DE, explained?

jnnking · 10-03-2003, 02:24 PM

I hope this question isn't too stupid. I've had my car, '95 911 Cab for almost a month now. I'd love to be able to get it out on a track where I can let her run like she was made too. But I also don't want to spend a lot of money to make it a 'track car'. Is a DE course a good place to do this? What other option do I have?

BTW, this is a great forum!! I've learned a LOT and am greatful for all those who contribute and provide the resouces.

Jim

dtfastbear · 10-03-2003, 02:46 PM

Jim,

That is exactly what DE events are for! Our cars are incredibly capable track machines just as they roll off the showroom floor. All you need to do is a little preventive maintenance - check your brake pads, bleed the brakes, top up fluids, make sure your tires are in good shape - and the car will handle a casual day at the track with aplomb.

The issue you may run into is finding a place to run your Cab without a rollbar. Most tracks will require, even for a DE, that cabriolets have adequate roll-over protection.

Good luck - and if you have any more questions, post them. Every track-junkie of today was in the same place you are right now at one point.

Dean

Adman · 10-03-2003, 02:55 PM

jnnking...Join the PCA and you will be hooked up with your local PCA club, meet lots of other enthusiast, read about DE requirements and events

Drago · Drago's Garage

Our local PNW chapter of the PCA also offers Drivers Skills day. I would recommend taking the skills day class before taking a DE course.

gchappel · 10-03-2003, 03:41 PM

DANGER WILL ROBINSON DANGER DANGER-- you say you don't want to spend a lot of money on a track car. We have all said that at one time or another-but many of us own track cars, or have dumped a ton of money into our street cars do go faster on the track. Speed gets very addictive. Welcome to the club- it is worth it when you can't wipe the smile off your face for days at a time. As above, join your local pca or poc club- you will probably find them to be a great group of people, they can get you the training you need and get you to the track!
Enjoy

jnnking · 10-03-2003, 05:06 PM

gchappel,

That's a risk I'm willing to take. I just want to be able to get started without dumping a lot of money into it. I did contact my local chapter (I'm near Chicago) about driving without a roll bar. We'll see what they say.

speeder · speeder's Garage

Or get a roll bar, does wonders for the looks of a cab. Kind of says, "this car belongs to a guy".

Ducking!

Slow911 · Slow911's Garage

JNNKING-
If you're not too busy this weekend PCA-Chgo is up at Blackhawk today and tomorrow
http://www.pca-chicago.org/driversed/blackhawk/2003schedule.pdf

.....and there's an autocross next weekend. http://www.pca-chicago.org/autocross/2003axrun4fun.html

vesnyder · vesnyder's Garage

Another option would be an autocross. They are a blast with 911's and require absolutely nothing. I have a Cab and would need a roll bar to do a DE?

Freeman · 10-04-2003, 10:35 AM

Vance,

Cabs and DE participation totally depends on the region sponsoring the DE. I have an '87 cab with a DAS Sport bolt in roll bar. Peachstate and Coastal Empire say its fine to run, but Carolina region requires a CAGE as opposed to a roll bar. Just contact the DE director for the region and ask, the websites and DE tech forms aren't always clear. Have fun!

J P Stein · 10-04-2003, 10:47 AM

I just did my first DE yesterday. My AX skills served me well.

The car reacted the same way, the speeds were just higher.
IMO, it's safer to learn these things at 30 mph by yourself than at 70 mph in traffic. You may not like AX, but it does teach car control. I could also tell which of my fellow drivers (novices, all) did AX.

I approached the "big track" very timidly. In few laps
found only one surprise ....a high speed quirk (100+, straight line) in my set-up. That out of the way ( I just didn't go there no mo)
we set about going fast thru the twistys. Had to make a couple of "saves" (normal AX stuff) which, while ugly, didn't get me a black flag.

jnnking · 10-04-2003, 01:22 PM

Slow911,

Thanks for the info. I don't have time this weekend, but will try to make it out to the autocross the on the 12th. HOw many autocross's are there per year?

bkrygier · bkrygier's Garage

Don't do it you’ll get hooked!!

jnnking · 10-04-2003, 05:32 PM

That's a nice looking car! What year is it? Is the picture from an autocross? I haven't been to one but that's How I picture them.

Slow911 · Slow911's Garage

jnnking-

there is 1 per month.....http://www.pca-chicago.org/autocross/

also 1 DE per month usually at Blackhawk with the season ending at OctoberFest, also a weekend at Gingerman in august.

next weekend is the "final' weekend of P-car stuff, why don't you join us for a little karting and driving on saturday. It's a great group of guys. Fall Trip/Drive

and then the final autocross on sunday....before you know it you'll be in Gruppe B

hope to meet you at 1 of the events. I drive an olive colored '70 911t

Brian

ECSjr · ECSjr's Garage

John,

Like the others said, join PCA chicago region and do the Blackhawk and Gingerman DE's, you will be hooked.

Rolbar is not needed for the Chicago Region DEs, your car is probably already set to go - flush/bleed brakes and maybe new pads.

You'll love it

Ed
'92 C2 Cab