Waterford probably isn't the fastest track for us, given its tight turns and the size of our cars. I'm planning to go (90% certain) because it'll give me a chance to drive the G8 in challenging conditions without much traffic to worry about ... and, frankly, because it's close enough to avoid motel bills I'd need to pay if I went to Grattan or Gingerman.

Only 18 cars are signed up in four groups for Open Track Day, including another G8 GT (from Illinois) and a CTS-V:
http://www.myautoevents.com/pls/whrri/frmEntryList.Show?psevent_id=10202&psrnd=.90954633526256289049959421870678512565

Registration is $150 for those of us who aren't members of the track's club. Arrive by 8-8:30 a.m. for tech, I'm told; mandatory driver's meeting at 9:15, four groups are ranked by experience -- strict passing rules for beginners, less so for more experienced -- with instructors available at no extra charge if needed. Just bring a modern helmet, long pants, closed-toe shoes and you're in! Plus checkbook or cash, I was told; no credit cards.

Short notice for a holiday weekend, I know, but there's plenty going on nearby if you want to do more. The Renaissance Faire in Holly, for example ... a huge Arts, Beats & Eats festival in Pontiac ... or the world's largest free jazz festival in downtown Detroit.

Weather looks good for Clarkston on Saturday: High of 78, sunny skies, zero chance of rain according to weather.com

The pre-registered G8 GT from Illinois didn't show, but I had fun anyway! 35 cars total including club members who didn't pre-register; 12-13 in my group.

Waterford Hills has been called a technically challenging track: Changes in elevation, some tricky turns including a fun "S," but not very long straights. No triple digits today; I topped out around 95, spent a lot of time in the 50s-60s, and watched a lot of cars pass me as I waved them on per rules at this HPDE (not a race).

The passing came due after tight turns kept me slower and traffic backed up behind me, due to my car's heft and stock all-seasons. Plus my relative inexperience and somewhat conservative driving. All the others wore better rubber, and all were smaller. Several drove dedicated racers; one in SCCA was trying out a new engine. The closest to a G8 was a first generation CTS-V. He was in my group but never did pass.

The G8 really excelled on the long straight, when I didn't have to allow passing there. WOT sounded great and acceleration was outstanding, thanks in part to a CAI and tune. No need for more power.

One guy in an '01 M3 ragtop spun out after I let him pass me on the longest straight. After the turn that follows I had to brake to avoid him when he began to swerve into a 360 on dirt and grass. I can still envision dust rising around him as he progressively lost control. Slowed more to make sure he was OK but was quickly black flagged for doing it -- a good lesson. Out there, I was told, don't worry about the other driver. Just keep going and stay in your car or you could make things much worse. Later I talked to the driver, who conceded being shaken up but otherwise OK. Ditto the car as far as I know.

My highlight was passing a Vette on my last session. Or maybe the highlight was not leaving the pavement, as several others did. Or the lesson.

One thing seems certain, though: I had the most comfortable ride home. :biggrin2:

But someone oughta fix the washboard dirt road leading to the gate.

I was the other G8 registered. I ordered some front brake pads but didnt get them in time. I was pissed. Good to hear you didnt lose it at all. These cars handle great and are very predictable. Maybe I will see you at another track day.

Sorry I missed you, David! My brakes did fine with only slight fade after multiple sessions (and rising temperatures) at the track, plus I had them checked today to make sure. Still a few thousand miles of pad meat left after 14K mi and a day at the track. But I may replace the pads with something offering a higher temperature tolerance before I track again, which might take a few months anyway. I did notice a smell coming from the brake area after each set of hot laps, but as already said everything checked out fine today. No oil light or abnormal temp, either, and ball joints checked out fine.

what kind of times were you running on hot laps?

what kind of times were you running on hot laps?

No clue. Didn't time laps.