TAL2GK

This is a great thread. I don't want to hijack but no point in starting my own. I'm a PCA member and considering doing my first event at VIR. I spent track time during my PEC delivery in a new C2S but it's a whole other deal when considering tracking MY brand new car.

Based on the checklist above I should be ok with a cabriolet since we have deployable roll bars, right?

Other than that, it's a matter of whether I'm willing to take mine out there when the car is five months old and I still owe half of MSRP.

bpu699

I don't believe you can track a convertible unless it has a permanent roll bar or cage...

DTMiller

Per Chin's registration page, they quote VIR's policy as:
I can't vouch for that being VIR's policy, only that a reputable organization is reporting it as such.

This will vary by track and by organizer. I am 100% confident that there are some groups/tracks that let stock 911 cabriolets and boxsters run on track without aftermarket roll bars. Best bet is to contact the registrar of the group you want to run with and ask them.

ExMB

Incorrect.
Porsche allows their convertibles to run in HPDE. BMWCCA does not. Now, you may find some regions that limit the groups they can run without additional safety measures. But the initial, beginners run group allows them.

I believe the only exception for not driving with the top up was the 987.2 Spyder because of speed limitations. Someone with a Spyder might chime in to clarify.

Disclaimer
My initial introduction to HPDE was in a base 987.2 Boxster. Did 2 events, caught the bug and traded the car for a Cayman R.

linzman

Also not totally correct. Whether you can drive a convertible on track also depends on the particular track (i.e. in our area. VIR, Lime Rock and NJMP require fixed roll bars for convertibles). Certain groups, PCA, BMWCCA, etc may impose further limits. As already stated above, check with the group you are planning to register with.

ExMB

So a Boxster is permitted at those tracks due to the fixed OEM rollbar but a 911 is not. Is that correct?

Thanx for the clarification. As I was addressing minimum standards I tried to cover by stating that some regions limit it. Did not take tracks into consideration since we here in the boonies don't face that; at least none of the tracks I've been to.

NYoutftr

As a few of these same contributors, respond to my post last year, about going to my first HPDE you can see how so many people you have never met actually want to help you succeed and be safe.

I have two DE under my belt now and waiting for spring at WGI for my third.

When these seaoned people tell you that it can be addicting, they speak the truth.

You should be able to reread all of these posts , maybe a few times. It will help prepare you.

Have fun, drive safe and listen to your instructor. Make sure you can hear each other, don't try to be a Mario Andretti!!!!!!!

gbuff

Yeah, kinda......I started doing this on a lark--thought it'd be something neat to do; drive my car real fast w/o worrying about getting caught.

20+ years and over 600 track days later, here we are.

So, yeah, kinda

Gary

TAL2GK

This is what I was referencing, but I understand VIR may have rules which exceed these requirements.

I was hopeful after reading "mandatory for all cars without manufacturer's deploying roll over protection".

TAL2GK

Also, there's nothing here excluding:

http://virnow.com/about/policies/

TAL2GK

I see cabrios, even a spinning one!

DTMiller

There's nothing about convertibles period on that policies page which doesn't really address on track stuff.

The people in the video aren't wearing helmets so I'm assuming that's parade laps not an HPDE.

Call/email the organization you want to run with is the single easiest and most accurate approach.

TAL2GK

I added a second video of actual track time with helmets, etc. There are plenty on YouTube. I've contacted the event coordinator on Friday, but haven't heard back yet ... so in the mean time I'm turning to the internet for clues.

sbelles

Look here.

http://virnow.com/wp-content/uploads...RClubRules.pdf

I'm pretty sure pop up roll bars are not sufficient for 911 cabs.

TAL2GK

That document appears to apply only to the "VIR Club" events. Nevertheless, it states this:

Whether any convertible equipped solely with a factory roll over system is allowed shall be at the sole discretion of the Club.