NESC Team O'Neil winter safe driving school -Jan 30 2010

Looks like NESC is putting this on again:

 

http://www.newenglandsubaruclub.org/node/19

 

I've never gone but I hear good stories and this was posted last year:

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102624

 

The requirements are posted on the web site, technical requirements copied below:

 

 

• Payment in full
  
• Subaru or AWD car
  
• Snow tires on car; NO ALL SEASON TIRES! (exceptions: Nokian WRs or
  WRG2s)
  
• No low profile tires (<50s, >55s are preferred)
  
• Be aware that you may "off" and be willing to accept the consequences. (Generally only minor scratches and bruises to you car)
  
• Must have working seat belts front and rear.
  
• No roll cages or harness bars please.
  

 

I also have a few questions:

 

Stock wheel size: For anyone who has gone in the past, would they say I'm asking for trouble if I take my LGT wagon with stock wheels? (they have Nokian Hakka R's on) Technically since they're 45 series it would seem they don't meet the requirements. I'm just wondering how much hurt I'd be in for and if I should seek to swap wheels before attending

 

Friends letting friends drive a Subaru: Also, if a friend of mine would like to go and is able to borrow a Subaru for the course, would it make sense for him to do so? Or should one use a car they normally drive for the course?

 

I still feel like an ex-lurker newbie considering I just learned a 5 speed 3 months ago, have not yet been to any kinds of meets, nor modified anything whatsoever on my car. Guess I've got to start somewhere; I think this kind of course is what it's all about.

I'm probably over-thinking all of this but I figure it wouldn't hurt to ask...

I have been in the past (took my wife as well). We found it very informative and very fun. I highly recommend it and I may try to do it again this year.

 

Tire size is not that big of an issue. Their main issue is having to deal with someone bending a rim or blowing a tire. When I was there one of the participants de-beaded his tire, but they have a shop on site and were able to fix it. Don't be an idiot and you should not have a problem. It's not like you can fit a 16in wheel anyway.

 

They (and I) would recommend using the car you normally drive, as the NESC class is geared towards how an AWD vehicle handles. With that said, there was a vw corrado in the class when I did it. I would just email NESC and see what they say.

 

Welcome to the 5 speed GT wagon club

I just signed up for myself and my girl. Anyone else from LGT going?

Sounds like fun. I'll check the calendar and see what I can do.

//

Stock wheel size: For anyone who has gone in the past, would they say I'm asking for trouble if I take my LGT wagon with stock wheels? (they have Nokian Hakka R's on) Technically since they're 45 series it would seem they don't meet the requirements. I'm just wondering how much hurt I'd be in for and if I should seek to swap wheels before attending

The answer is "it depends." Last year, there weren't any deep ruts or anything, so 45's would have been no problem. Other years, maybe so. I wish I'd put 16's on the WRX. Here's where you spend most of the day:

http://dervish.smugmug.com/photos/456516432_ydCyn-L.jpg

 

Friends letting friends drive a Subaru: Also, if a friend of mine would like to go and is able to borrow a Subaru for the course, would it make sense for him to do so? Or should one use a car they normally drive for the course?

If it's AWD, go for it. If not, borrow a Subaru. That (4WD) is a stipulation for the NESC day.

Last year:

http://dervish.smugmug.com/photos/456516612_2KizM-L.jpg

 

I still feel like an ex-lurker newbie considering I just learned a 5 speed 3 months ago, have not yet been to any kinds of meets, nor modified anything whatsoever on my car. Guess I've got to start somewhere; I think this kind of course is what it's all about. I'm probably over-thinking all of this but I figure it wouldn't hurt to ask...

Right, you are over thinking it. Some people are really into the whole Subaru thing (mostly WRX/STI owners), but most just happen to own one and showed up. I brought my Outback wagon last year, while another WRX driver brought a giant Mercedes sedan and Unclemat brought a Suzuki SUV. No one cares. But I admit to getting a kick out of this....

http://dervish.smugmug.com/photos/456859688_QhVsB-L.jpg

 

Did you already sign up? Course was full as of 12/17, but sometimes people drop put so it's worthwhile signing up. I think they added three slots: there is still plenty of seat time.

 

Most stay at the Eastgate for $65-75 a night.

By the way I did go on Sunday (with Mainely Subarus) and really enjoyed it. The course was hardly rutted at all and had a nice crown of glare ice on it. Of course some enjoyed a little extra tomfoolery... I managed to snag one decent shot of an off:

 

[ame=http://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbc/4321155604/]Off in the snow with some style on Flickr - Photo Sharing!@@AMEPARAM@@http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2795/4321155604_bba367253b_m.jpg@@AMEPARAM@@4321155604@@AMEPARAM@@bba367253b[/ame]

 

Incidentally this car had stock RE92's. The instructors of course won't let you get away with blaming it on the tires!

Don't know if any of you are going for the 2011 course but there are still a few slots available.

 

Date: January 16th

 

Price: $295.

 

I went in 08 with our OBW - great training and a lot of fun.

 

My wife will be driving this year in the OBW (if the AWD requirement still holds) or her minivan (if they allow FWD w/snows).

 

The caution against low profile tires is just that, not a prohibition: they don't make you sign a waiver or anything.