Anyone still tracking their air-cooled 911?

[tlarocque]

Struggling here and thought I'd post this up in the 911 forum rather than the Track/DE forum as there doesn't seem to be much traffic over there....

I have a 1988 Carrera that my dad bought brand new. I bought it off him about 10 years ago. I have record of every single thing that has ever been done to the car. Never in an accident, no paintwork. Engine top end about 20k miles ago and I had a Wavetrac diff installed. Car has 152k miles but you'd never know it. The car means a lot to me.

I have taken it out to a couple DEs in the past but not since the market for them really took off. Now I'm hesitant to take it out for a couple reasons.... 1) The car is irreplaceable to me 2) Most modern cars are far faster making me a moving obstacle out there. On the flip side, its a truly enjoyable car to drive at speed and I'm not trying to preserve it for anyone other than my children. I like that its a driver, I don't want a museum piece.

I'd be lucky to do more than 3-5 DEs per year these days so I am not sure I want to go buy another car that sits around most of the time (nor do I have much or a budget for one) but I'd be crushed if my car got destroyed.

So have most of you taken your cars off the track? If not, how do you rationalize taking it there? Just interested in people's thoughts.

-TL

[Trackrash]

These cars were meant to be driven. I regularly AX,DE and street drive my '71.

Here I am a couple of years ago at Sonoma Raceway.



Check out these 912s at our local Redwood Region PCA auto cross.

[Jeff Higgins]

Yes, I still track my '72 hot rod every chance I get. It has immeasurable sentimental value to me in that both of my boys helped me build it while they were growing up, thereby building a relationship around a shared interest that continues today. I would be devastated to somehow destroy this car.

That said, it would feel a bit hollow to not track this car. That's what we built it for. Granted, it cannot keep up with the newer cars, but that matters not in the least to me - it's just a hoot to drive.

As far as actual risk is concerned, I think we pretty much manage that ourselves with how hard we decide to push it. There is no need to go at a "10/10ths" race pace. Drive as quickly as you like, staying within your comfort zone, and I honestly believe the old adage that the track is safer than the street.

Here's my old track rat:

[Matt Monson]

To me half the point of owning one is to take it to the track once in a while. It's the only place you can really put them to the limit.

If you want to become a DE driver, then yes, you should get another car to do that with. 3-5 events a year isn't really making it a thing you do, IMO.

If you are nervous, maybe only take it out once or twice a year. Maybe do some auto-x with it. But don't park it.

[mgar88]

Still a novice by any measure, but yeah, I take my 86' on AX and DE. I see a lot of air-cooled cars out there, too.

[HarryD]

Since I got my 1973 in 2002, it goes to AX 6-7 times a year. This year, after a 9 year hiatus, I did a HPDE as well. At these events it is typically the oldest car there but a ton of fun.

Go do it, have fun.

[tlarocque]

Wow, I like the enthusiasm.

I'm not new to DE... I have owned several GT3, including a couple RSs, and used to track them all the time. I've just been out of it for a few years as kids' activities now take up most free weekends. But I do miss driving and the old 911 is a lot of fun to wring out.

What, if anything, do you guys do to protect the paint?

Thanks for the replies and great pics!

[juanbenae]

if the groups you track with run good events and do not put up with nonsense it's all in how you go about it. if you need to drive the car at the limit to have fun after the GT3 experience maybe not, but if you are going and turning some laps on street tires for the heck of it do with it as intended and track it.

I have not been on the track in the years since selling my spec911 a few back. having owned a 996TT for 10 months and now having another aircooled hotrod I will likely now retired be doing a few events now and again in the 75. much like the GT3 I am wondering after racing a dedicated car a DE will get the juices flowing??? I bet so.

[ted]

Yeah still like to track the 911 but interested in mainly Vintage race/track days.
Less interested in sharing the track with newer Porsches or new sports cars.
Lately been taking my non Porsche race car to the track.
https://youtu.be/YLB4hvzhM-g

[OldSpool87]

I really enjoy DE and getting my car on the track. I like the entire process (maintenance, tech, etc) My local PCA has a lot of air cooled drivers with some newer cars. 100% Porsche with one grandfathered Lotus.





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Helix8]

I DE my MY’84 around 8 times a year and there are not many other aircooled cars on the track with me. But, I doubt anyone else is having as much fun as I am (at least I think so). Nothing like pushing newer cars through corners without PASM, ABS etc lap after lap...big smiles getting the point-by. Fairly stock engine (SW Chip & headers), 175k Miles on chassis but suspension is set-up and car weighs under 2500lbs. I don’t worry about ballin’ it up as was said earlier don’t be driving “10/10ths” race pace.

[wildthing]

Only AX for me. Low risk, still fun. 1) DEs are at least 2 hours away (ok except for Laguna Seca which happens once a year) and 2) I probably couldn't afford losing my car to an on-track crash.

[Mark Salvetti]

The Northeast Region just started vintage DE days this year. Haven't done one yet, but I think they are really popular. I bet the idea spreads to other regions.

https://porschenet.com/2018/02/posts-vintage-days-at-vintage-prices/

Mark

Originally Posted by Mark Salvetti

The Northeast Region just started vintage DE days this year. Haven't done one yet, but I think they are really popular. I bet the idea spreads to other regions.

https://porschenet.com/2018/02/posts-vintage-days-at-vintage-prices/

Mark

Cool to hear that! I was going to suggest it to our local chapter.

Interesting thread, as I have an 85 coupe and used to be a track rat, but in Caymans and such. Have been considering taking the '85 out for a go. I think the risk is minimal if the red mist is kept away, which shouldn't be a problem. I'd also mention it in the instructor's meeting--there is an air cooled car on track, and it's no match for newer cars, so don't pick on it, be respectful of your elders, etc.

[tlarocque]

Originally Posted by Mark Salvetti

The Northeast Region just started vintage DE days this year. Haven't done one yet, but I think they are really popular. I bet the idea spreads to other regions.

https://porschenet.com/2018/02/posts-vintage-days-at-vintage-prices/

Mark

I was thinking to myself that something like this would be very cool! So glad to hear that your region has started it and I hope it catches on!

[midnight911]

Daily, track car, grocery getter...but mostly sunny days... it's black. I want it kept shiny.

[clutch-monkey]

yes that is what they are there for

[rdrr]

Absolutely! As often as possible! There's no point in having these cars unless you take them to the track.

[Maxpossu]

Every year, as much as possible. Track days And normal DD’ng The car is beat up in every possible angle/panel, but i like it. These cars are so addicting!

[Alexm930]

YES!!