The Drivers Edge/Participant Caution

cman46 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-17-2010, 07:18 PM

Gentlemen, if you are cosidering attending one of the sessions offered by The Drivers Edge I have two issues you should be aware of. One, read the cancellation policy prior to sending funds. Second, have your car Tech inspected prior to sending funds. Most of the Cobra's run 15" rims with S rated tires. Based on personal experience the drivers edge will not allow you to run S rated tires on the track during their quote driving school. Soooo, unless one goes to 16" rims and "V" rated tires you are out and loose your money. No lectures please as this is not my first Rodeo, although it appears to be my last. Colin

LREYBURN · #2 (**permalink**) 08-17-2010, 08:45 PM

That's pure horse sh!t! They need to be up front with their tech requirements...and if they don't then they are subject to review by the state attorney general's office. Hmmmm. Did they state up front their requirements?

LREYBURN · #3 (**permalink**) 08-17-2010, 08:53 PM

I just checked out their web site and they clearly state tire requirements. You need to check with those folks for a refund.

cman46 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-17-2010, 08:59 PM

Larry, I did review the tire requirements prior to registration. This car has passed all previous track tech inspections with the S rated tires. All my previous cars did as well. The Drivers Edge Tech Inspection Form states that tire speed rating must be at or above manufacture OE specified speed rating for that vehicle. I attempted to explain, however, was treated just like another bozo on the bus. Col

cman46 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-17-2010, 09:33 PM

Larry, you are correct the site does state tire ratings of V, W, Y or Z. The tech sheet reads tire speed rating must be at or above manufacture OE specified speed rating for that vehicle. Considering the kit and typical 15's frankly I figured it would get through tech as it has in the past. It did not and certainly ol Col does take responsibility for that issue. The main purpose of the post is to alert others not to make the same mistake. If one is considering going to the event, again, check the cancellation policy, time requirements and comply one way or the other with the tire requirements. In addition if there are other issues prohibiting the vehicle passing, keep in mind if cancellation is not submitted 30 days prior to the event you are penalized 50% of registration which can only be transferred to another event. Prior to thirty days 100% is transferred to another event. If you cancel 15 days prior no credit is issued. There are several terms for that situation. Col

LREYBURN · #6 (**permalink**) 08-19-2010, 08:32 PM

Col:
If they give you a full refund in cash, not a future promise, then you need to square this post off with that admission. If they don't...then that too also must be reported and their rationale. Best wishes.

cman46 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-20-2010, 06:31 AM

Yes Larry, you are correct. That is how I am wired. As mentioned I sent correspondence to Rick, calmly asking for a refund. To this point no response and no refund. BTW, for those that do not study tire ratings. V rating, which is the minumum requirement, is 149mph tire. The two times I have run Motorsport Ranch my straight of way speeds did not exceed 80 to 90mph. However, he who has the gold makes the rules! Final note regarding Cobra's or any car for that mattter. Also review the roll bar specifications as many will be sent packing on that requirement. The fellow that was going to room with me was forced to cancel on that issue. Col

blazinsound · #8 (**permalink**) 08-25-2010, 03:18 PM

If I am correct and I think I am, your car is a 1967 2 door Ford. I am pretty sure they did not have V or Z rated tires available to the public then. I call Bull S$!T on that ruling.

I was considering my 1981 Corvette as well and my 15"s with BFGs should have passed too, but I guess I would have been rejected too. Even though it came with Goodyear Eagle II tires. Bull S$!T!!!!

cman46 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 06:38 AM

Yes Blaze, the tech inspection sheet states tire speed rating must be at or above OE specified speed rating for that vehicle. That document would permit our vehicles to be quote safe and legal. The tires portion of the Drivers Edge policy page states vehicle must have V,W,Y or Z rated tires. It's what the system does. Generate revenue to support itself, in the name of "safety", counting on compliant citizenry to keep forking over the dough rather than fight for justice. In addition if one orders clothing like T shirt, jacket etc., at the time of registration, those funds are not returned either. No point in throwing good money after bad. Col

Bernica · #10 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 08:48 AM

So, what would they make of my Goodyear Billboards? There is no rating on the sidewalls. Only "For Racing Purposes Only - Not for Street Use". Just curious....

cman46 · #11 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 03:17 PM

Suspect considering the situation and a smile, all would be forgiven!

427Aggie · #12 (**permalink**) 09-02-2010, 06:31 AM

Should have definitely been disclosed prior to the event. I do think its coming from a higher place though. This was just posted on another board I frequent. It sounds like TMS is getting tough due to the recent accident.

Texas Motor Speedway informed us, today, that they have instituted new
requirements regarding all high-performance cars on the 1.5 mile OVAL
and 2.3 mile ROVAL.

(This does NOT apply to the 1.0 mile Infield Road Course).

All vehicles running "at speed" (greater than 70 mph), will be required
to have a full roll cage and safety harness to participate in any OVAL
or ROVAL track events at TMS. This protocol will apply to ALL events at
TMS. Since our Roval events have always allowed "street cars", this
news obviously affects our upcoming ROVAL event, scheduled for September
10, 2010. Unfortunately, because the majority of the participants run
"street cars", we will be cancelling this event. For those of you that
have already paid, we will be contacting you and getting your direction
on a refund or signing up for the next stop on our "Texas Tour"!

cman46 · #13 (**permalink**) 09-02-2010, 04:03 PM

Sign of the times I suppose. The Drivers Edge, after this post, did lower the tire rating to H-130MPH which still exempts 15" wheels. Just not a venue for most Cobra's. The Drivers Edge does still state on the Tech Inspection Form "Any vehicle that does not pass the following tech inspection will not participate in the event and drivers will forfeit 100% of the event cost". Suspect ol Col had best sell his Cobra, go to the State Fair and embelish the bumper cars!

jshel1 · #14 (**permalink**) 09-02-2010, 05:00 PM

Avon 15" track approved speed rating

Avon Tires Cr6zz

Been thinking of these as a possibility for my car.

Bernica · #15 (**permalink**) 09-02-2010, 05:53 PM

So, again, what about Billboards (Sport Car Specials)? 26.5x8 and 26.5x10.5??

cman46 · #16 (**permalink**) 09-03-2010, 06:09 AM

Concerning Billboards the answer would have to come from an individual with more collective wisdom than ol Col has. From a previous post the statement was made that Billboards are not street legal. Avon does not make a 295/50/15 H rated tire, nor does any other maufacturer. The smaller 235 fronts and smaller rears are made by Avon and one or two others. Guess it is time to clear something up. I am not a whip out the checkbook kind of guy. To spend $2500 for tires and rims to run a $295 school is not in the cards. So guess I will have to leave the hot laps to Boris Said and continue with the checks in the mail refund!

rustyBob · #17 (**permalink**) 09-03-2010, 11:49 AM

The "no refund" sounds like BS to me.....

cman46 · #18 (**permalink**) 09-03-2010, 01:26 PM

Today via post I received a refund in full from The Drivers Edge. Checked with my bud Scot and he received his as well. The forum support and refund are both appreciated. As I am not a Victim/Perpetrator kind of guy, suppose I will put this behind me and head on down the road. Drive Safe-Colin