Does everyone else get pretty jacked up the day before a track weekend?

[efhughes3]

I don't know what it is this time, but I especially enjoyed getting ready for this weekend's DE @ MSR. I did a lot to the car last Sunday-new front shocks, new starter, new pads in front, brake flush, and I got an alignment Wednesday with about -1 1/2 degrees camber in front, and -2 degrees in the rear. So, maybe it's the anticipation of a better setup on the car. This will be my last weekend on street tires, R series are right around the corner.

Maybe it's the chance to go out and run the extremely fun 3.1 mile course for the second time.

Maybe it's the fact it's a PCA club race weekend, so there will be lots of sights, sounds and smells to enjoy.

Heck, I had the car packed on Wednesday night! This is definitely something that doesn't get old. As the driver improves and the car gets improved, it gets better and better out there.

Can I get an Amen?

[Paulporsche]

Have a great time and stay safe.

[efhughes3]

Thanks Paul. I settling in to get a good night's sleep. I know this is going to be and awesome, if not a little warm, time at the track.

[Wil Ferch]

Ed:

We all get stoked before a DE....... ( at least I think all of us who partake... do).

Re-reading your post...just be careful...this isn't ( or shouldn't be) a race.

Can't tell you the number of times on a 2 day DE event....when I just don't feel "right" for the very last run of the second day and sit that one out...that my "new friend" pit garage partner may not feel the same way.... and does a "bonzai" run, because it's his last chance to really attack the track.

Well now... a while later...while I'm hunched over , packing up my gear... I get a tap on my shoulder with a sheepish looking guy asking to use my cell phone..."so my wife can pick me up".....

I peer over his shoulder and see his "formerly pristine" car being hauled away on a flat bed truck....

Get the picture?.....

Have fun..... listen to your instructor ( if you have one ride along)....run at 9/10's....stretch the car's legs (and learn some high speed skills)....but avoid the "red mist".... K?

Don't know how many of these you did, ED....but it's usually the 10-15th time when guys get dangerous. The extreme caution of the first few times gets erased..and the self-assured " I know what I'm doing now" takes over. Additional speed comes in slow steps...don't go for a big leap all at once. Maybe hit the apex "perfectly" on a single corner..as your goal.

Maybe I read too much in your post...maybe you're simply giddy with excitement. If so... forget all I said.

Waiting for your report how well it all went ...

Can't wait to run the Glen later this year..maybe I'm like this because there is SO LITTLE run-off there !

- Wil

[bigrubberjeep]

I agree with Will, go our and have fun as your #1 peiority, with that remember there is nothing fun about calling a tow truck.

You migh have heard this rule before, but if not I will repeat it

SLOW = FAST

Be safe and enjoy.

[efhughes3]

Wil-
The comments taken about getting cocky are well taken. I fly also, and this is the same mindset there.

However, I would like to clarify : this IS a Club Race also. We intersperse a solo only DE within the race schedule. Since many instructors race, this works well, if you're checked off for solo.

[charleskieffner]

when i set a date to go to the track...............the blinders are on 2 months before! track list checked double checked. track boxes checked double checked as well as the car triple checked. hit search for track list on here. thought i had brought everything thought of everything................track list had items i had overlooked. really no different from prepping for baja pre-run or race...........just different items pertain to track days and porsche. what we have done in past, is weekend before, invite buddies over get beer and steaks and everyone handed a certain mm wrench/socket/screwdriver/allen. then each individual goes over car w/their specific wrench and their own nail polish and hit each bolt/ nut they either loctite/safety wire/tighten or torque and apply nail polish when finished. worked on SCORE 1/2 1600 car and we finished 2nd overall in state! never lost a fastener nor part! have fun thats the bottom line!

[JonT]

Ed--are you KIDDING ME? I am totally with you on the pre DE excitement. I've got to carry a picture of Hillary Clinton in a skirt to look at to keep the pup tent down in my shorts for a week before the track day. Have fun!

[Natog]

Originally posted by Wil Ferch

Can't tell you the number of times on a 2 day DE event....when I just don't feel "right" for the very last run of the second day and sit that one out

Same thing here, I usually skip the last run on Sunday. I figure why press my luck, I have already had my fun. Plus it gives me some time to walk around and visit.

[JeremyD]

me to - I'm charged and My DE isn;t until June 10th

[swa911]

Hey Ed.....Sorry i didn't make it out to take pictures. I finally got picked up for overtime at work and I gots to make that money to pay off my latest P car adventure. I will get you next time though.

[Craig 930 RS]

Get those new pads broken in before track day -

[VaSteve]

I have a track day in a couple of weeks. I just spent the last two months fixing the engine damage from the last DE (spun bearing). I'm so excited I am actually waxing the car...a track car!