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12-21-2003, 10:22 PM
#2
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DE's are not really racing, or shouldn't be thought of as racing. Its mostly continous lapping with an instructor to show you the line around the track. You will slowly get up to speed, up to YOUR speed is the most important thing to keep in mind. Ultimately not driving over your (or your cars) head.
Check with your local PCA chapter and/or their website for the next event.
Check with your local PCA chapter and/or their website for the next event.
12-22-2003, 09:31 AM
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Michele,I am a noreaster(PCA region,actually a New Yorker at heart) have a transporter going to Sebring in Februaryl be going to the pca club race and their is a de run in conjunction with it.I believe you need to be signed off to drive alone as the region running the event does not supply instructors.We do have many de events locally when the spring arrives.We have clients that drive at LIME ROCK,NHIS,WATKINS GLENN,MOSPORT,MT.TREMBLANT just to name a few.I recomend you contact the N.E region of the PCA and check out the schedule.If I can help in any way,please feel free to call or e mail me directly.As a pca racer and instructor I would like to welcome you to the wonderfull world of the Porsche Club of America.
12-22-2003, 10:07 AM
#6
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Hi Michele,
The comments above are exactly right - you'll have a blast! As well, when you join PCA, you can run with any Region who has an event at a local track (register early though - they fill up fast!).
From Brookline - NHIS would be the closest for you, with Lime Rock being not too much further. In May - you'll see that MetroNY has a two-day at NHIS, and many of us try to make that one to start the season off. As well, here is a link to the NER Region of PCA (it's your local Region) : http://www.porschenet.com/ so you can find out what's happening in your area. I'll also tell you NER has one of the finest local Newsletters of any PCA Region.
Hope to meet you at an event - and be prepared to have an amazing time!!!
The comments above are exactly right - you'll have a blast! As well, when you join PCA, you can run with any Region who has an event at a local track (register early though - they fill up fast!).
From Brookline - NHIS would be the closest for you, with Lime Rock being not too much further. In May - you'll see that MetroNY has a two-day at NHIS, and many of us try to make that one to start the season off. As well, here is a link to the NER Region of PCA (it's your local Region) : http://www.porschenet.com/ so you can find out what's happening in your area. I'll also tell you NER has one of the finest local Newsletters of any PCA Region.
Hope to meet you at an event - and be prepared to have an amazing time!!!
12-22-2003, 01:13 PM
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Michele,
Once you sort yourself out with the PCA and the NER you will find out they have several autocross events out at the old Ft. Devens (out route.2 past concord). This would provide you with a good opportunity to test your skills as well as connect you with other people who share your interest. unfortunately, you will need to wait for the thaw.
You could use the down time to get someone like J. Pelligrino to do a bunch of performance mods to your car over the winter
Once you sort yourself out with the PCA and the NER you will find out they have several autocross events out at the old Ft. Devens (out route.2 past concord). This would provide you with a good opportunity to test your skills as well as connect you with other people who share your interest. unfortunately, you will need to wait for the thaw.
You could use the down time to get someone like J. Pelligrino to do a bunch of performance mods to your car over the winter
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12-22-2003, 08:30 PM
#8
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thoughtful replies
These are all very thoughtful replies. I appreciate the advice, especially from such experts. It is exciting to be introduced to the field by the very 'movers and shakers' responsible for its success. So, now that I am really psyched about doing this I have a couple of more questions.
First, I went to the North East PCA site and searched for their 2004 calendar. All I could come up with were 2003 events. Not sure if I am missing something there, since all of this is new to me. J. P., you mentioned an event in February that I would like to learn more about. Is there a specific website for that event?
Second, regarding the discussion of DE on the PCA site it refers to preparing your car for the track - A Tech Inspection form. I do not yet have a porsche of my own and was told by friends I can take DE training in my own car, which is an acura cl, 2.3, 5 speed. If this is the case, what will I need to do to my car to prepare it for the track?
First, I went to the North East PCA site and searched for their 2004 calendar. All I could come up with were 2003 events. Not sure if I am missing something there, since all of this is new to me. J. P., you mentioned an event in February that I would like to learn more about. Is there a specific website for that event?
Second, regarding the discussion of DE on the PCA site it refers to preparing your car for the track - A Tech Inspection form. I do not yet have a porsche of my own and was told by friends I can take DE training in my own car, which is an acura cl, 2.3, 5 speed. If this is the case, what will I need to do to my car to prepare it for the track?
12-22-2003, 08:47 PM
#9
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Michele,
Check out http://www.tracquest.com This is a company run by Todd Serota, that provides track time, lots of track time, at some of the best tracks in the East, as well as the West. I have attended two (2) TracQuest events in 2004. The pool of instructors was incredible, lots all with with lots of experience and talent, and very willing to provide instruction to the students as well as provde rides to students in the separate Instructor's Red Run Group.
Dollar for dollar, pound for pound, this is the best bargain out there when you look at the actual track time provided. Also note these are Drive Education events (DE) with no timing provided.
These are very well run events, with every detail thought out in advance by Todd Serota and his colleagues. The TracQuest fee includes continental breakfast both days, catered lunches as well as a bnquet the evening of the 1st day.
Check out http://www.tracquest.com This is a company run by Todd Serota, that provides track time, lots of track time, at some of the best tracks in the East, as well as the West. I have attended two (2) TracQuest events in 2004. The pool of instructors was incredible, lots all with with lots of experience and talent, and very willing to provide instruction to the students as well as provde rides to students in the separate Instructor's Red Run Group.
Dollar for dollar, pound for pound, this is the best bargain out there when you look at the actual track time provided. Also note these are Drive Education events (DE) with no timing provided.
These are very well run events, with every detail thought out in advance by Todd Serota and his colleagues. The TracQuest fee includes continental breakfast both days, catered lunches as well as a bnquet the evening of the 1st day.
12-22-2003, 08:58 PM
#10
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Michele,
Martin's suggestion is an excellent one. But regarding PCA, check with them for specifics for prepping your car for tech inspection. But the basics are:
- Brake pads with > 50% pad thickness
(I'd Definitely have the brake system bled with new fluid)
- Tires with > 50% tread
- all brake lights in working order
- seatbelts in good shape
- no cracks in glass
- battery is "secure" and not just sitting in its tray
- check all fluids
You'll also need a helmet, but some clubs will provide one for loan/rent, and usually gloves, long-sleeve shirt, long pants, and shoes -- all of natural material such as cotton or leather, no synthetics.
But IMHO, perhaps the single most important thing is to go in with ears and mind open to instructors and you'll have a blast. Be ready to get bitten by the bug!
Edward
Martin's suggestion is an excellent one. But regarding PCA, check with them for specifics for prepping your car for tech inspection. But the basics are:
- Brake pads with > 50% pad thickness
(I'd Definitely have the brake system bled with new fluid)
- Tires with > 50% tread
- all brake lights in working order
- seatbelts in good shape
- no cracks in glass
- battery is "secure" and not just sitting in its tray
- check all fluids
You'll also need a helmet, but some clubs will provide one for loan/rent, and usually gloves, long-sleeve shirt, long pants, and shoes -- all of natural material such as cotton or leather, no synthetics.
But IMHO, perhaps the single most important thing is to go in with ears and mind open to instructors and you'll have a blast. Be ready to get bitten by the bug!
Edward
12-22-2003, 09:03 PM
#11
Banned
Hey Michelle...
A couple of comments... Some PCA Regions allow non-Porsches to do their events - and some do not. I'm not sure what NER's policy is on that - so maybe someone from that Region can post back?
Also - I'll fully endorse Todd's TracQuest events on the East Coast )or on EITHER Coast). Todd and TracQuest are a Rennlist Strategic Sponsor - and his events are excellent - with more "track time" then you can probably stand .. If you do sign-up, let Todd know and I'll take you out in the Instructors group as a passenger in whatever I'm driving at the time. You can also drive whatever you'd like - and frankly - have instructed folks in those events in everything from Vipers to Corvettes to WRXs to VW Jettas, to.. Hmmm - well - a LOT of different cars...
Anyway - I think you may need to be a Porsche Owner (with a VIN?) to join PCA - but I'm not sure? Rennlist and TracQuest are a bit different - no proof of ownership is required, just bring along your enthusiasm..
Hope to see you at the track!!!
A couple of comments... Some PCA Regions allow non-Porsches to do their events - and some do not. I'm not sure what NER's policy is on that - so maybe someone from that Region can post back?
Also - I'll fully endorse Todd's TracQuest events on the East Coast )or on EITHER Coast). Todd and TracQuest are a Rennlist Strategic Sponsor - and his events are excellent - with more "track time" then you can probably stand
.. If you do sign-up, let Todd know and I'll take you out in the Instructors group as a passenger in whatever I'm driving at the time. You can also drive whatever you'd like - and frankly - have instructed folks in those events in everything from Vipers to Corvettes to WRXs to VW Jettas, to.. Hmmm - well - a LOT of different cars...Anyway - I think you may need to be a Porsche Owner (with a VIN?) to join PCA - but I'm not sure? Rennlist and TracQuest are a bit different - no proof of ownership is required, just bring along your enthusiasm..
Hope to see you at the track!!!
12-22-2003, 10:04 PM
#12
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Re: thoughtful replies
Originally posted by Turbo Girl
I do not yet have a porsche of my own and was told by friends I can take DE training in my own car, which is an acura cl, 2.3, 5 speed. If this is the case, what will I need to do to my car to prepare it for the track?
I do not yet have a porsche of my own and was told by friends I can take DE training in my own car, which is an acura cl, 2.3, 5 speed. If this is the case, what will I need to do to my car to prepare it for the track?
I'm going to differ a bit with some of the advice you've gotten. Very few car makes do well in a track setting w/o modifications, especially in the areas of tires, brakes & suspension. If your CL is stock (unmodified), it's a very capable front wheel drive ("FWD") 3500 lb. street car riding on all season tires with brakes that were not designed for repetitive high heat generating track use. When I test drove a CL-S, the brakes faded w/just moderately aggressive driving. I would expect that w/FWD, a heavy front weight bias & all season tires, you will trash your front tires in one weekend (or less) of track use. It would make sense to fit appropriate tires & brake pads if you decide to take your car to the track.
I think it's more sensible to get your feet wet by enrolling in one of the pro schools (e.g., Bondurant) that offers "advanced high speed driving" instruction in their cars. If you like it, then by all means enroll in club DEs & make the investment to really get your car in proper shape to challenge your abilities.
12-23-2003, 01:45 AM
#13
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"When I test drove a CL-S, the brakes faded w/just moderately aggressive driving. I would expect that w/FWD, a heavy front weight bias & all season tires, you will trash your front tires in one weekend (or less) of track use. "
You know, since I started doing DEs in a 993, I tend to forget that.
You know, since I started doing DEs in a 993, I tend to forget that.
12-24-2003, 01:13 AM
#14
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I FRIED the brakes on my wife's Honda Accord (hey you drive what you got) at a DE when I was on the early part of my learning curve. I really really learned a LOT on my first DE with an instructor. I had run on track a few times before without an instructor and thought I was driving pretty fast. What a dumb@ss I was. With an instructor onboard, I drove so much harder that the car could barely stop at the end of the day.
Most street car brakes aren't up to the task of driving on track. Porsches are a notable exception. I get some fade with my 993, but can still drive the car afterwards!
Trying to get that Honda to stop at the first red light after leaving the track still gives me nightmares!!
Happy Holidays.
Most street car brakes aren't up to the task of driving on track. Porsches are a notable exception. I get some fade with my 993, but can still drive the car afterwards!
Trying to get that Honda to stop at the first red light after leaving the track still gives me nightmares!!
Happy Holidays.
