lagodue

Luckily the rain held off and I got about 50 laps in during my four runs. A great instructor helped me finally start seeing the line pretty well before the end of the day. Believe me, there was nothing intuitive about those technical turns at the bottom of the straight with quick, multiple apex (dare I say apices?) to negotiate.

One thing became clear pretty quickly - my bone stock '03 Carrera is a performance car in name only, and was feeling and looking a little "soccer-mommish" compared to cars better set up. Between the stock suspension and tires alone, the limitations of the car were evident and had me quickly considering upgrades. And this car was $75,000 in 2003!

My instructor immediately warned me about this slippery slope and pointed out the half-dozen 944s which had been inexpensively purchased and upgraded to be track-only. And no worries about track insurance or banging them up a bit either. Suppose I could keep it outside as well, behind the double-wide. LOL

Fun fact to know and tell if true. While only 1.5 miles long, LRP is supposed to be the fastest 'average speed' track in America.

Gary R.

Welcome to the addiction, glad you had a good instructor to help you! Let me say that without knowing you, it wasn't your car holding you back! I don't care if a 944 is on slicks, if you were being passed by him its 99% a driver issue and thats what you should have been working on. I'm glad you learned humility, but don't think you have the wrong car!!

sbelles

Yep. That's how it starts.

marcus1249

I run an 03 C2 as well and believe me the car is plenty capable, a decent set of tires like PSS's wouldn't hurt but I agree with Gary it's 99% the driver and getting seat time.

kk2

Are you still using the same tires from 2003!?

TXE36

Yep, this is how it starts. I've got a feeling most of what you saw is driver differences. The nut behind the wheel is key.

It is a slippery slope. I've got a mild case and it went:

1) 2003 Jaguar XJR daily driver stock with new brakes for first track day.
2) Two track weekends later bought a 1999 BMW M3 street car with mild suspension mods, PFC pads, and Schroth quick fits.
3) Added roll bar
4) Added bigger radiator
5) Added bigger intake
6) Added gauges
7) Added race seats and real 6 points
8) Several tire upgrades along the way
9) Bought a track only 1997 M3 from VR and trailer - big slip here: cage, Motons, big brakes, race tires, etc...
10) Bought an Expedition EL to tow the new toys
11) Moved the seats from the other M3...

Others around here have symptoms including enclosed trailers, F250+ diesels, and even pusher RVs.

One key thing is the difference the driver makes. I've been in the passenger seat of both M3s mentioned above when VR has driven them and the difference is negligible and the difference in cars, while the same model, substantial.

You do get reprieves in the sickness if you are lucky. I've been putting the stock parts back on the original M3 and a luxury coupe is emerging. Making a car better for the track really does take away from it on the street. The wife even wants to drive that M3 now .

-Mike

rcg412

03 996 is VERY capable car...

spend more $$ on track time.

Great event for sure!

Frank 993 C4S

.... and free instructors or Professional Coaches.

lagodue

Believe it or not, yes. 18" Michelin Pilot Sports.

Before the veins start popping and the tut tutting begins . . .

1 Car has only 8,000 miles
2 Kept in climate-controlled private collection of 16 cars
3 Tires inspected and approved by:
- NY State DMV
- Tech inspection by highly-regarded CT speed shop
- Tech inspection at LRP
- and by my instructor with 40 years of experience. (He certainly wasn't going to be a passenger in a car with questionable sneakers.)

The 3.6 L engine (315 hp) will be plenty of power for me for a long time. (We did a decent 125 mph in the straight.) However, even the instructor commented on the big difference in suspension stiffness between the track cars he has driven, and what a street 911 is built for - stiff enough for 'spirited driving' and comfortable enough for your significant other - not for optimum track cornering.

kk2

Do yourself a favor and get new tires. It might be fine to drive on, but you wont believe the difference new rubber can make.

Ever see an old rubber band?

lagodue

No worries. New tires on the way.

PPo

Uhhh... I am no expert on the 996, but if you believe you are on the limits of that car with it's stock suspension after your first couple of track events, you are either a very blessed natural driver, or you should spend more money on track time.

Leave the car alone... put the money towards track time. That car just needs maintenance... maybe better brake pads and fluid... but not much else.

kk2

Good to hear. Update us after your next event. Post up if you have any questions about tire pressures.

lagodue

On second thought, I have decided to upgrade to the Cayman GT4. I await delivery now after purchasing a raffle ticket.

lagodue

Not sure when my next event will be. Just learned my job is moving me to Cairo for the next 12 - 16 months.