4 replies to this topic

[Flyntgr]

I toured the NOLA Motorsports Park yesterday, doing 20 minutes of hotlaps in my street car, a 2008 Lotus Elise SC with street tires and setup. I did a lead-follow behind the chief instructor, Mitch, for seveal laps and greatly enjoyed the 2.75 mile track. It has 15 or 16 turns, long front straight (5th gear, around 120 mph in my 4 banger). After finishing I learned that one of Porsche 911s on the track (5 other cars) was the owner, Laney Chouest (sp?), a retired M.D. whose family businesses are worth hundreds of millions. The track CHEF, Scott, was also on track (yes, the track restaurant has a fulltime Chef). According to Vic,the Marketing director, Laney has already invested $60 million in the track, which has the #1 ranked Kart track (with adjacent enclosed 2 story viewing building overlooking a beautiful track), an autocross track, and the North track where I ran the hot laps,

In addition to a fulltime staff of world-class mechanics, dyno and equipment (plus parts) to take car of any make and model race cars! The main building for spectators will host the viewing platform (2nd floor with restaurant, 2 bars, etc)overlooking the North track. Subaru will be bring 1,200 dealers and reps in a couple of months to unveil their newest model of Subaru on this continent. Other international events are scheduled. Condos will be for sale; lots ($200,000 each) will also be for sale.

The south track is just starting in construction because they want to get the various (huge) buildings completed before finishing the south track. When the south track is finished, this will be the longest track in North America (when configured with both north and south track connected to make one circuit).

I believe it will also be arguably one of the finest tracks in North America, though Barber in Birmingham is the finest I have personally driven thus far. There is a lot of information, videos and photos on their website: http://www.nolamotor.com .. I believe the upcoming NASA race on March 2-3 will be a great event for anyone within driving distance. See you there!

Some others of you probably know more about this track than I have learned, so your comments will be appreciated here.

[LarryKing]

Looks nice - and I love the cuisine in New Orleans.

I can't really tell from the calendar if the SCCA is holding club racing there in 2012.

[Flyntgr]

The only SCCA events I know of are autocross events scheduled by Delta Region. NASA club racing events are the only ones I know of at this time.

[MPR22]

What region is running the NASA race? I looked at the websites for the SE Mid South and Texas and don't see any races on the schedule for NOLA in March. Texas has a race in November at NOLA.

[Flyntgr]

NOLA has its "own" NASA region designation, but I understand it's really some of the Texas guys and/or others who have made it a temporary region. The races don't count for Houston region or Lone star region, but it's NASA sanctioned nonetheless. Check out NOLA's webpage and go to Houton SCCA region webpage/forum and discuss it with them.