Newbie alert - DE
06-26-2002, 01:33 PM
#1
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Newbie alert - DE
Just came back from a Two Day DE at Watkins Glen and wanted to send a message to those who are "considering" a DE.
Stop thinking about it- do it and do it soon.Life is short.
The event was extremely well run by my local BMWCCA chapter, there was no hint of class or brand friction and the driveres/instructors at all levels were friendly and helpful, especially with first timers like myself.
I experienced first hand how tough the 911 is.
Due to inept adjusting on my part, my 3-4 and 4-3 shift was unreliable so stayed in 3rd all the way around and ran 5000 to the redline for 25minutes at a time in 85deg humid heat without a protest. A lapse in concentration/judgement at the end of day one resulted in a spin on turn 1 ending with us up to the doorsills in the gravel trap. Took the car to the carwash,blew out about 20lbs of loose stones ( the rest fell out on the track the next day)and we were good to go.
Applying all the fast driving fundamentals you've read about(apex's,exit speed, smoothness)not only makes you a believer but shows you how high the limits of your car are. ( I'm convinced this old design, with the right driver, can easily corner with the latest M3's ).
The people are awesome-when I came in after my "off track excursion", drivers who I hadn't even met yet came over to see how I was doing,asking about me and the car.
Every 911 driver should do this once.(though I don't think you can stop at once)
Stop thinking about it- do it and do it soon.Life is short.
The event was extremely well run by my local BMWCCA chapter, there was no hint of class or brand friction and the driveres/instructors at all levels were friendly and helpful, especially with first timers like myself.
I experienced first hand how tough the 911 is.
Due to inept adjusting on my part, my 3-4 and 4-3 shift was unreliable so stayed in 3rd all the way around and ran 5000 to the redline for 25minutes at a time in 85deg humid heat without a protest. A lapse in concentration/judgement at the end of day one resulted in a spin on turn 1 ending with us up to the doorsills in the gravel trap. Took the car to the carwash,blew out about 20lbs of loose stones ( the rest fell out on the track the next day)and we were good to go.
Applying all the fast driving fundamentals you've read about(apex's,exit speed, smoothness)not only makes you a believer but shows you how high the limits of your car are. ( I'm convinced this old design, with the right driver, can easily corner with the latest M3's ).
The people are awesome-when I came in after my "off track excursion", drivers who I hadn't even met yet came over to see how I was doing,asking about me and the car.
Every 911 driver should do this once.(though I don't think you can stop at once)
06-26-2002, 04:36 PM
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[quote]<strong>Every 911 driver should do this once.(though I don't think you can stop at once)</strong><hr></blockquote>
Careful, or you'll be proceeding down the path to the dark side....suspension, seats, brake pads, harnesses, rollbar, track wheels, tires, ...the list, and the enjoyment and challenge, goes on.....
Thankfully, our Porsches are pretty track-ready, and, in stock condition, provides a good track ride for awhile. At some point, as your skills increase, you'll want to upgrade various things.
Careful, or you'll be proceeding down the path to the dark side....suspension, seats, brake pads, harnesses, rollbar, track wheels, tires, ...the list, and the enjoyment and challenge, goes on.....
Thankfully, our Porsches are pretty track-ready, and, in stock condition, provides a good track ride for awhile. At some point, as your skills increase, you'll want to upgrade various things.
06-26-2002, 04:53 PM
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Gerry:
I'm headed to Watkins Glen DE in early August. Any recommendations for a hotel? I've got an '87 Carrera and have done two events (Summit Point & Jefferson Circuit); it is very addictive. Any predictions for heat and humidity at the Glen in early August? Thanks.
I'm headed to Watkins Glen DE in early August. Any recommendations for a hotel? I've got an '87 Carrera and have done two events (Summit Point & Jefferson Circuit); it is very addictive. Any predictions for heat and humidity at the Glen in early August? Thanks.
06-26-2002, 06:30 PM
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Dan,
The Seneca Lodge is kind of basic but it is convenient to the village and the track. Alot of participants stay there. My event had tech inspection the night before right there. Lodging info at "theglen.com"
Restaurant is decent, bar is cool but they don't serve breakfast. BK is at the bottom of the hill and opens at 6am for coffee etc.
Track opened at 6am, good idea to get there early on the first day to stake out a garage space.
Heat/humidity was high during our days.I brought a cooler with two gallons gatorade/water 50/50 mix and it worked well. No food at the track,most other drivers were leary of the water from the tap.
I don't know if your other DEs were hot,but hydration becomes important especially for the late day sessions when you are tired.
In the 911, I was working a lot harder than the M3 guys with the power steering with a few turns requiring some arm strenght, so do your pushups.
I'm tempted to sign up for the same event.
The Seneca Lodge is kind of basic but it is convenient to the village and the track. Alot of participants stay there. My event had tech inspection the night before right there. Lodging info at "theglen.com"
Restaurant is decent, bar is cool but they don't serve breakfast. BK is at the bottom of the hill and opens at 6am for coffee etc.
Track opened at 6am, good idea to get there early on the first day to stake out a garage space.
Heat/humidity was high during our days.I brought a cooler with two gallons gatorade/water 50/50 mix and it worked well. No food at the track,most other drivers were leary of the water from the tap.
I don't know if your other DEs were hot,but hydration becomes important especially for the late day sessions when you are tired.
In the 911, I was working a lot harder than the M3 guys with the power steering with a few turns requiring some arm strenght, so do your pushups.
I'm tempted to sign up for the same event.
06-26-2002, 07:28 PM
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[quote]<strong> No food at the track</strong><hr></blockquote>
At Watkins Glen, there is a food service place to get fed. You pass it just before the gas pumps by the garages. Usually open when I'm there each July.
At Watkins Glen, there is a food service place to get fed. You pass it just before the gas pumps by the garages. Usually open when I'm there each July.
06-27-2002, 09:10 AM
#6
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Wasn't open this week. Maybe because we came in Mon/tues after a big race.
Dan, speaking of gas - buy it in town,- you probably know by now how expensive it is trackside. I used about 6-7 gallons/day.
Dan, speaking of gas - buy it in town,- you probably know by now how expensive it is trackside. I used about 6-7 gallons/day.
06-29-2002, 11:19 AM
#7
Gerry,
Re: Bill's comment, Mike Andrews, our track chairman (for Riesentoter PCA)asked at Pocono "how many are here for their 1st DE?"...and after a half a dozen or so people raised their hands, he said "welcome to your new addiction!" *G* Incredible experience, isn't it? And I found it VERY humbling. ANY illusions I ever had re: my driving skills were quickly shattered in my first DE event. It really gives you an appreciation for how highly skilled the professionals are.
Re: your comment about gas at the track - as expected, the price is high - but then so is the octane - one pump is 100, the other is 110.
It's also interesting in hearing about the BMW group. I've only done Porsche's DE's, and would like to get more 'seat time'. Glad to hear your's was such a positive experience.
As the saying goes - "the difference between men and boys are the prices of the toys!" How incredibly lucky are we to get to play with our 'little cars!" *G*
Re: Bill's comment, Mike Andrews, our track chairman (for Riesentoter PCA)asked at Pocono "how many are here for their 1st DE?"...and after a half a dozen or so people raised their hands, he said "welcome to your new addiction!" *G* Incredible experience, isn't it? And I found it VERY humbling. ANY illusions I ever had re: my driving skills were quickly shattered in my first DE event. It really gives you an appreciation for how highly skilled the professionals are.
Re: your comment about gas at the track - as expected, the price is high - but then so is the octane - one pump is 100, the other is 110.
It's also interesting in hearing about the BMW group. I've only done Porsche's DE's, and would like to get more 'seat time'. Glad to hear your's was such a positive experience.
As the saying goes - "the difference between men and boys are the prices of the toys!" How incredibly lucky are we to get to play with our 'little cars!" *G*
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06-29-2002, 05:17 PM
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[quote]<strong>It's also interesting in hearing about the BMW group. </strong><hr></blockquote>
John,
I just did a DE with the local BMW club at Lime Rock. Nice group of people, well run, safe, event, paid flaggers, even a continental breakfast! Classroom sessions for all run groups. Smallish runs groups, maybe 20 each, which is very comfortable for LR. I've also run the past couple of years with the regional Alfa Romeo club. Again a similar experience. Don't mind giving the passing signal to the racing Ferrari's, just to listen to them when they pass
John,
I just did a DE with the local BMW club at Lime Rock. Nice group of people, well run, safe, event, paid flaggers, even a continental breakfast! Classroom sessions for all run groups. Smallish runs groups, maybe 20 each, which is very comfortable for LR. I've also run the past couple of years with the regional Alfa Romeo club. Again a similar experience. Don't mind giving the passing signal to the racing Ferrari's, just to listen to them when they pass