Green/Novice/Beginner DE Safety Concern
04-06-2017, 01:13 PM
#31
Rennlist Member
I'm heading to my first PCA DE (done 2 in other marques years ago) this weekend. I knew that to track my 997TT or 993TT, the expenses would be high, I'd need insurance, and I may not learn as much because the cars are so powerful. So, I found a nice base model 99 boxster. So cheap if you total it, its not a huge hit and slow enough to add a layer of protection.
04-06-2017, 01:18 PM
#32
Rennlist Member
Last year I was in the same place you are.
Headed to my first DE, at Watkins Glen.
I was nervous anxious and couldn't wait.
Last fall I enrolled in my second at NJMP Lightning.
Two very different tracks. But, both events, 1st by zone 1 and second by Metro were both very well run.
At Watkins Glen, at lot of the track is bordered by the Blue Bushes aka, guard rails. In contrast to Lightning with lots of green grass if something happens.
My 2 cents:
PCA Tech Sheet, get it done, it is not only protecting you, but everyone else on the track.
If you can buy insurance, you will be less paranoid and be able to enjoy what you are learning.
Listen to your instructor!!
Lastly, be wary that your new hobby is going to cost you more money, but bring a lot of smiles.
ENJOY
Headed to my first DE, at Watkins Glen.
I was nervous anxious and couldn't wait.
Last fall I enrolled in my second at NJMP Lightning.
Two very different tracks. But, both events, 1st by zone 1 and second by Metro were both very well run.
At Watkins Glen, at lot of the track is bordered by the Blue Bushes aka, guard rails. In contrast to Lightning with lots of green grass if something happens.
My 2 cents:
PCA Tech Sheet, get it done, it is not only protecting you, but everyone else on the track.
If you can buy insurance, you will be less paranoid and be able to enjoy what you are learning.
Listen to your instructor!!
Lastly, be wary that your new hobby is going to cost you more money, but bring a lot of smiles.
ENJOY
04-06-2017, 02:09 PM
#33
Three Wheelin'
Our local PCA puts on 4 DE events every year, (WGI) I remember our Chief DE Instructor noted at our fall dinner " ZERO incidents in any DE This year" Make sure your tech is done, and have fun. Honestly, I feel way more comfortable on the track than riding my motorcycle, esp now with all the texting I see people doing..
04-06-2017, 02:31 PM
#34
Race Director
04-06-2017, 02:35 PM
#35
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Umm, yeah! A special blend... 
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-Peter Krause
www.peterkrause.net
www.gofasternow.com
"Combining the Art and Science of Driving Fast!"
Specializing in Professional, Private Driver Performance Evaluation and Optimization
Consultation Available Remotely and at VIRginia International Raceway
04-06-2017, 02:38 PM
#36
Rennlist Member
Will contribute this to the already good set of comments here:
(1) if you are not comfortable with your Instructor, go see the Eventmaster and ask for a new Instructor. Sometimes people don't "gel" and/or sometimes communication style doesn't work between two otherwise sensible people.
(2) assuming you are comfortable with the Instructor, listen to the Instructor. He says slow down, slow down. Says to keep eyes-up, do that, etc.
(3) ease into the day and do not think you need to be "fast". Work on the basics..this will require reprogramming certain things you have done on the street. Again, the Instructor will be very valuable.
(4) if you feel tired, stressed or you're struggling and becoming frustrated, come into the pits and maybe call it a day. In my experience, most Green incidents happen at the end of the day when students are tired and dehydrated but feel like they should push the risk in order to feel like they're progressing.
(5) make sure you spend the first laps learning where the run-off is at all the corners. NJMP has lots of run off and the car is fine doing some off-roading if you over-cook a corner.
(6) have fun but if you're not having fun, call it a day.
(1) if you are not comfortable with your Instructor, go see the Eventmaster and ask for a new Instructor. Sometimes people don't "gel" and/or sometimes communication style doesn't work between two otherwise sensible people.
(2) assuming you are comfortable with the Instructor, listen to the Instructor. He says slow down, slow down. Says to keep eyes-up, do that, etc.
(3) ease into the day and do not think you need to be "fast". Work on the basics..this will require reprogramming certain things you have done on the street. Again, the Instructor will be very valuable.
(4) if you feel tired, stressed or you're struggling and becoming frustrated, come into the pits and maybe call it a day. In my experience, most Green incidents happen at the end of the day when students are tired and dehydrated but feel like they should push the risk in order to feel like they're progressing.
(5) make sure you spend the first laps learning where the run-off is at all the corners. NJMP has lots of run off and the car is fine doing some off-roading if you over-cook a corner.
(6) have fun but if you're not having fun, call it a day.
04-06-2017, 02:49 PM
#37
Rennlist Member
Also, since my friends and family want me to be around, I didn't mess around with the safety aspect. Roll bar extension, gt3 seats, 6 point harnesses, hans, etc. I will likely get called a loser or considered overkill, but thats fine by me. Not only does it give you better feel for the car, it greatly increases the chances that if there is an incident, you, the most important part of the package, will come out unharmed or with minor injuries only.
04-06-2017, 02:49 PM
#38
Rennlist Member
I forgot to mention, go sit in your car with your helmet on
If you have not, you don't want to be experiencing that at the track.
Also try the looking up while seat belted in with helmet, you probably will have to change your normal seat postion.
To the pros, this might sound silly, but if you haven't done it before, it is important
If you have not, you don't want to be experiencing that at the track.
Also try the looking up while seat belted in with helmet, you probably will have to change your normal seat postion.
To the pros, this might sound silly, but if you haven't done it before, it is important
04-06-2017, 02:54 PM
#39
Anjin San
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Here is what I was told:
Everything is dangerous. But if you do these things you can minimize risk.
Listen to your instructor.
Ask questions
Prep your car so there are no issues
Sleep well the night before
Ask questions
Pay attention
Ask questions
Observe if you are not driving
Do not worry if you are not fast at first.
Have fun
Safety, Safety, Safety
04-06-2017, 03:03 PM
#40
Rennlist Member
04-06-2017, 06:33 PM
#45
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