TR6

Running the 3.1 track. I'll be there. Number 500. White 911. Looks like there are 132 registrants as of today.

ervtx

Even though MSR is my "home" track, this will only be my 2nd DE here, and my first time on the 3.1.

So I'll be driving the number 618 black C4 cab like a rookie (and tapping the brakes before ricochet!).

SWA911

I'm out. Going to the Topeka Club Race the following weekend.

BTW Greg thanks for the picture CD. You really have some great shots. Super photography!

David 23

I hope to run the new car. Still have some things to finish up, but if a couple more parts come in on time I think I should be ok. I had hoped to have a bunch of track time in the car before the DE, but it looks like it may be my "get familiar" with the new car weekend.

Good luck in Topeka Jeff. I hope all goes well for you!

mglobe

I'm in.

Only my second time at MSR also, so my left arm will be getting even more of a workout than usual.

David 23

On the 3.1, with the much longer approach, most cars will use substantial brake before Ricochet.

TR6

Instead of your right arm which usually gets the most workout...

himself

I'm in as well, Greg. How happy is your wife that your car is back

I'm also going to be at the Driver's Edge event this weekend at Eagles Canyon. Ruf is sponsoring the event, so it's going to be awesome! For those of you who want more track time, the driver's edge puts on a good event.

Tom

Toby Pennycuff

Interesting...... You need to get used to your D car. If it's anything at all about momentum, you will not want to use too much brake (IMO).

I just looked at some of my laps on the 3.1 as recorded by TraqMate. On average across several sessions at last October's DE, my entry speed just before a quick "tap" on the brakes (after the crest of the hill and just before turn-in) was 91MPH, after the tap (which was ALWAYS too much) I had pulled back to about 79-81MPH and that was just prior to turn-in. Apex at 79-81 and track-out at 83-84. So even though I thought I had only "tapped" the brakes, I threw the anchor out WAY too much and lost a lot of exit speed.

The TraqMate is a wonderful device to show you just what a crummy driver one can be!

I probably will not be there in April. Am considering doing a member day the first Sunday in April.

Toby

ervtx

Toby, that really is useful data. Not sure how to apply it to my car.

Compared to yours, my car is HEAVY. It's probably the heaviest 996 on the track, for that matter. So I've got more mass that's got to get re-settled after cresting the hill, even on the 1.7. And understeer. So when I said I would be tapping the brakes, it was to get the car settled at all costs (impact on entry speed be damned!) and lighten up the rear so the car will turn.

Since David made a good point (3.1 vs. 1.7 approach speed), I assume that I now have to both load up the front suspension AND slow down. My car has more horsepower as well, so my speed at turn in could now be higher than your 91? Translation: You guys have me thinking that I need to brake before/at the hill, and then tap at entry to Ricochet. Does that sound right? Or is there time to still get it all done after the hill (for the driver, that is, not the car)?

deep_uv

LMAO!! How true! No wonder he can really shake a martini.

I'm there. 3rd time at MSR, but first time to run the 3.1. Instructor, please.

C.J. Ichiban

I'm trying to go, but will only be able to attend the morning sessions and maybe one afternoon lapping session on saturday, and possibly one or two sessions on sunday morning. Should be worth it just to meet a few new faces and get some official DE time under my belt in the RS.

On ricochet in my 993TT (and RS for that matter), I've found it's much easier to slow down right after the crest of the hill and do it all at once as opposed to trying to tap, lift, tap on the brakes...don't want a weight yo-yo before a downhill turn. This also allows me to get on the throttle a bit before the apex and put in a slight drift out of the turn (and there's exit curbing there now-YAY!).

I'm seeing indicated speeds well over 100mph before the crest. Another thing to remember is to stay left in the transition section between the 1.3 and the 1.7- there's a ridge that can really unsettle the car if you're not ready for it and you're too far to the right...plus the car gets really light (especially my 993, but with 570hp and bad aero, what should I expect?) so staying left and staying on the throttle will prevent any of those snappy spins we're all trying to minimize.

FWIW my 993 is really heavy too...AWD, cage, full lux interior +stereo...

ervtx

Thanks, C.J., just the insight I was looking for. Except for hp, some good reference points for me. +1 on the YAY for exit curbing - my cajones just got a little larger. On the other hand, I'm guessing that heading towards the blind drop off after the crest at 3.1 speeds will require some getting used to.

jakermc

I agree with David, this will be a real braking zone for you. Done right I think track out speeds will be between 90-95+ mph even with braking before turn in. If you get the exit right on the last turn of the new section you will be flying on the straight leading to ricochet!

Best place to brake is after the suspension settles on the backside of the hill. Before the hill is too early, though you can lift here as you practice and work up your courage. Also be careful to wait for the suspension to settle before braking, otherwise you're looking at a tank slapper.

The other hint is that you need to use the sensation of the suspension settling as your indicator for the braking zone. In other words don't look at the braking zone, keep your eyes ahead of your car and focused on the apex. Getting fixated here will cause a late turn in as everything happens pretty fast.

MJHanna

I just scream going down the hill and hope the car turns at the bottom.