Why can't the 951 do well in autoX?
#46
Yeah, going fast is fun... but I also like the competitive aspect of it. I'm TRYING to set a fast time, I'm TRYING to beat the guy ahead of me (who is usually my sh*t talking 993 driving friend). It's a VERY different mindset from a DE (if you are driving a DE with the same mindset as if it was a race then you're doing it wrong). There is pressure involved at an AX that isn't there at a DE - you only get a handful of chances to get it right.
Plus driving around an empty parking lot would get boring. Part of what adds to the intensity is that the gates you need to try to thread your car through are only a few inches wider than the car. It makes it FEEL faster when you're trying to get through a gate at 40mph that only leaves you 6" on either side...
#47
Rennlist Member
I am by no means an expert. I have only done one event in my 951, but it was either no power and bogging or hanging the tail out. There was not much in between. Now my setup has changed a lot since then, but I would imagine the car would still react in a similar fashion.
#48
I am by no means an expert. I have only done one event in my 951, but it was either no power and bogging or hanging the tail out. There was not much in between. Now my setup has changed a lot since then, but I would imagine the car would still react in a similar fashion.
#49
Rennlist Member
How about some of you guys showing us some video???
#50
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: San Rafael, CA
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#52
I can tell you, there is MUCH to be learned in an AutoX. Discipline is very hard to come by. You have to use it to win. Technically sound knowledge is greatly enhanced. By the time I got out to the Road race circuit, I was way ahead of the game. Behind of course in many ways that are obvious with higher speed issues. But as the experience in that eventually evolved, I always found my track times get shorter when I start using that autocross discipline and technical knowledge I had learned so long ago.
#54
I've got a 951 and an S2. I've auto crossed both extensively. The S2 is generally better unless the course is more open. However, I think a 951 with an S2 trans would do well.
#55
Three Wheelin'
I can tell you, there is MUCH to be learned in an AutoX. Discipline is very hard to come by. You have to use it to win. Technically sound knowledge is greatly enhanced. By the time I got out to the Road race circuit, I was way ahead of the game. Behind of course in many ways that are obvious with higher speed issues. But as the experience in that eventually evolved, I always found my track times get shorter when I start using that autocross discipline and technical knowledge I had learned so long ago.
I started autocrossing a bit more about 2 years ago, mainly because my they are hosted by the local PCA chapter, I do the tech inspections, it was a good way to get new Porsche customers and so on. But, I found that those few autoX events a year dramatically improved my on-the-limit car control skills and honed my reactions. I credit this rediscovery of autoX with being able to take my driving to the next level.
I still agree that at an autoX you do spend a lot of time waiting around, but the discipline and car control skills that are gained are more than worth it. You will be able to excel at learning new tracks more quickly, and will be more comfortable at the limit of your car at the higher speeds of a racetrack if this has been amply experienced at the lower speeds/limits of the auto X course. Plus, the risk on your car and wear and tear are minimal compared to full-blown track days!
#57
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
#58
A while back our PCA club had a big fight because some wanted a tight course while others wanted a big flowing set up. I was Geneva, but some of the 914 guys never came back which I was very sad to see. I perfer a faster course but I think a mix is best for the majority.. Any Older Porsches out there? 356,914, early 911s?
#59
As for videos, I think I posted 4-5 videos in the Auto-X section.... here's a couple from last year:
This was our tightest course of the year, and the first time I successfully pulled off a 2-1 downshift (which saved my ***, I picked up a solid .75s with it). We rented the lot without seeing it in person and it turned out to be a LOT tighter than we expected.
At Tire Rack's facility: