smithk993

I would like to do one DE this year and am looking at two options. 1) BMW Tarheel region is holding a VIR DE in November and 2) the Carolinas region of PCA is holding a DE at Carolina Motorsport Park in October. Any opinions on which would be best value/instruction? I have previously attended a BMW event at VIR and was very pleased with the organization. They don't limit to BMW's. I will be in the novice run group.

Thanks for the feedback.

Todd B

Why not just do both?

I'm still working my way up the ranks and have just been going to Summit Point. I have 6 track days left this year .

Jeff 993TT

If this is your first DE, then any one will be fine.

Personally, I'd prefer to go to the PCA events becuase the instructors will actually have experience driving a 993. I'd choose whichever event seems safer and has more instructors. It's the instructors that make all the difference when you are starting out.

Jeff

E. J. - 993 Alumni

Keith, I am an instructor in both regions for both clubs - I used to live in Charlotte. I would definately, hands down do the VIR event - the track is one of the top 3 or 4 in the whole country. The instructors are mostly the same group of guys for both clubs. Unfortunately I will not be doing either (yet) or I would offer to instruct you. CMP is a fun, short tight track with some speedy sections. VIR is a fast, open LONG challenging track with some incredible elevation changes. There really is no comparison.

If you choose the VIR event, request Mickey Dowling as your instructor - he is a 944 guy and BMW guy from Roanoke and is one of the best PCA instructors around. If you choose the CMP event, request Dick Lane as your instructor - he is the cheif instructor of the region.

Good luck and have fun - never miss an opportunity to run VIR - especially the full course.

E. J.

Jim Michaels

I'm with E. J. Although both tracks are relatively new and have plenty of good runoff room almost everywhere, VIR is much more fun to drive. The PCA and BMW regions both have good instructors; with either it's luck of the draw, unless you special request. The weather at either place/date should be ok. I mention that because the last two times I did Kershaw (CMP) was July (106 deg/116 heat index, and I had 2 students), and November (low 40s on Sat/wintery mix on Sun).

smithk993

Thanks for the input. I have been to VIR once with my 95 M3 and after having been been before in the 70's...wow what a facility...I definitely would go there.. only concern was whether or not the PCA instructors might be better equipped to handle the rear engine handling traits of the 993. The M3 is truely forgiving compared to my prior experiences with 911's.

E. J. - 993 Alumni

Keith,

Just request a 911 instructor - I am sure there will be a few there.

Even if not, I would rather drive VIR with a BMW instructor than CMP with Darren Law.

E. J.

Jim Michaels

Keith:
What rear end handling traits of the 993? Do you mean the excessive push? Do your braking/slowing in a straight line and try to have at least some throttle through the turn. The 993 doesn't have the snap oversteer of earlier 911s.

E. J., good point; but as much as I like VIR (back to the '60s), I might choose Darren Law at Kershaw.

E. J. - 993 Alumni

[quote]Originally posted by Jim Michaels:
<strong>I might choose Darren Law at Kershaw.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Of you could come to the G&W fall Fling for two days of open track at VIR and pay a few extra dollars to have Darren or any of the other G&W drivers take you for a few laps in your own car.

E. J.

Dbltime

Hey, this is not the racing/track board... You are on the 993 board where we discuss cup holders and windshield squeeks.

Driving road courses is like having dinner with a exciting women. Each event has its pleasures. Can you say that on this forum? Experience every track.

Once you get those first 70 track days out of the way you will have a ball!

Sam N

What happens on the 71st track day??
Is it then that I could join the real racing in C stock?!

MJBird993

First of all Keith, my feelings are hurt that you didn't ask me directly. Secondly, as a fellow 993 driver, I would be happy to instruct you at VIR. Thirdly, as a "novice" student, you probably (hopefully!) aren't going to push the car such that you are approaching the handling limits. Fourth, the 993 in stock trim does tend to push, so #3 ain't such a big deal. Fifth, if I'm not there at November (or I am but you don't want me), request Scott Crawford, very fast, very good 911 instructor.

I echo everyone else's comments - VIR is superior to CMP. However, you should still do CMP sometime just for fun. I also recommend Roebling Road, in Savannah, great track to learn a new car on.

Michael

E. J. - 993 Alumni

Agree with Scott Crawford, his 911 is fast. Godd guy too.

E. J.

RSRRacer

My vote goes to VIR, this after logging about 20 days at CMP and 40 at VIR.

CMP is very sandy, and it WILL destroy your paint and windshield if you care about that. Also it will eat tires, pads, and rotors.

smithk993

Great feedback! Seems like a no brainer! VIR it is! Now if I can just get my application in the mail and get it in on time! November should certainly be cooler than the July event!

Thanks.