The Coastal Bend Region runs two or three events per year at Harris Hill Road, a private track north of San Marcos, between San Antonio and Austin. As a small region, we encourage and invite adjacent Texas regions, namely Hill Country, Lone Star, and Maverick to participate and support our events.
Harris Hill Road is (according to their website):
"...nestled in the hills of northeastern San Marcos, Texas. The course is very easily accessible, sitting approximately three miles east of IH-35, approximately 2 miles west of Texas Highway 21, and a little over 2.5 miles from the San Marcos airport.
H2R is just 26 miles from downtown Austin and approximately 55 miles from downtown San Antonio.
The track is a 1.8-mile, 11-turn asphalt road course. The course is 36-feet wide with over 150 feet of elevation changes and a challenging mix of on and off-camber turns, including the 80-foot rise and drop of Santa Rita (Turn 4, named after the patron saint of the impossible task).
H2R operations are housed in a 6,000 square foot clubhouse overlooking 150 acres of rolling hills with a panoramic view of downtown San Marcos and Texas State University. The clubhouse is well-appointed, offering a comfortable environment where members can relax between sessions."
Coastal Bend Region events at Harris Hill Road, aka H2R, are typically solo-only driver events. They are PCA Driver's Education, but are intended for those with enough confidence and skill to manage without in-car instructors. Region instructors are available for ride-a-long at your request. The events typically involve around 60 drivers, split in to three run groups of 20 cars. We usually have three sessions for each group and finish with a time-trial (just for fun).
Because we rent the track, the fee is about $160/day for each driver. The bulk of that money goes to H2R and the rest covers the cost of insurance and incidental costs. Although more expensive than our Cameron Co. Airport events, these events are well worth the cost and effort for a driving experience on a wonderfully designed dedicated track.
There are numerous hotels in the San Marcos area and along the I-35 corridor and costs range from $60-$120 per night. Many major chains use an "occupancy demand" system for pricing so there is a big advantage to booking early - way early. If planning to go, register on ClubRegistration.net and then soon after explore your options for lodging. San Marcos is a three hour drive from Corpus Christi via I-37/I-35 or the sometimes quicker "scenic" route up 188 through Beeville and Kenedy, then taking TX123 to Sequin and San Marcos. It could be driven in a day.
From the Valley, US77 or US281 brings you up to I-37, then come through San Antonio to I-35 and north to San Marcos. Budget about 6 hours for stops. Coming from the Valley often requires two night's accomodations.
Here are some other things you need to know and expect:
- You will need your own Snell-certified helmet.
- You should have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic prior to the event, use our CR.net form or similar form.
- You may want to bring fuel (2-5 gals.). Gas stations are not close and you may need some drops for that last run.
- Bring water, sunscreen, and bugspray.
- Let the officials know what you might need early (an instructor, answers to questions, etc.) and register early
- Events end early enough to drive back to Corpus Christi or stay the night.
NOISE ISSUE: Harris Hill Road has a strict 95 db noise limit (at 30 ft.) using their metering. If your car is too loud, it will not be allowed to run. This is rarely a problem for street cars and often a problem for race-prepared cars. Take into account that a car is louder on the track than it is in the driveway, so use caps, traps, glasspacks, or mufflers to abate the noise of your car.
It is worth saying again - your car will not be allowed to run if it is too loud.
Feel free to post questions on www.rgvpca.org for Rene (rmj951) or any of the experienced Valley folks. You can email any Region offical at cbrpca@swbell.net.
