utkinpol

that`s video from NHMS novices day. it was a very slow event for everybody.
For me too as I it was first event I drove after winter break and all reflexes were off, but I was calmly working on my lines with instructor - and that is what DE is for - you get there, you work on what you think is important, get some feedback from your instructor and hopefully will get better after each session.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n49WolccPjo

nothing nearly dangerous there. just a calm steady pace driving. do not be afraid, do not stress yourself with 'do not track what you cannot afford to leave there' stuff, etc. also you can see - most of time you will spend trailing a car/s ahead of you as no one is allowed to do stupid stuff in instructed PCA groups.

GolfTango3

Based on my admittedly limited DE experience, highway driving on the same roads as text-messaging, latte-swilling soccer moms applying mascara while listening to Rush Limbaugh pondering their next pedicure, is far, far more dangerous.

Plus, it really doesn't matter if you destroy it, that's what insurance is for and Porsche is gonna make more, and they aren't making them any slower.

Jake951

Agree completely with this. Don't try to impress anybody on the track if you are new to this. Your fate is 98% in your own hands. If you are uncomfortable, back off. Speed is not the goal; learning is. And don't worry...you won't be hitting anything close to 185 mph at Lime Rock. It's a short track (about 1-1/2 miles) with a relatively short main straightaway.

I feel more insecure on a busy public highway during rush hour than on the track.

Targa Tim

Definitely track the 911. You'll appreciate why you had paid so much for it afterwards. City driving is boring.

SARGEPUG

Great video and you just made up my mind, I am going for it. What you did is exactly what I am comfortable with at this point! Also great feedback from all you guys in this thread!

SARGEPUG

I agree, but I actually live mostly in the burbs, so I am typically on backroads. Knowing my NASCAR on track experiance has me itching to do this in the P-car. My smile was a mile wide when I was done w/ my 10 laps. One of the greatest experainces and appreciation of what a car can really do and the forces the drivers feel, etc.

Domer911

I just tracked it to...my garage. Safely under cover.

gotta learn to drive it first!

Alan Smithee

Great. Now maybe you will get rid of all that golf crap.

I see that you have a clear bra, which is good. One side effect to track driving, especially with a black car, is front bumper/hood rash.

TRAKCAR

Do it!

At least try it out.
If you're worried about scratched on your bra or car just tape the crap out of it with painters tape for your peace of mind.

You have the car for it.
Check your ego at track out (However, as soon as you get out of the car you can speak FLATOUT, once the track goes cold, the more beer the FLATOUTER you may become.) and listen to your instructor at all times. You pilot, he captain :-)

I'd say you have zero chance of hurting yourself or the car. Check the brake pads, bleed the brakes and you are good to go for the first few weekends. It's a Porsche, it will love the excercise!

Frino

I've done twelve high performance driving schools over the last seven years, three of which were with my 911.

I believe the risks are worth the rewards up until the point where you need to go faster in order to get better. The PCA or CCA schools for first timers are extremely safe and, IMHO, safer than driving on the street to the extent it's a controlled environment.

Having said that, I am not doing any more schools primarily because I was at the point where the risks (of running in faster intermediate runs groups) were beyond my comfort level.

My advice would be to check out a least one high performance driving event...you and the car will be fine and it will be an experience you won't soon forget.

zoomzoommo

In addition to clear bra, take a look at headlight protection:

http://www.xpel.com/products/headlight.asp

My 997.1 headlights were pitted from the track debris. Got the Xpel clear covers for the 997.2.

K964

Great and accurate post. You'll be in the Green run group with like-minded individuals. One word of caution though: last year a Green run group student of mine in an '09 C2S enjoyed his tracking experience so much that he completely slid down the slippery slope and just purchased an '11 GT3. Track driving (DEs) and Club Racing is ridiculously addicting!!!

Mike

BlueJay73

I've tracked my car quite a few times--the best, most fun recreational thing I've done in a while. It sort of validates my choice of owning a high performance sports car-- is it for looks, or do you really want to drive it like it was made for.
Porsche DE's are very structured for safety. You have driver's class time before you go out on the track. The DE rules, and the track's rules, are very clear and no nonsense. No passing except in certain pass zones. No passing without permission from the driver you are waiting to pass (he waves you around). Two wheels off, come in for a debrief. Two wheels off twice, you may be done for the day. They don't put up with any aggressive foolishness.
The cars are started with large gaps between cars, so they are not bunched up.
Your instructor values his life, and is in constant communication with you via mic/headsets you both wear.
It is a learning experience. It is a track experience, on a road with runoff areas. It is NOT a race.
I am comfortable doing a lapping day on the track. I would never race my 911 unless I had the money to replace it easily.
Tracking is waaaay different than racing. I watch the Spec Miata guys go at it in a race--3 cars fighting for position around a turn, about a foot apart. DE's and lapping days (tracking) are not like that at all.
Having done it, I can't think of owning a Porsche and not doing it.
And when you're finished, you drive home slower than usual because you are spent from the experience, and you got it out on the track, safely. It is fun, but I would not call it relaxing.
My 2 cents.

Alan Smithee

Hey BlueJay - you going to the first day at NOLAMP on 8/6?

Scott997

Almost every single week.......