New to DE with questions. Anyone in Brooklyn going to PA?

[Juggino]

I am interested in signing for for the next local DE event which is coming up on June 22nd. Was wondering if there is anyone in the Metro area also going. I guess I will be taking the ride there the same same day although it is a bit of a long day. Was hoping to possibly connect with people from the area. Since this will be my first one, I also have some questions, maybe I can get some help???

I have made the suggested preparations to the car so I think that I am good to go in that respect.

1) Should i have a communicator for my helmet? If so, what kind? How do I know it will be compatible with the instructors?

2) Will I have to empty out the car like in auto cross? if so, do they give you a safe designated area to put your stuff?

3) Should I pack a cooler, lunch, drinks, etc?

4) Can I simply print my numbers on a piece of paper and put it in the side and front windows? Do I need to specify group? Is 6" okay for the numbers?

[marksearls]

While I am not in the area, I can help you with some of your questions. Your local PCA region should have most of these questions on their web page so that is a good place to start. If you can't find it here goes:
1) your instructor will have a communicator for you
2) yes and yes. Bring a chair, hat and sunscreen
3) yes, liquids are very important. Also, some snacks
4) you will get a run group sticker when you get there. Your car number will be assigned and 8" for each side is usually required.

Hope this helps.

[nineball]

shoot me your email and i can send you the pdf file for my region. it won't be exactly the same but most of the info should probably be the same.

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by Juggino

I am interested in signing for for the next local DE event which is coming up on June 22nd. Was wondering if there is anyone in the Metro area also going. I guess I will be taking the ride there the same same day although it is a bit of a long day. Was hoping to possibly connect with people from the area. Since this will be my first one, I also have some questions, maybe I can get some help???

I have made the suggested preparations to the car so I think that I am good to go in that respect.

1) Should i have a communicator for my helmet? If so, what kind? How do I know it will be compatible with the instructors?

2) Will I have to empty out the car like in auto cross? if so, do they give you a safe designated area to put your stuff?

3) Should I pack a cooler, lunch, drinks, etc?

4) Can I simply print my numbers on a piece of paper and put it in the side and front windows? Do I need to specify group? Is 6" okay for the numbers?

1). Most driving instructors would have their own communicators. And a few that don't use it would be able to communicate with you by signals. Don't worry about this.

2). Loose stuff would be required out of the car and some guys bring large rubber maid containers to store their stuff. If you don't have anyone to watch your stuff, you just have to trust the guys parked near you.

3). I like to bring a large cooler with plenty of cold drinks and food for the day. You'll be surprised how much energy you'll burn during each track event.

4). You'll be in the GREEN group and you'll have fun. Bring some masking tape and mark pens, they will come handy. A white shoe polish is what some guys use to make the numbers on their windshield and it is easy to wash.

Relax and enjoy the experience. Warning: This is addictive and becomes expensive as you become a better driver. Keep us posted after the event.

Tony

[Juggino]

Bump

[SCOTITUDE]

Here's our DE guide. Read up and youll have a great time.

http://o.b5z.net/i/u/10115487/f/Metro_NY_PCA_DE_Guide_2011.pdf

[pantera]

A little off topic but does anyone know if they fixed if they fixed the huge bump on the infield. I was at Lynmor Motorsports (a local tech) and did see a few cars with damage from this so called "bump".

To the original OP, follow the sage advice offered and you'll have a great time.

Dan

[SiberianDVM]

What they said. I just went to my 1st DE last weekend, at Roebling Road, near Savannah, GA, and now I'm hooked!

One of the most amazing things to me was that everyone, and I mean, everyone, I met, was nice. Maybe it's a Porsche thing.

My fiance, not a gearhead, went with me. She stayed with the stuff most of the time, but it was fine being left by itself. We plan on getting a bug-proof but ventilated tent for next time. She read her book, took naps, watched me on the track, and then walked areound with me looking at all of the cool cars and talking to their owners. She is learning more than I thought she would be interested in learning, and asking me questions that as of yet, I cannot answer, such as why a lot of people are spinning out between turns 5 and 6.

I used neon orange duct tape for my numbers. Easy on, easy off, and easy to see.

[4495]

be sures tuh wears yas Brahnx Bommers geah to der track. We's don't sees enuff of dat outside duh burroughs.

[ivangene]

get a ride in an instructors car or have one drive your car - eye opener

[Juggino]

bump

[Juggino]

bump

[flatsixjunky]

Go, BROOKLYN

[FastCarFan]

Originally Posted by Juggino

I am interested in signing for for the next local DE event which is coming up on June 22nd. Was wondering if there is anyone in the Metro area also going. I guess I will be taking the ride there the same same day although it is a bit of a long day. Was hoping to possibly connect with people from the area. Since this will be my first one, I also have some questions, maybe I can get some help???

I have made the suggested preparations to the car so I think that I am good to go in that respect.

1) Should i have a communicator for my helmet? If so, what kind? How do I know it will be compatible with the instructors?

2) Will I have to empty out the car like in auto cross? if so, do they give you a safe designated area to put your stuff?

3) Should I pack a cooler, lunch, drinks, etc?

4) Can I simply print my numbers on a piece of paper and put it in the side and front windows? Do I need to specify group? Is 6" okay for the numbers?

As others have said...

1) Your instructor should have a communicator. I have never had one who didn't.

2) You want to empty everything out so you don't damage your car or cause a distraction/problem from something rolling around the cockpit when on course.

3) Most tracks offer lunch or you can run into town (depending on the track) at the lunch break. Water is good to stay hydrated, especially if it is hot.

4) I haven't been to any DEs where they didn't provide numbers for your car.

Have fun. Below are my objectives at DEs.

1) Don't crash

2) Learn (not meeting #1 objective can contribute to meeting #2 objective)

3) Have fun (cannot accomplish #3 if #1 objective is not met)

[NY65912]

Nope, can't go, car is still not finished!

[gchappel]

Biggest thing for a new guy- have fun.
Think smooth.
Unless you are unusually talented- you will realize you suck at driving on the track. That is why it is fun, you get better as you do it more.
Listen to your instructor- especially when he tells you to slow down. The rules of physics- especially the rule that two solid objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time- do not change because you are on a track.
Do not try to go fast, try to go smooth- fast will come on its own.
Your face muscles should be sore from all the smiling.
Remember this is you first time- you are not going to impress anyone (unless you do something really stupid), just relax and learn the ropes.
Gary

[lally911]

How did it go?

[Joe Bob]

Pull the fuse for the wipers....