Autobahn Kart Track

[Rick]

http://www.autobahncountryclub.net/photos2006/KartAerials/images/KartAerial2.jpg

[avmaviator]

Does anybody have any info on when they project to build the bigger kart track? I am sure with these "hard" times that project is probably on hold. It would fantastic to have another sprint track around!

[Carl M.]

Why did they build such a tiny track, seems like a waste?

[Jeff Salak]

That tracks lame. Thats a rental track for sure at best. First time i ever saw it. Must be about 3/10 of a mile.

Dont think its even worth having a event at for karting. Unless they add on.

[Carl M.]

I have to say, I think the whole place is a bit of a joke. A former HPV Lite competitor of mine, Cole Bosonoz (not sure about that spelling), worked there a few years ago and let me drive around it a few times and I couldn't believe how bad it was. The layout was disjointed at best, long straights followed by tight corners, no flow at all. It was also very poorly graded and paved, with lumps and bumps all over, and it appeared that about one third of it had been repaved, after only a couple of years. The repaving wasn't in the turns either, where you'd expect it to tear out, it was on straight sections. Then, to top it all off, they put in a useless kart track. What were they thinking?

Overall, I'd give the concept of the track an A and the execution a D. I've driven a lot of racetracks and I'd put Autobahn at or near the bottom, and it's not like they appear to be short on money. Compared to Road America or Putnum Park, I think it stinks. Glad I don't have enough money to be a member there.

[peterjank]

I have to say, I think the whole place is a bit of a joke. A former HPV Lite competitor of mine, Cole Bosonoz (not sure about that spelling), worked there a few years ago and let me drive around it a few times and I couldn't believe how bad it was. The layout was disjointed at best, long straights followed by tight corners, no flow at all. Overall, I'd give the concept of the track an A and the execution a D. I've driven a lot of racetracks and I'd put Autobahn at or near the bottom, and it's not like they appear to be short on money. Compared to Road America or Putnum Park, I think it stinks. Glad I don't have enough money to be a member there.

Out of curiosity, what car were you driving when you drove the Autobahn, which track did you drive, and what were your lap times?

I find the A & B tracks work pretty well for low power cars like my SRF. The "flow" of the track is not as bad as you make out. With only 105hp I'm generally quicker than most street cars, right up to the C6 Z06 Corvette. It would be pretty hard to keep with 500hp cars if there was no flow to keep my speed up through the corners.

I think it is also important to keep in mind that the intent was not to create a race track. The intent was to create a closed environment where people could enjoy their cars at speed safely. It wouldn't stay in business very long if owners were being seriously injured or killed, even occasionally. The tight sections are there to limit speed. Autobahn is committed to safety. They are the only facility of their kind in the US that has a licensed EMT on site at all times that the track is in use. All the more impressive because members have a lot more track time available to them at the Autobahn then at most facilities.

As for the paving and grading, Autobahn wanted to do more in terms of site prep but was limited by environmental regs. They were required to leave some natural features in place that result in erosion over time.

In short, I am grateful that we have such a fine facility so near us. I'm happy to be a member and an on-site garage owner.

[Carl M.]

Sorry Peter, didn't mean to annoy anyone, but that's how I feel about the place.

[peterjank]

Fair enough.

[Jeff Salak]

Sounds like the tracks base wasnt to good. With reguards to bumpy and repave. I have never been there. But asphalt is simply a wearing agent. Here is a link to what Im saying.
http://www.ergabrielsonblacktop.com/AsphaltFacts.html

With a good base a track should last a long time. Any bump or crack usually has to do with base or lack of asphalt.

That kart track is likely there to just say they have one. To keep the kids busy when Dad is racing around.

Is there plans for a bigger better kart track, open to public for racing?

[avmaviator]

What would you know about road work Jeff :)

Sounds like the tracks base wasnt to good. With reguards to bumpy and repave. I have never been there. But asphalt is simply a wearing agent. Here is a link to what Im saying.
http://www.ergabrielsonblacktop.com/AsphaltFacts.html

With a good base a track should last a long time. Any bump or crack usually has to do with base or lack of asphalt.

That kart track is likely there to just say they have one. To keep the kids busy when Dad is racing around.

Is there plans for a bigger better kart track, open to public for racing?

[Carl M.]

At the risk of annoying someone, seems like everytime I make any comment on the internet it happens, I was told by Scott Pappe (not sure about that spelling either) that Shawano has a six foot deep road bed beneath the entire track. I suspect that Autobahn either didn't make the bed deep enough, solid enough, smooth enough or the soil is very unstable there. Could be all the above. While it was three or four years ago, I remember it being quite lumpy. In fact, where the two tracks connect, we could hear cars getting a little airborne, the engines overreving a little, they were having some sort of Porsche club race or something in October. Anyway, I'm not a member so my opinions shouldn't really mean too much to those who are, but I was dismayed by the track. I like smooth flowing tracks with high speed turns with the occasional hairpin, like Putnum Park and to a lesser extent Road America. Speaking of RA, in the last 15 years they've made some very nice improvements, in the early 90's the track was worn out to put it kindly.