My 1st time at the track!
 

I spent last Saturday at the MidOhio School, learning how to drive on the track, thanks to Porsches2Oxford (I won the grand prize drawing)and I just wanted to let you folks know how it went. We spent time on the autocross, slalom, skid car, then drove on the “big track” for 45 minutes at the end of the day and I really enjoyed it! To top it off, there was a Porsche club racing at the track that day, so we got to see/hear our favorite cars all day long.

The instructors were knowledgeable, gracious, helpful and attentive. There were 24 students and 6 instructors, and they provided a lot of good coaching throughout the day. The emphasis was on safety and good technique and we all learned a lot and were exhausted at the end of the day. We will be sending our 17 year old son to the Teen Driving Day at MidOhio very soon so he can learn good techniques before he develops bad habits.

I’m sure I’ll be visiting the track again soon and the techniques I learned and practiced are also going to make me a better driver on the streets in my daily driver (Mazdaspeed 3) and my ’74 Porsche 911 (“Helga”). What a fantastic day at the track, it was definitely one of the items on my “bucket list” and something that I’ll always remember! My wife and I are looking forward to seeing everyone at Oxford this July and we’ll be parking in Marilyn’s Row. I need more track time!!

Now I understand the "addiction"...

Mid-Ohio is a great track. :)

Awesome Art!!

I know you were stoked about this when we talked at the swap meet a month or so ago.

Perfect: Here ya go!

http://wmi.pca.org/driving/grandprix/Grand_Prix_of_Grattan.htm

Welcome to the addiction.

Don't go to any 12 step program. They will tell you to start with suspension upgrades, brake upgrades, a trailer, tow vehicle. Just take a deep breath, and leave you car as is. Spend the money in seat time.

+1. Looks like the track needle is deep in Art's veins already. ;)

Stay as stock for as long as possible. Note that not all upgrades are suitable for all cars and drivers. Develop your driving style FIRST, and then you'll know what upgrades will best complement your driving. You can learn more about your driving style of driving a 'lesser' car, since upgrades mask a whole slew of things.

My rule of thumb was this: when I was as fast as, or faster than cars with various upgrades, then it was time to consider upgrading.

Welcome!
-Z-man.

good luck putting that down now.

Mid-Ohio is a great, fun track. Glad you enjoyed yourself.

I sent both of my sons to the Teen Defensive Driving School at Mid-Ohio & it was a great experience for both. For son #1 we planned it so I was at a PCA DE the same day, so between my track sessions I was able to watch him. It was a lot of fun watching him learn to control a skid in the skid-car.

Both boys felt it was worthwhile. The oldest is now 22 & the youngest is now 18, & no accidents yet for either one! So maybe it worked!?

Thats true, I got my Son doing autox's in the 912 as soon as he was driving at 16, they should make it part of drivers ed, so much better driver ever since.

Thanks, guys! I'll leave my car "as is" because my lack of skill limits me more than the car does. I had a great time and my wife enjoyed her ride in the skid car with one of the instructors... Excellent day!!

If you're going to spend money (and you're going to spend money), focus on two things:

safety

suspension

In that order. Forget anything else. You don't need any more hp, big brakes, etc. Get a proper roll bar, seat and harness setup (you'll be amazed at the difference. Then consider a suspension refresh. Of course make sure everything else works and you have decent pads. Beyond that it is all about seat time.

Brakes:

I'd add cooling to the brakes and better brake fluid also, because the last thing you'll want to experience as you drive faster and faster is serious brake fade at the end of a straightaway. But that's easy enough to do and will cost next to nothing (remove the dust/water shields behind the disks and add 993 air deflectors to the lower A-arms).

Do I have to install a permanent roll cage in my Targa? I certainly hope not...

Art
That's great. I wonder what grand prize you will win this year in Oxford since you seem to win every year?! I love Mid-Ohio. I hope they bring back the run-offs. They are great fun to watch.
Good for you. See you in Oxford.

Congrats and welcome to the slippery slope.