Tom B

Recently I purchased a new GT3 and would like to give the DE program a try, but have a few questions. It will be my first experience on a road course.
a. Safety - what is needed? The car will have a fire extinguisher.
b. Does the car need to be "set-up", or are the stock settings okay?
c. Are the stock tires a good choice? Do people run rain tires?
d. Are stock brake pads okay, or should they be changed to more agressive pads?

Thanks for any help/comments,

Tom

mds

Especially if you have no track experience, I recommend looking for good instruction. The car itself is great stock. As you gain experience you may want to change setup, tires etc. But first contact your local PCA for their event schedule, look into auto cross events and consider a professional school like Skip Barber, Jim Russell, Panoz, etc. The GT3 is a great car but it demands respect. It will pay to spend most of your energy on training the driver, IMO.

John Brown

For your first DE and with no other previous experience just come as you are. Rent a helmet for the first time just in case you don't enjoy the experience (not likely but still ...)

You can't, at your first event, go anywhere near as fast as the car can just as it sits.

Register early, the novice student groups are always oversubscribed no matter the venue.

Bill Gregory

I know a number of people who bring their GT3's to the track, stock out of the box. Look over the requirements for the organization, ie PCA or other, you'll run with (having a fire extinguisher may be the only requirement), and you'll be all set.

BrokeAss

One of the prerequisites for getting on the track will be a tech inspection.

A good shop (or dealer) will give your brakes a thorough inspection. You want to make sure that you have adequate pad depth. If your pads are too thin, you'll transfer too much heat into your brake fluid and could possibly boil your fluid leading to a spongy pedal.

If your car is new (opposed to new-to-you) you shouldn't have any problems.

However, I have heard stories from a few GT3 owners that their cars were out of alignment upon delivery. To avoid possible tire wear/handling problems you may want to discuss this topic with your service advisor.

mooty

a. Safety - what is needed? The car will have a fire extinguisher.
___________
since it's first event, it's fine. but if you do get ADDICTED to this DE thing, you should look into one piece seats, harness, roll bar, but for now you are set.

b. Does the car need to be "set-up", or are the stock settings okay?
___________
have a good shop chk alignment. i had two gt3's and the factory alignment was way off and both car had lose sway bars.

c. Are the stock tires a good choice? Do people run rain tires?
___________
stock ps2 or currenlty the pirelli's are fine. they also work as rain tires.


d. Are stock brake pads okay, or should they be changed to more agressive pads?
___________
fine for first DE.
later on you may want different pads and brk fluid.

get instructions on track and just have fun.

JCP911S

Do a PCA DE with your local Porsche club.

In My Not So Humble Opinion, the PCA DE program is THE BEST place for a novice to start. Much better instruction and attention than any other track program, and much cheaper and more relaxed than a pro school.

Plus it is a great place to meet alot of PCA members that might well become new friends. Nothing like being family.... in my experience, people go our of their way to welcome a newcomer and show you the ropes.

Can;t beat it.

Sam N

Tom,

Best of luck getting started. Also, FYI, noticed you are in MD. If you are a member of the Potomac region, you may be required to do an HPDC (High Performance Driving Clinic) prior to registering for your first DE event. Check out pcapotomac.org to be sure. I think it is a relatively new policy.

Congrats on the car. Great car for the track.

Sam

John Brown

Yes, Potomac does. But, how perfect can life be. The Potomac HPDC weekend is this April. It's too cold before then anyway.

Manny Alban

Congrats on the new purchase Tom. I'm about ten minutes down the road from you in Abingdon. Actually, I stash my trailer in Churchville at my parent's house. Sign up for the April HPDC, you'll have a blast!

Robert Henriksen

I've read plenty of the same stories about GT3 alignment as delivered being out of spec, too; I've also ready plenty of stories where you couldn't get a decent alignment out of your friendly neighborhood dealer with an Uzi & a ski mask. I think having the alignment checked on your car is worthwhile, even if it is just your first DE; but I'd ask around for a well-regarded raceshop in your area to check it for you, instead of the dealer.

Unless your dealer happens to support a race team, and the tech who aligns your car sets up the race car(s).

Brian P

Don't say that! I'm signed up for the March Potomac DE event.

Geo

I'll second the "come as you are" with one caveat... If you have any ego about this, leave it at home. Any well maintained car is as safe as the driver. If you don't over drive yourself or the car you will have a blast and come back wanting more.

38D

So true. One of the biggest issues new students have is thinking they are already fast. Driving is kinda like golf...the better you get, the more you realize you suck. So sign up, listen to your instructor and have a blast!

macnewma

Geo, has the right approach. Once you get the simple stuff taken care of like car and helmet, you need think about your mental setup. It will be a very fun and educational weekend if you come prepared (possibly addicting as well). Some things I suggest:

1. Forget "how fast" and think "how well".
2. Ride with your instructor and as many others as possible. Spend as much time on the track as you can.
3. Ask questions from anyone and everyone. The knowledge base that is present will amaze you.
4. Check your oil level between runs.
5. Torque down your lug nuts between runs.
6. Check tire pressures between runs.
7. If you don't know how to do 5,6, or 7 or you don't have the equipment, there is no shame in asking.
8. Wave to the corner workers, safety workers and thank your instructor...oh and have some damn fun!

Max