MGW-Fla

What: SHARKS AT DAYTONA at the OktoberFast PCA Races

Where: DAYTONA International Speedway - Daytona Beach, Fl

When: October 10th-12th(Fri-Sun)

Its time once again to mark your calendar and start making your plans for our Sharks at Daytona, the 3rd annual of our Florida Fall Shark Gathering! Last year we gathered in conjunction with the Rennsport Reunion III(RR III) event, but this year we are back with the OktoberFast PCA races. There will be more than enough area set aside in the infield for our 928s to congregate. Russell has said he'll have his RV there again as our home base. There is no charge for entering the infield, however, you do have to register and sign the waivers as at all PCA races & as at Sebring.

Two years ago we were the talk of the weekend with both the PCA & Daytona officials for our turnout of 18 928s, especially with there being no 928s racing that weekend. People were noticing us & we gave the idea & were the reason it was decided by PCA to group the cars according to model at last year's international Porsche event, RRIII.

Since the Florida gang has shown a talent and desire with go carts, we'll have go cart racing at a nearby track on Sat. afternoon and slot car racing as well. There have been several requests for a group hotel & most expressing interest thus far have mentioned the beach as opposed to one near the track. There is anything & everything for hotels so most likely, it'll be a moderately priced chain on the oceanfront. I'll have that info later this week. If anyone has a suggestion or preference, speak now with your thoughts regarding accommodations. We'll also plan a group evening out on Sat. at a local restaurant.

For those interested, there is an advanced DE available along with the racing. The web site for the race is: http://www.pcadaytonarace.com/
We'll be there on Friday during practice & qualifying, with the racing being on Sat. & Sun. Racers come from all over the country & Canada for the chance to race at the historic Daytona road course.

I read recently that it seems to be tough to get the Florida Sharkers to commit to events. We've done excellent the past three years for both Daytona and Sebring, with 18-28 cars every time. We've drawn enough attention from PCA that 18 months ago we 928ers were mentioned twice in two different articles in their Panorama magazine three months apart. So we have done well, and our enthusiasm is getting positively noticed, we just need to keep things rolling along & make this event another great Florida Shark Gathering!

The weather is always awesome in mid Oct. here in Florida. So there is no excuse not to show up & support this Florida Shark event. I'll also be sending out an email to our Florida email list too.

Lets have a show of hands on who plans to attend??

Fabio421

Hand up

Mel, maybe I'm missing it but I don't see any DE info in that link you posted. Please clarify.

Thanks

MGW-Fla

If you go to the tab of FAQ's, on the web site:

4. Will there be a DE group?
Yes, there will be a DE group at this event

I've also traded emails with a PCA contact & here's his reply to my question about the DE:

Hi Mel,

The DE is for advanced drivers. They do no have to have a PCA license. If the driver is unknown to the DE folks from Crown or Citrus they will have to provide some proof of experience.

Bill


Not sure if being the Fla.928 Go Cart champ is enough proof for them

MGW-Fla

Usually at both the Daytona & Sebring PCA races, the DE is Sat. afternoon. John Argerious drives his GTS in the DE at Sebring, so he may have a bit more info on how it is handled. Sounds like it'd be fun. I'd guess the best way to qualify is to have participated already in a PCA chapter sponsored DE event. I know my local Florida Crown Chapter has one this coming weekend up at Roebling Road in Savannah. Two day event, need an approved helmet, cost is usually about $250 for the weekend: http://www.pcafcr.org/events_detail.asp?event_id=39
I've been wanting to go to one, just always falls on a weekend that doesn't work for me.

Sharkbody

I thought about a night DE with golf carts. Still not sure if I'll be bringing the M Home. That big hotel by the IHOP was nice, even with the windy weather at the reunion. I'm thinking Sebring will be more golf cart friendly, especially at night. Maybe we can call it a GE. G

Then again, there's always the odd Boxter S available for infieldcross.

MGW-Fla

Yea, they might frown on that in the infield at Daytona. Maybe if we did it in the middle of the night when the main lights were out, we might get away with it for a little while. Course, other than if you bring yours, who else has a golf cart? If we rent them there, we'll only get ourselves in even more trouble!

mcholdfast

You know we'll try to be there. That's the weekend after Petit Le Mans. Whew, the fun just never stops.

You guys going to make it up this way for Petit Le Mans?

Sharkbody

So that should work out well then.

Sharkbody

Now there's a concept. Golf carts/Petit Lemans

Angel84-928

My goal this time is to be at both Daytona & Sebring with my 928. I'm giving it hell trying to get this beeotch running.
I got so frustrated this weekend that I considered loosening the fuel rail nut cap and seeing what fate had in store.

I'll get it fixed sooner or later but definately before Daytona.

RCK

You'll get to hear me and probably see me again; I'll be doing the announcing for the Club Race weekend again (so be careful where you park the RV). Last year the DE group had sessions all 3 days, to include the last session on Sunday afternoon; I have not seen the schedule for this year but there is this on the web page regarding the DE (the track is not for the inexperienced or the faint at heart):
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This is a PORSCHE ONLY event for PCA members. You must also be a PCA approved instructor or a highly experienced advanced driver with your regions chief driving instructors endorsement.
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Dick Kjellsen
82 Auto, 207K miles, 177.98 HP at the wheel according to Peachstate Dyno Day
"Official" Track Announcer, Daytona PCA Club Race (among others)

MGW-Fla

Thats the way I remember it from the past two years from this race too. We look forward to seeing you again at the races & our Shark Gathering.

MGW-Fla

Ok, I have verified with my local PCA DE coordinator & he confirmed that the DE for OktoberFast is ONLY for top level DE'rs, instructors, and such. He said this is typical at any PCA club race. This due to the fact that there are no instructors available to ride along during the DE since most are already participating in the club racing that same weekend.

Sharkbody

I remember that dude. "George, it's not 6:30, it's 7:00. Rise and shine." I'll be sure to bring the wire cutters. Look forward to seeing you and your 928 if you can bring it. That reminds me to update my list. Memo to self, bring earplugs. G

MGW-Fla

yeah.... remember Dick's early Sunday Morning great rendition of "Goooooooooooooooood Mornin 928ers!!!" he announced over the track PA system??