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Next weekend I'll be driving SPA at a Porsche Club HPDE event. This will be my first time at Spa and first European DE. Any tips on European DE differences would be appreciated. I've heard they run with the windows up. How are point-bys indicated?
I'm considering track insurance for the event. Any recommendations?
Windows up. No point bys. Slower car keeps the racing line, faster car makes the pass allowing for enough safety margins as to not upset or put other in jeopardy.
Point by's via turn signal only, but you are indicating where YOU are going, NOT the side you want to be overtaken. So in Europe its like on public roads. So logical.
Because they take safety into the 21st century and they are not old stubborn idiots like many relic track operators and other people in charge of safety the US, you must drive with windows closed. So logical.
Point by's via turn signal only, but you are indicating where YOU are going, NOT the side you want to be overtaken. So in Europe its like on public roads. So logical.
Because they take safety into the 21st century and they are not old stubborn idiots like many relic track operators and other people in charge of safety the US, you must drive with windows closed. So logical.
Never mind that cars close windows on impact
It's like heaven, really
Yea it's really weird, they def do it the right way. Here in the states most of the driving schools do it the same way: windows up, use signals if needed. Still can't figure out why PCA et al can't get on board. They always seem to worry about the wrong things and end up making things a whole lot more dangerous. How they think taking your hands of the wheel for a point by is safer I'll never know
I think that US track days are maybe politer than European trackdays.
Maybe Trakcar can chime in on this.
I use "If catched up - your overtaken" as my mantra but there are always those that uses: "If catched up - block and increase speed".
I find that happens here in the US as well. Some guys just can't take the hit to the ol' ego, then they forget their lines and end up being even slower and more of a hazard. One thing I did find in Europe was people taking a wide line. I thought they were opening the door for an inside pass just to have them slam it shut. In the words of the immortal Senna "if you no longer go for a gap, you are no longer a driver" as such I am always a bit hesitant over there when passing.
Overall I would say that most of the track days I've done at Bilster Berg, Spa, Hockenheim, paul ricard, Sud schleife etc gear heads are the same the world over great people but all prone to the same frailties.
I will be there to.
I'm driving a silver 991 RS, in the expert series.
And will be in an F1 box, of the "Belgian Porsche Friends", but I don't know the box number yet!
Come ,and visit us! I will be glad to give you,as much info as you want!
See you in Franco, saturday or friday evening!
Jos (licence plate "PJ-2")
Yes, they should allow that in the USA. Maybe we can start a petition or something - it's so much better.
I'll be driving Spa July 10-11 with RSR as well, so please share vids and tips!
You'll have a great time! My only tip is to take Eau Rouge a little easy the first couple times, until you feel comfortable with the line (there are things to hit to both left and right if you get it wrong). Brake at the bottom of the hill for the approach all the way to the left side of track (beyond the line) before the climb. I know it used to be considered a flat-out corner for some of the F1 guys, but I wouldn't recommend that your first day.
And it's culturally appropriate to have a fine Belgian beer at the trackside lunch (imagine that in US?)
You'll have a great time! My only tip is to take Eau Rouge a little easy the first couple times, until you feel comfortable with the line (there are things to hit to both left and right if you get it wrong). Brake at the bottom of the hill for the approach all the way to the left side of track (beyond the line) before the climb. I know it used to be considered a flat-out corner for some of the F1 guys, but I wouldn't recommend that your first day.
And it's culturally appropriate to have a fine Belgian beer at the trackside lunch (imagine that in US?)
and follow the kerb up the right side of the hill, the point of departure/apex
is much later than you think and will put you on the painted berm on the
inside of Le Radillion which in the wet is very very bad... even in the dry any
direction change or weight transfer over the crest is not recommended
05-29-2017, 03:19 AM
Spa HPDE
