would it be crazy for a novice to get a dedicated track car?
11-21-2011, 02:05 PM
#46
Nordschleife Master
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Chris lots of good stuff here. Let me add that getting away from the high HP of your TT is the smartest move you'll ever make with respect to learning to drive better or race. All that HP becomes a bandaid on the track allowing you to bi-pass some important lessons along the learning curve.
I don't think you'd be happy with a non-ABS older car, I would recommend a Spec Boxster as a great stepping stone and learning tool. If you decide you really like this game then you're on the right progression to a cup car. Good luck, stay in touch....
I don't think you'd be happy with a non-ABS older car, I would recommend a Spec Boxster as a great stepping stone and learning tool. If you decide you really like this game then you're on the right progression to a cup car. Good luck, stay in touch....
03-09-2012, 03:32 PM
#47
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Wanted to update this thread and thank everyone for their overwhelming support.
Well, I did it. After my whopping 4 days of track time (not counting a few schools and odd event over the years) this past fall I sold my TT and purchased a dedicated track car. I was glad to see in this thread that I wasn't the only one to fall so quickly LOL.
I knew the limitations of my TT on the track, not to mention the lack of safety gear. I also knew that the car would take a beating and I did not want to do that.
So, I purchased this '04 996 from Geoff Escalette of RSS Tuning. Car was taken straight from the showroom and turned into a track car. It only has approx. 1,800 miles on it. X-51 engine, JRZ, full cage, AIM dash etc. and all the suspension goodies.
As I said in the original post I was a bit concerned about a novice having a track car. Glad to say I was not the only novice with a track car at VIR recently. More importantly, no one seemed to care one way or the other.
It was a blast to drive and a lot to absorb. Had my instructor, Aaron Povoldeo with me and man, what a difference than the turbo! The whole weekend was full of "firsts". First time in this car, first time towing - oh yeah, also bought a new trailex open trailer as well as a '12 Touareg TDI. So, my head was pretty much spinning! Was as concerned about loading/unloading and towing as the driving LOL.
My coach was thrilled with the car from a set up perspective - he thought it was a great car to drive and very safe for a beginner. For all intents and purposes this was my 5th day on a track. I thought I did ok and there is obviously lots to learn. Not that we were focused on lap times but he did time a couple of laps. Not sure what a 5 day novice should do, so i'll leave it blank for the time being LOL.
The only issue I had was during the open session. There were a lot of cars on track and felt a little bit in over my head. I spent way too much time driving my mirrors and worried about what was going on behind me. I didn't like the way it was going so came in and called it a day.
Here are some pics the day the car arrived from CA. Thanks again for everyone's help
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Well, I did it. After my whopping 4 days of track time (not counting a few schools and odd event over the years) this past fall I sold my TT and purchased a dedicated track car. I was glad to see in this thread that I wasn't the only one to fall so quickly LOL.
I knew the limitations of my TT on the track, not to mention the lack of safety gear. I also knew that the car would take a beating and I did not want to do that.
So, I purchased this '04 996 from Geoff Escalette of RSS Tuning. Car was taken straight from the showroom and turned into a track car. It only has approx. 1,800 miles on it. X-51 engine, JRZ, full cage, AIM dash etc. and all the suspension goodies.
As I said in the original post I was a bit concerned about a novice having a track car. Glad to say I was not the only novice with a track car at VIR recently. More importantly, no one seemed to care one way or the other.
It was a blast to drive and a lot to absorb. Had my instructor, Aaron Povoldeo with me and man, what a difference than the turbo! The whole weekend was full of "firsts". First time in this car, first time towing - oh yeah, also bought a new trailex open trailer as well as a '12 Touareg TDI. So, my head was pretty much spinning! Was as concerned about loading/unloading and towing as the driving LOL.
My coach was thrilled with the car from a set up perspective - he thought it was a great car to drive and very safe for a beginner. For all intents and purposes this was my 5th day on a track. I thought I did ok and there is obviously lots to learn. Not that we were focused on lap times but he did time a couple of laps. Not sure what a 5 day novice should do, so i'll leave it blank for the time being LOL.
The only issue I had was during the open session. There were a lot of cars on track and felt a little bit in over my head. I spent way too much time driving my mirrors and worried about what was going on behind me. I didn't like the way it was going so came in and called it a day.
Here are some pics the day the car arrived from CA. Thanks again for everyone's help
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
03-09-2012, 03:40 PM
#49
Rennlist Member
Man that looks like a perfect car for you. Congratulations. Good choice.
I remember the first time I towed to the track... very stressful (I was not experienced with towing either)...
I remember the first time I towed to the track... very stressful (I was not experienced with towing either)...
03-09-2012, 04:07 PM
#50
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Join Date: Feb 2011
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Congratulations and great decision - all in takes a deep breath, but I'm sure you'll be loving life soon.
Wise move getting off of the track; in my mind, you're ready for anything with that frame of mind.
Wise move getting off of the track; in my mind, you're ready for anything with that frame of mind.
03-09-2012, 04:13 PM
#51
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
03-09-2012, 04:47 PM
#54
Burning Brakes
Congrats! It only gets more fun from here! 
Btw, Aaron is a fantastic driver and coach. He helped me a lot my first time at Daytona back in December.
-mike
Btw, Aaron is a fantastic driver and coach. He helped me a lot my first time at Daytona back in December.
-mike
03-09-2012, 04:58 PM
#55
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Yeah, he's a great guy. Both amazing and depressing to have him drive this car. I'll never drive it like he can, but guess i'll just keep trying. We'll be together again in May.
03-09-2012, 05:29 PM
#56
Nice car!
<-------- I bought this
My thought process was 2 fold. 1, I spent less money on it, then i would have on a BBK for my street car. and 2, I'm getting fast enough (read, not fast, but enough) to merit wanting a roll cage around me at all times.
<-------- I bought this
My thought process was 2 fold. 1, I spent less money on it, then i would have on a BBK for my street car. and 2, I'm getting fast enough (read, not fast, but enough) to merit wanting a roll cage around me at all times.
03-09-2012, 06:23 PM
#57
Burning Brakes
03-09-2012, 10:51 PM
#59
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