace is kept up--- -also, if everyone behaves, the pace car driver will pick up the pace considerably!
The touring laps are awesome and is the way to go.
I'll be on the plane in a few hours on my way down. I'll be at the track tomorrow and Sunday, so I hope to see you all there.
See you there. Make sure you stop by and say hi.
Share lots of pics after the weekend! The Mitty lingers for at least another year on my gearhead to-do list. :-)
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