Richard S

Yesterday was the Diablo Region PCA track day at Thunderhill in northern California. After 9 days of rain and flooding, we were lucky to get a clear, cool, perfect day at the track! Dennis Kao signed on as an instructor, and was a HUGE help. I can't thank Dennis enough. He made it a fun, enthusiatic learning experience. The first couple sessions went easy, with Dennis calling out the braking zones, turn in's, throttle zones, etc. I was able to leave the car in 3rd gear for the whole track, which certainly made it much easier. We had 2 sessions before lunch, then 3 more afterwards. I let Dennis take the wheel for the first half of the 4th session, and what a ride it was! By the final session, our group had thinned out, so I was able to get several quick laps with absolutely no traffic. I think Dennis was having as much fun as I was, and I certainly appreciated his enthusiasm and encouragement over the earpiece.

Overall, this was a great learning experience, in an organized, safe environment. Hooked-on-Driving provided extra instructors, with a group meeting after each session to discuss our driving and answer questions. I would highly recommend the PCA sponsored track DE's, and will certainly sign up for future events.

Anyway here are some pics...

That's right Mr. 997....eat my V-8 BWAAAAAAAA (coutesy of Level 2 headers and 3 inch Borla exhaust)




Heading for the turn 3 off camber apex


Getting ready to put the power down at the turn 11 hairpin apex and power thru the esses.

Jim bailey - 928 International

Sounds like you had a great time I just wish more 928 Owners would give it a try. Like you said an organized safe enviornment and it is just too much FUN.

AO

Great pics!

Robert_H

Richard,

Would you allow me to use your images and write-up for the Diablo Region's newsletter ? You will receive full credit for both.

I was unable to attend, but I am very glad that you enjoyed it. It was Diablo Region's first DE event.

Rob

Shane

Very nice!! Damn, it really makes me sick not to make the PacNW trackday coming up the weekend after next.

Thanks for sharing Richard!! Great photos.

Tony

Great pics and an even nicer car.

MorganRock

do u have rolled rear fenders?

K964

Are you in Green or Yellow?

Bill Ball

Rich:

The new car is a beauty. T'Hill is a very good track for nice cars as the hazards are few and the tracks is not as rough on cars as I found Buttonwillow to be, for example. The blind turns are fun to learn.

Richard S

Rob, I sent you a PM. The pictures were taken by the track photographer.

MorganRock, the rear fenders are not rolled. The wheels are stock GTS wheels.

K964, this was a DE for beginners. There were 2 novice groups, and a third group for more experienced/instructors. This was my first track day in over 5 years, so I was in the novice group.

BTW, there was only one other front engine Porsche, a 944 turbo. My friend Tom also attended, with his 993 C4S. He was in the other novice group, and said as I would power down the front straight at over 100mph near the 3rd gear rev limiter he heard people say "wow, that doesn't sound like any other Porsche out here" Dennis was saying over the intercom "YEAH, listen to that!!!! AWESOME!" We both wondered how it sounded from the pit wall.

Rich

Dennis K

Rich - I had a great time instructing. I was so bummed my car wasn't ready in time but I still was able to enjoy the day vicariously. I even drove Rich's car and Tom's car for a few hot laps (actually more like warm laps) each.

In one aspect, instructing is like driving but instead using the steering wheel and pedals directly, all your commands have to go through a second party!

Rich was a great student. #1 thing is that he listened. He also did his homework. He chose the right track and the right organization for a track day. He even watched in-car video beforehand and marked out the shift points on a track map! As an instructor you have to give a kid extra credit for that.

tv

Your car really looks great in those shots. Could you tell me what you have for a suspension right now?

Richard S

Dennis, they felt like hot laps to us!

tv, the car has Koni's on the rear. The front is strange. When I got the car last month the front ride height was 120mm. So imagine my surprise when I went to raise the suspension, only to find sport springs with Boge shocks with-out an adjusting nut. I happened to have a spare set of adjustable Boge shocks/springs, so I quickly installed those. The current front shocks are of unknown mileage, condition, etc., with standard springs. I could only adjust the driver side up to 135mm before the adjuster ring started spinning. So I just matched the passenger side to it, and went to the track. The plan is to get Koni's for the front, and put the sport springs on them. Also, have a 32 mm front sway bar yet to be installed.

Rich

Mark

I always toss my keys to my good buddy (he's also my wrench!) and let him take her for a few laps. It is GREAT to be able to watch and listen!

ErnestSw

I feel your joy. DE Maverick region tomorrow!