A.J. - 95 993

Anyone planning on going to the Driver's Ed at Putnam Park on April 27 & 28? Anir/Greg? I have been given authorization to not only attend but to participate. It will be my first, and I'm excited as hell. In fact, I'm going to be bringing a few friends and hopefully a few will even drive. The PCA DE's are not limited to P-car's, are they? Also, do M Roadsters require a rollbar be added, or are the roll hoops sufficient?

Also, there is a visit at the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY coming up the same weekend. I was hoping to attend both, but didn't realize they were on the same weekend. From what I understand, this event is a large one. It is being referred to as The Visit 2.0 - is the second year. If I have my story straight, last year they tried to get television coverage arranged, but couldn't get any firm committments (from MotorTrend Magazine on Speedvision?). The producers weren't sure of the event since it was the first year. Since it was such a success, evidently they will send someone to this year's event. It also seems like they will be advertising in Excellence and other Porsche publications. This is all info that I'm trying to remember from the last PCA meeting that I attended (a few months ago ) Anyways, The Visit is a four day event starting on Thursday, April 25th, and is packed full of events and activities ranging from seminars by Bruce Anderson, dynos and go-kart racing to auto-x and drag racing. Check <a href="http://www.corvettemuseum.com/registration" target="_blank">www.corvettemuseum.com/registration</a> for details.

bet

A.J.

I am in the same boat as you. I want to go to Putnam but also the Visit 2.0. I was getting ready to mail my check to Putnam yesterday when I realized the conflict on the dates. What makes the decision more difficult is that my region of PCA is a co-sponsor of the Visit 2.0 and I am the VP so I am really torn.

I do know that Greg is going to Putnam.

Mr Michael B

I will be at Visit 2.0!

Hope to see a bunch of you there. I will be easy to spot, as I am scheduled to sit right next to Bruce Anderson w/ my pal Stephen Kaspar for a "tuner" talk session.

I also plan on tearing up the Auto X & Drag racing a 993 TT.

STLPCA

Hey guys
Scheduling conflict solved - join us here in St. Louis for the <a href="http://vista.pca.org//stl/events/0402CC.html" target="_blank">St. Louis Region PCA "2002 Carrera Classic" DE</a> at <a href="http://www.gatewayraceway.com/html/oval_map_detailed.html" target="_blank">Gateway International Raceway (road course).</a>

Gateway is a great beginner's track. Easy to learn - the entire course is 3rd gear except for an upshift to 4th on the banked oval into the straight & a downshift to 3rd after the straight. 5 min from downtown St. Louis.

Spaces fill up fast, so if you're interested, register soon. BTW, BMWCCA, as well as PCA, are at a discounted price. M2000 helmets are OK. Don't know about M roadster rollbar, but Boxters are fine with their oem roll hoops so I'd guess M's are also OK (I'll find out if you're interested).

Anir

[quote]Originally posted by bet:
<strong>A.J., I do know that Greg is going to Putnam.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Hey AJ and Brian,

Actually, I am pretty sure that Greg will not be attending Putnam that weekend. He convinced me to accompany him to a Viper Days D.E. at Mid Ohio from 4/26 - 4/27. He keeps telling me I've got to get on a "real" track!!

Actually, Putnam is a GREAT beginner's course. I did three track weekends there last year, and felt very comfortable from the get-go. Open and flat, nice mix of on-camber and off-camber turns, pretty straightforward stuff. The only place where you could really crunch it is turn 10; otherwise, plenty of run-off.

It sounds like Dan's suggestions are pretty good, too. I'm going to check into those St. Louis weekends. Maybe, it's time for a road trip out west!

Jim in St.Louis

The St. Louis region PCA is having the DE event April 20 and 21 and a second event July 27 & 28. Check our web site for application and details. "www.pca.org/stl" You can contact me for any details not provided. "STLRCR@aol.com" We already have over 40 spots taken for April, so think fast. You will have a good time!
Jim in St. Louis

STLPCA

[quote]Originally posted by Anir:
<strong>It sounds like Dan's suggestions are pretty good, too. I'm going to check into those St. Louis weekends. Maybe, it's time for a road trip out west! </strong><hr></blockquote>


Anir
As an added incentive - my town, so Sat night dinner is on me .............. but I pick the place

E. J. - 993 Alumni

[quote]Originally posted by Anir:
<strong>Actually, I am pretty sure that Greg will not be attending Putnam that weekend. He convinced me to accompany him to a Viper Days D.E. at Mid Ohio from 4/26 - 4/27.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I am glad you made the right decision. I hope more 993 rennlisters will consider this event too. Viper Days has a ton of track time with some really awesome cars.

AJ - get some experience at Putnam (why would you want to look at a bunch of american cars anyway ) and then come to Mid Ohio for Viper DAys. You wont regret it. I hope to meet a lot of Rennilsters there.

E. J.

Anir

[quote]Originally posted by Dan 96C2 St.Louis:
<strong>Anir
As an added incentive - my town, so Sat night dinner is on me .............. but I pick the place </strong><hr></blockquote>

Dan,

You've got a deal! Based on Jim's helpful advice, I've written Tom Lonergan to inquire about the July event (no application yet available on the website - it is a bit early ).

EJ,

I'm really looking forward to Viper Days AND Mid Ohio. Hope we have good weather. I am also planning to attend the Viper Days event at VIR (your stomping ground, right?!) in July if they can accomodate me. I've written Tammy and Bruce, and they forwarded my name to Courtney Thomas (Registrar). I'm still waiting to hear back on both events - fingers crossed.

<img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />

FELKER

The way the weather is going around here, it will likely be 30 degrees and snowing in APRIL!

YOu all remember the BMW DE in Sept a few year ago? BRRRRR ,, 100+ mph top down in 40 degres...


I will be there in April, "NEW" 993 Turbo ready to go...

ALso trying to get permission to go INDY the next weekend.

STLPCA

[quote]Originally posted by Anir:
<strong>You've got a deal! Based on Jim's helpful advice, I've written Tom Lonergan to inquire about the July event (no application yet available on the website - it is a bit early</strong><hr></blockquote>

Anir
Ok, July it is. That will give me more time to save, so a restaurant w/tablecloths & metal utensils just MIGHT be possible <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

A.J. - 95 993

EJ,

I promised my wife this DE is the only one of the year that I'm going to beg for, and I'm not going to autocross - I haven't been competitive autocrossing, and won't be til I can get some dedicated tires. Last year I wanted to go to a Putnam DE, but got shot down over $$$. This year I've made the committment to get one in. Next year I hope to be in better shape to be able to have dedicated wheels/tires, and be able to expand my horizons a bit. Mid Ohio is definitely a goal that I have. I have a cousin who lives in that area, and has invited me to join her at the track. She has already done a DE there. If I could only find a sponsor...!

The ironic thing about it is my wife was interested in going to the PCA event at the Corvette plant when we heard about it last year. Now, with the DE, I figure I'll spend LESS money than we would have if we attended The Visit!

Anir

[quote]Originally posted by A.J. - 95 993:
<strong>The ironic thing about it is my wife was interested in going to the PCA event at the Corvette plant when we heard about it last year. Now, with the DE, I figure I'll spend LESS money than we would have if we attended The Visit!</strong><hr></blockquote>

AJ, you've got to convince her that DE events can also be enjoyable social events. It's not just about watching the cars go round and round and...

Friends go to dinner, and we'll often coordinate things so that the wives and kids come to the same event. She'll like them!

P.S. - Time for a good Valentine's day gift, perhaps?

A.J. - 95 993

Anir,
I agree 100% about the social aspect. <img src="graemlins/drink.gif" border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" /> Once I get to a few DE's, I'll be able to plan a day for her as well. But as I learn the ropes, I don't want to worry about having to entertain her and Dylan (6 mo old). She has gone to a few autocrosses and gets bored when I'm not running, sitting out in the sun. Once I become more familiar with people attending and what's going on other than racing, then I can tempt her into having fun with me. <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />

I was really hoping to see you at Putnam - I've never been in a Turbo... Actually, I would REALLY love to go to Mid Ohio instead, but I want to start small. Nobody has answered my question, though - surely the PCA DE is open to other makes of cars, isn't it? And are the roll hoops on the M Roadster sufficient for safety, or do they still require a roll bar? My dad and a friend each have 2002 M Roadsters, and the friend for sure is strongly considering participating. I think dad will opt out due to fear of excessive tire wear.

Robert Henriksen

[quote]Originally posted by A.J. - 95 993:
<strong>Nobody has answered my question, though - surely the PCA DE is open to other makes of cars, isn't it? And are the roll hoops on the M Roadster sufficient for safety, or do they still require a roll bar? My dad and a friend each have 2002 M Roadsters, and the friend for sure is strongly considering participating. I think dad will opt out due to fear of excessive tire wear.</strong><hr></blockquote>

You've got to contact the PCA region putting on the event, and just ask!! Requirements can vary, region to region. Nobody here can tell you better than just going to the source.