sundog

I finally broke down and took the 964 out to the track. 2 days at Thunderhill with the Golden Gate Region of the PCA.

What a blast, great fun, great people. My only regret is that I didn't do it earlier.

Stock, to full blown racers were there, so it was easy to see many paths forward. I regestered the night before, so they gave me an easy number that I could tape on.

993inNC

They're a lot of fun! I'm assuming (actually hoping too) that you've been on track before, which is how you are in that car (I assume thats you) by yourself

sbelles

Fasten your safety belts and hide your wallet. The ride will pick up speed from here

DAVISRILEY

Or like most of us, will enter a terminal free fall. Save the middle steps, buy a built track car now!

DogInBlack

Roger that Davis, I'm at terminal velocity and haven't a clue where the handles are!

sundog

That was on Sunday. On Saturday, I had 2 different instructors in 4 sessions. I got the go ahead to go solo on Saturday afternoon. My instructors were magnificent, and took me out in their cars to see where I can be with the right equipment. I've never had any other track or autocross experience with any car. the GGR/PCA is all about safety, major emphasis, and student meetings twice a day.

With my instructor on Saturday afternoon I was turning 2:30's, on Sunday solo I was turning 2:22's. No spins or wheels off the track. I promised the wife and daughter that neither I nor the car would be hurt. Also, at 47 I've gotten most of the stupidity out of my system.

I should add that the car is lowered, corner balanced, and has Euro RS alignment. It really sticks, even on the street tires.

Craig T.

Hmmmm?...I'm 47 too, and just invested another $22K into a 78 SC to gain 4 seconds at Willow Springs. I guess I must have lots of "stupidity" still left in my system

jester911

There isn't anything stupid about that. Well except considering the $22k was an investment.

sundog

No, the type of stupidity I'm talking about was taking a 74 blazer out to an oval at night when I was 16! Not knowing my limits.

My car is also a Tiptronic, so I didn't have to worry about shifting. Just keeping on my line, and other cars.

I know that I'm not experienced at this, and just worked on one thing at a time until I got comfortable with it. I didn't try to "beat the track", as I realize that when I think like that about anything I get into trouble!

With the guys and gals that were there, I felt safer on the track than I do driving around in the bay area.

After rebuilding the engine myself, I'm just really happy that I didn't leave any case and piston bits on the track!!!

FRporscheman

Amen to that!

You signed up the night before? How many drivers were there?

Potomac-Greg

Congrats. You're hooked. I'm also 47, and stupidity is relative. To most folks, anyone doing a DE has a toxic level of stupid. If that's true, I'll die stupid at a ripe old age. At my last DE (PCA event) there was a guy running a race-prepped 914 who was 82 years old! He had only been doing DEs for 4 years.

PS: I registered last minute for the PCA event and took number 177 because it was easy to do with tape!

sundog

Around 100. The only issue was that Friday there weren't enough instructors to go around, so I went Saturday and Sunday.

Jay Gratton

There is no going back now! Glad you enjoyed it.

sundog

And for me it is a hard choice. My car is a 4 speed tiptronic, and eventually I would like to get back to a manual for the track. I've looked into the possiblilty of dropping a 5 or 6 speed manual into it, but that's a LOT of work. But, I love the torque of the 3.6 motors. So, get a junky manual 964/993, and build it up myself, or buy race prepped car? That is my dilemma.

Edward

Man you are screwed now! I went with my modest little Afa Spider. Did it once and thought, "man, that'd be kind of fun to do with a daily driver on occasion." HA!! That was many, many moons ago. I now have a dedicated track car that I can barely afford to get to/from events. No, that's not a complaint ...that's sheer bliss!! Congrats ...and welcome to the dark side.

Edward