You Guys Weren't Lying...My 1st DE.
10-19-2004, 01:49 AM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
You Guys Weren't Lying...My 1st DE.
Ahhh....you guys weren't lying. Since our drive back from the West Coast to the pothole ridden, cop infested East Coast I have been looking for roads to "open 'er up". I have not had much luck finding roads comparable to the ones we experienced 4k miles away.
Being the Rennlist addict that I have become, I have read and saw pics of many DE outings and that got me contemplating in doing one myself. Afterall, this is what the car was built for, right? In the back of my mind, the expense, the accelerated wear and tear, and possible wreckage always made me think twice. Post after post of reading the awesome experiences of members pushed me over the edge. I started off by reading the PCA DE Handbook and soon after signed up for a "Novice Day" at my PCA Chapter. For those who don't know, the difference between a "Novice Day" and say a green group is that it's basically an intro to DE and gives you a good opportunity to see whether it's for you or not before blindly sliding down the slippery slope.
You do not need to have the required tech inspection or the mounted fire extinguisher as a novice. Only downside (if you like it) is that you get only 2 runs compared with 4 in all other groups. Many ppl prefer to jump right into the green group, but I liked the slow Novice approach (hey...maybe i'm in the making of an HWFMR member!). We met a lot of nice people, but unfortunately no Rennlisters.
This was the last DE of the season and it was held at Poconos International Speedway (North course).
It was early and the weather was brisk...
I felt a little like Jeff Gordon coming through here....
There were many incredible cars there including GT3s, GT2s, TTs to name a few. But one in particular caught my eye in the paddock.
Yes...the GT. I hope none of my drool got onto the paint. At least none the owner noticed anyway.
By the way CP(Pong)....the owner was a tall fella.
Getting ready to rumble...
(cont. on next post)
Being the Rennlist addict that I have become, I have read and saw pics of many DE outings and that got me contemplating in doing one myself. Afterall, this is what the car was built for, right? In the back of my mind, the expense, the accelerated wear and tear, and possible wreckage always made me think twice. Post after post of reading the awesome experiences of members pushed me over the edge. I started off by reading the PCA DE Handbook and soon after signed up for a "Novice Day" at my PCA Chapter. For those who don't know, the difference between a "Novice Day" and say a green group is that it's basically an intro to DE and gives you a good opportunity to see whether it's for you or not before blindly sliding down the slippery slope.
You do not need to have the required tech inspection or the mounted fire extinguisher as a novice. Only downside (if you like it) is that you get only 2 runs compared with 4 in all other groups. Many ppl prefer to jump right into the green group, but I liked the slow Novice approach (hey...maybe i'm in the making of an HWFMR member!). We met a lot of nice people, but unfortunately no Rennlisters. This was the last DE of the season and it was held at Poconos International Speedway (North course).
It was early and the weather was brisk...
I felt a little like Jeff Gordon coming through here....
There were many incredible cars there including GT3s, GT2s, TTs to name a few. But one in particular caught my eye in the paddock.
Yes...the GT. I hope none of my drool got onto the paint. At least none the owner noticed anyway.
By the way CP(Pong)....the owner was a tall fella.
Getting ready to rumble...
(cont. on next post)
Last edited by Arrwin; 03-02-2005 at 05:56 PM.
10-19-2004, 02:04 AM
#2
Rennlist Member
Arwin,
Great photos of the CT, and congrats on your first DE outing! So, how was it taking your car out there for two sessions?
Great photos of the CT, and congrats on your first DE outing! So, how was it taking your car out there for two sessions?
10-19-2004, 02:20 AM
#3
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
(cont.)
I really lucked out as my first-ever DE instructor was Botho Von Bose. He is a PCA National Member and this year's Candidate for Treasury (10/4 - Pano, pg. 67). He is a true enthusiast in every sense of the word, driving all the way from Canada to attend events like these. Awesome guy and even better instructor. As if I couldn't be any luckier, he drives a GT3 which I was able to get a ride in. He showed me how it's really supposed to be done. Amazing. Thanks again Botho!
In true HWFMR wannabe style...
Taped and ready to go....
I must of applied and reapplied the tape 50x before getting it just right.
I just wanted to give a big thanks to my girlfriend for coming out and supporting my addiction and being the photographer for the day.
Thanks to all those I lived vicariously off of on this board. If it weren't for you guys and seeing/reading how much fun it is, I'd never would of pushed myself to experience this. Thanks!
I realized that performance driving requires a lot of concentration and stamina. Both physically and mentally as I was exhausted by the end of the day. Focusing on the myriad of apexes, turn-ins, turn-outs is definitely a challenge, an inviting one at that. One thing I believe I did master was the arm over the roof point allowing cars to pass. With that said, this is will not be my last DE, but a foreseeing of more to come (budget permitting). I'm already excited and looking forward to driving Lime Rock and the infamous 3.5 mile Watkins Glen next year. Now...time's a wasted...as I have to look for a helmet and fire extinguisher!
I really lucked out as my first-ever DE instructor was Botho Von Bose. He is a PCA National Member and this year's Candidate for Treasury (10/4 - Pano, pg. 67). He is a true enthusiast in every sense of the word, driving all the way from Canada to attend events like these. Awesome guy and even better instructor. As if I couldn't be any luckier, he drives a GT3 which I was able to get a ride in. He showed me how it's really supposed to be done. Amazing. Thanks again Botho!
In true HWFMR wannabe style...
Taped and ready to go....
I must of applied and reapplied the tape 50x before getting it just right.
I just wanted to give a big thanks to my girlfriend for coming out and supporting my addiction and being the photographer for the day.
Thanks to all those I lived vicariously off of on this board. If it weren't for you guys and seeing/reading how much fun it is, I'd never would of pushed myself to experience this. Thanks!
I realized that performance driving requires a lot of concentration and stamina. Both physically and mentally as I was exhausted by the end of the day. Focusing on the myriad of apexes, turn-ins, turn-outs is definitely a challenge, an inviting one at that. One thing I believe I did master was the arm over the roof point allowing cars to pass. With that said, this is will not be my last DE, but a foreseeing of more to come (budget permitting). I'm already excited and looking forward to driving Lime Rock and the infamous 3.5 mile Watkins Glen next year. Now...time's a wasted...as I have to look for a helmet and fire extinguisher!
Last edited by Arrwin; 03-02-2005 at 06:01 PM.
10-19-2004, 02:36 AM
#5
GT3 player par excellence
Lifetime Rennlist
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Lifetime Rennlist
Member
oh no arrwin. you are a goner now.
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10-19-2004, 10:17 AM
#8
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Arrwin
I just joined the Connecticut Valley region. So I may see you in lime rock next year as I plan to try the DE to see what it is all about. How was the wear and tear on your car afterwards?
I just joined the Connecticut Valley region. So I may see you in lime rock next year as I plan to try the DE to see what it is all about. How was the wear and tear on your car afterwards?
10-19-2004, 11:36 AM
#9
Addicted Specialist
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Arrwin,
Congrats, glad you had fun!!! ...and my condolensces
...psst, he's come to the dark side, everybody. Quick, someone give him a mod suggestion.
EDIT: hey wait a minute, I'm selling some track wheels and brake pads in another thread...
Edward
Congrats, glad you had fun!!! ...and my condolensces
...psst, he's come to the dark side, everybody. Quick, someone give him a mod suggestion.
EDIT: hey wait a minute, I'm selling some track wheels and brake pads in another thread...
Edward
Last edited by Edward; 10-19-2004 at 01:41 PM.
10-19-2004, 12:22 PM
#10
The rest is history. You gonna have sum fun now. BTW, your girlfriend is some photographer. I really enjoyed her composition and the framing of her shots, very interesting to look at.
Have fun and start looking for a night job.
Have fun and start looking for a night job.
Last edited by mnmblu; 10-19-2004 at 02:56 PM.
10-19-2004, 01:46 PM
#12
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Originally Posted by Arrwin
One thing I believe I did master was the arm over the roof point allowing cars to pass.
Enjoy the slippery slope, it's a fun ride!
10-19-2004, 02:03 PM
#13
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
You guys are bad...real bad. 
Unfortunately, I'll have to play in my head that day over and over and download lots of track videos in the next couple of looong months to come.
Jauder...i'm waiting for you on the trailer, so I'll know what to get.
Brian...I'm not sure the immediate wear and tear, as I definitely did not push it too hard. I did however became more confident and my speed increased after every lap. I barely used the clutch as I barely shifted. Haha. The brakes and the tires probably suffered the most wear and tear. I checked the tires and didn't notice too much difference. I did not check the brake pads as I'm not sure how to. Any help there would be appreciated.
Not sure if it was all mental, but the car did feel better after. The felt like it breathe better, if that means anything. It felt as if all the dirty stuff was burned off and all it's air passages were clear for it to run. Like the feeling of a good blow of the nose. I can breathe again! Yup....just like that.
Thanks again for everyone's welcome to the DARK SIDE.
Unfortunately, I'll have to play in my head that day over and over and download lots of track videos in the next couple of looong months to come.
Jauder...i'm waiting for you on the trailer, so I'll know what to get.
Brian...I'm not sure the immediate wear and tear, as I definitely did not push it too hard. I did however became more confident and my speed increased after every lap. I barely used the clutch as I barely shifted. Haha. The brakes and the tires probably suffered the most wear and tear. I checked the tires and didn't notice too much difference. I did not check the brake pads as I'm not sure how to. Any help there would be appreciated.
Not sure if it was all mental, but the car did feel better after. The felt like it breathe better, if that means anything. It felt as if all the dirty stuff was burned off and all it's air passages were clear for it to run. Like the feeling of a good blow of the nose. I can breathe again! Yup....just like that.
Thanks again for everyone's welcome to the DARK SIDE.
