Wow! Couldn't ask for a better day!
09-01-2003, 02:59 AM
#1
Three Wheelin'
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Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: State College, PA
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Wow! Couldn't ask for a better day!
About a week ago I met a local PCA member with a black 2000 996. While we were speaking he suggested I borrow his 996 for a day - and that day just happened to be today. A friend of mine with a Ferrari 355 and I decided to drive to Watkins Glen to watch a Ferrari Track Day, and since the trip takes 3 hours each way, we figured it would give us a lot of time to get comfortable with the Carrera. When we got to the track we were stopped at the entrance and told that this event was not open to the public, however we definitely got lucky when my friend found his insurance card in his wallet showing that he owned a Ferrari 355.
When we finally got in I was greeted by a Porsche 917, a Ferrari 512 BB Le Mans, numerous Ferrari F40s, about 20 Ferrari Challenge cars, a Pantera, and many other Porsche's, Ferrari's, and Masaratti's. After speaking with a few Ferrari Club members I was offered a ride in a 1999 996 with racing slicks. When we got out on the track the driver told me he was a track instructor, and I can definitely see why - he drove so well he scared the **** out of me! Because of the elevation changes at Watkins Glen, the 30 minute ride felt like I was riding a roller-coaster.
Shortly after the 30 minutes session there was a parade lap planned where anyone could go out on the track - as long as you did not exceed 55 mph. Well, turns out the Maseratti in front of me was losing me at 55 mph, and the 355 Challenge car on my *** was begging me to go faster. So instead of just cruising around the track, I was able to drive a little more aggressively in the 996 and take some very tight turns at speeds way above the set limit.
After watching a few laps of the final session, we decided it was time to head home. It is always disappointing having to leave such an event...
I almost forgot - three more hours in the 996 on the way home!
When we finally got in I was greeted by a Porsche 917, a Ferrari 512 BB Le Mans, numerous Ferrari F40s, about 20 Ferrari Challenge cars, a Pantera, and many other Porsche's, Ferrari's, and Masaratti's. After speaking with a few Ferrari Club members I was offered a ride in a 1999 996 with racing slicks. When we got out on the track the driver told me he was a track instructor, and I can definitely see why - he drove so well he scared the **** out of me! Because of the elevation changes at Watkins Glen, the 30 minute ride felt like I was riding a roller-coaster.
Shortly after the 30 minutes session there was a parade lap planned where anyone could go out on the track - as long as you did not exceed 55 mph. Well, turns out the Maseratti in front of me was losing me at 55 mph, and the 355 Challenge car on my *** was begging me to go faster. So instead of just cruising around the track, I was able to drive a little more aggressively in the 996 and take some very tight turns at speeds way above the set limit.
After watching a few laps of the final session, we decided it was time to head home. It is always disappointing having to leave such an event...
I almost forgot - three more hours in the 996 on the way home!
09-01-2003, 03:03 AM
#2
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: San Diego
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WOW!!! I got to ride in my buddies moms brand new 996 today... quite an amazing car... sounds like a hell of a day.... what i would have given to have been there with you... My fun day is tomorow!! Canyon run with friends!!!
