Getting fed up with racing -too much time and money...
05-16-2018, 06:44 PM
#49
Race Car
My first DE weekend I quickly realized DE's were NOT test days, when I almost rear ended a car that suddenly slowed before a brake zone for no apparent reason, and I went off to miss them. (vs just pass in a brake zone before turn-in)
That said, for me, Instructing at DE's has been almost as rewarding as racing.
I love to see a student progress and get that mile wide smile as they start to 'get it'. Even better when you've worked with someone a few weekends and see them move up to solo, then instructor, or even racer.
I would encourage everyone to consider instructing at DE's. the benefits can be priceless.
05-16-2018, 09:41 PM
#50
Three Wheelin'
I used to drive to DE and circle around. Then I got open trailer to tow street car, then got a race car with enclosed. It was fun buying bunch of stuff and seeing myself improve and understand this and that.
Then it was too much planning to pick up the trailer, pick up the race car from the shop, load up, start towing - then worry about where to park and unloading blah blah. Enjoyed every moment of it though but it was a big hassle and became a second job. I'm lazy so I got burned out.
I do 3-4 events of DE per year if that. It's simple. I drive there and circle around and come back. Sure I miss using sticky tires but simplicity was key for me. I was so happy to pack up less than an hour the night before.
If I ever get back with a race car, I will only consider arrive and drive and have the shop do every single maintenance and prep for me. Even feed and chew my food for me lol
Then it was too much planning to pick up the trailer, pick up the race car from the shop, load up, start towing - then worry about where to park and unloading blah blah. Enjoyed every moment of it though but it was a big hassle and became a second job. I'm lazy so I got burned out.
I do 3-4 events of DE per year if that. It's simple. I drive there and circle around and come back. Sure I miss using sticky tires but simplicity was key for me. I was so happy to pack up less than an hour the night before.
If I ever get back with a race car, I will only consider arrive and drive and have the shop do every single maintenance and prep for me. Even feed and chew my food for me lol
05-16-2018, 11:04 PM
#51
Rennlist Member
I raced dirt bikes (motorcycles) from a young age into my 30s (in the 1990s) - MX, hare scrambles or desert races, and enduros. I was an expert rider. Had my first child. Soon after a friend got paralyzed in a race. Then a fellow rider hit a telephone poll and killed himself. Then a friend I was riding behind went over the handle bars, and we thought he was dead - a helo had to come and get him (broken ribs, concussion, but full recovery). My wife was not happy with my hobby. Sold the bike.
Fast forward a decade or more and I got a Cayman S. Did the Porsche Driving Experience. Did it again. Got a GT4 and started going to the track. Crashed it, fixed it, and have finally convinced the spouse I will not kill myself. Oldest has graduated college, middle son is a rising sophomore, youngest is a rising senior in HS. We did (and are done with) travel hockey!
I like DE events. When I watch the racers and talk to them, it seems to me that you may actually get more driving time in a DE weekend than a race weekend. I love the 987 race cars with a huge wing. Maybe I'll get one, but I do not think I will race it. At age 53, it just does not seem like the right thing to do. I"m a pretty competitive person and like the adrenaline rush of going fast, but I think DEs are the most extreme events in my future.
Fast forward a decade or more and I got a Cayman S. Did the Porsche Driving Experience. Did it again. Got a GT4 and started going to the track. Crashed it, fixed it, and have finally convinced the spouse I will not kill myself. Oldest has graduated college, middle son is a rising sophomore, youngest is a rising senior in HS. We did (and are done with) travel hockey!
I like DE events. When I watch the racers and talk to them, it seems to me that you may actually get more driving time in a DE weekend than a race weekend. I love the 987 race cars with a huge wing. Maybe I'll get one, but I do not think I will race it. At age 53, it just does not seem like the right thing to do. I"m a pretty competitive person and like the adrenaline rush of going fast, but I think DEs are the most extreme events in my future.