Will be at Grattan on 9/23 for my first track day. Thinking about heading up on 9/22 to get the lay of the land. Figured I may want to stay there on Saturday rather than have such an early start on Sunday. Where can I find information about camping at Grattan? Their website has sparse info. Anyone got info/tips they can share? Thanks!
Have not camped at Grattan yet (hopefully others weigh in), but another option for you is the Americinn in Greenville. They have special rates for Grattan folks. It's about 15 minutes from the track and a reasonably comfortable hotel for the price ($103-108/night depending on the room). I'll get there Friday evening, set up at the track, and then head back to the hotel for the night. (Also, even if the website for Americinn says they're fully booked, they may not be...you have to call to get the Grattan rates)
Camping is no problem at Grattan. Lower paddock has more grass area. Also if you get there after the gates close there is a big grassy area just to the left after turning off Lessiter Rd onto raceway property. Have fun, go fast, do wheelies. Steve
Camping is free with paid gate fee at grattan. Bathrooms are pretty nice with private showers. there is a dump and water fill station at the front gate if you have a motor home or camper. there is no power to be bought other than in garages (call the track to reserve or rent one i think there about 30/day) Staying there is nice to wake up and your ready to go you can walk or bicycle the track any time it is cold.(you will need a helmet to bicycle,skate or roller blade) See you there Rob
Thanks for the info. If I roll up on Saturday during the day, would I find a paddock spot for me and my bike and pitch up there? Or is tent camping somewhere else? As a noob I have so many questions - feel like a rank amateur!
There is limited grassy area in the upper paddock as a majority of it is paved. The lower paddock is primarily grass with inlet drives which are paved. Plenty of space to set up for your bike and tent. Feel free to ask questions, lots of us here with plenty of experience to help ensure you enjoy your trackday!
My tent I can just about manage.... my bike I may need help with. Sounds like there’s a great community of folks willing to help noobs learn.
Hi all - I’ll be coming out to Grattan that weekend as well - first time there. I’m trying to figure out which paddock to shoot for...upper vs lower. Is one closer to the classroom for novice vs the other? I only ask because at my first day at Gingerman I managed to setup as far as possible from the classroom (not on purpose), and it made for some LONG walks (and missed class time) after each session.... Any advice is appreciated! Also, where do most people hang...upper or lower?
From the two times I've been there, there's not really much of a difference in distance between the upper and lower paddock with respect to the classroom sessions. Upper paddock seemed to be mostly STT staff, but not exclusive.
the n novice class is under the pavilion at the end of the house. the shortest distance to set up to get there is the bottom of the steps in the grass or rent a garage. in the pavement in front of the pavilion near the bathrooms also happens to be one of the bigger night time hang out spots and a corn hole game or ten played at night
What’s the food situation like? Any concessions for breakfast / lunch / dinner? Or need to pack in food or drive out? Thx!
concessions is only open for lunch not terrible or super expensive. pack or order pizza in. or go to Grattan bar about a mile and half down the road
Sorry last question from me....I have some guests that intend to spectate a bit on Saturday, but not planning to stay whole day. From google map it seems like entrance to track / paddock area requires crossing the long straight...is that closed down once track goes hot, or do they allow traffic to cross between I-A-N sessions? They were concerned about getting "stuck" so thought I'd ask Thanks!
They allow traffic to cross between sessions. I don't think I've ever had to wait more than a session for them to open it.
after lunch crossing are normally only allowed at the top of the hour. so 2,3,4 and track goes cold at 5
Thanks everyone - looking forward to a great weekend. I managed to work out the schedule so I can stay Sunday too...first time being able to stay the whole weekend and I'm pumped about it! Weather looks great!
Thanks for the heads up. Although I'm only riding on Sunday, planning to arrive mid-afternoon Saturday to get the lay of the land (first track day) and set up camp.