My First DE Coming Up!!

mca · 02-13-2007, 05:53 PM

I just can't contain my excitement. I finally signed up for a track event after owning my SC for two years!

I will be heading to Roebling (Savannah, GA) on February 23rd. Fellow Pelican Andy Stallworth (Sirius Racing) will be my instructor for the day.

From what I gather, it is pretty easy to get hooked on track time ... let's hope so.

If anyone would like to share encouragement, words of advice, or stories from their first event ... I would love to hear it!

nameisbauer · nameisbauer's Garage

I'm in the same boat of excitement. I haven't even been a Porsche owner for a year yet, and I can't wait for my first track time in it. Hopefully this month, if not definitely March.

Have Fun!

Jeff Jagusch · 02-13-2007, 05:57 PM

Just make sure you have fresh brake pads and fluid!
Many years ago I did my first school in my TR7.
No pads left after first session!

Have a blast!

Jeff

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

+1000 on brakes. Cut corners on the brake maint. and you'll be out of commission in a real hurry. Get PF-97's and bed them in before you hit the track.

mca · 02-13-2007, 06:01 PM

Andy Stallworth did the prep on Sunday. New brake fluid, brakes are fresh ... good to go!

--- I still have to figure out my blood type though

Jeff Jagusch · 02-13-2007, 06:12 PM

That's easy, just donate blood, and they will send you a card with your type.
It takes a little while, but that's just how I did it.

Seems there was a LONG thread on that subject on the racing forum.

Even though it's suggested, I'm not sure how strict they are as far as posting your blood type?

Most importantly, be safe and have fun!

Jeff

ckissick · 02-13-2007, 06:43 PM

Keep a sharp eye on your oil temp gauge. Your P-car will be working harder than it ever has since you bought it. Oh, and have fun.

Dantilla · 02-13-2007, 06:53 PM

Be careful! Be very careful! Does this behavior lead to addiction?

I went to a DE a few years ago, and now I have another Porsche with a roll cage and big numbers on the door.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Yeah, DE's are like heroin. One taste and all you can think about is how to get more of it. I used to think I'd never mod. my car. Once I got to the track, no amount of modding was enough.

john d 81SC · 02-13-2007, 07:13 PM

mca,

Mike Andrews, track chairman for Riesentoter PCA, always asks for a show of hands as to how many folks is this their first DE. After X # raise their hands, he says "welcome to your new addiction", and he ain't kidding. I've told people that DE is the most fun I've had with my clothes on, to which some reply "What - they make you drive clothed?"

Seriously, as a former SC owner, watch your oil temps. This time of the year down in GA shouldn't be a problem, but as it warms up, and you progress, keep an eye on those oil temps. I went from the trombone oil cooler to the 28 tube Euro brass cooler, and then added the "cool scoop" as my driving skills increased and I was driving the car harder - and that was in the Middle Atlantic area - Summit Point, Pocono, Watkins Glen. Down where you are, it may become more of an issue. The original owner of my SC started using Mobil 1 around 84 or 86. I stayed with it initially because that was what he used. As I learned more about i's properties re: breakdown at higher temps, I stayed with it.

Have fun, and remember - keep the shiny side up!

deoxford · 02-13-2007, 07:57 PM

I will be there to help as well.
This is my first event with them, But I have done many PCA events

I would take a look @ the local PCA site, for the what to bring list.

I have a Black 964 with #403

See you there

VaSteve · 02-13-2007, 08:04 PM

RL, you coming back this season?

Dueller · 02-13-2007, 09:08 PM

I haven't run RR in several years...the track surface was pretty abrasive so make sure yur tires are decent. Go with open ears, leave your ego at home. You have nothing to prove at your first DE. Try to take someone along who has done a few DE's/races that is familiar with your car. They will be invaluable to check your tire pressures, check oil, brake fluid, lug torques, calm your azz down, shag you a bottle of water etc between sessions. The weekend before the event, flush your brake system, check for leaks, clean out everything under the seats and change the oil...in general just go over the car thoroughly.

Oh yeah, have fun.

scottbooth · 02-13-2007, 09:32 PM

lots of good advice already given. here are some more tips that helped me, or would have helped me, on my first time out.

stay focused and try to relax as much as you can - it can be pretty overwhelming trying to put the turns together, especially when you see how fast everyone else is going.

study (and memorize) a map of the track beforehand if possible - when you are out there at speed it's easy to forget what's coming up next. i like to close my eyes and try to imagine driving a lap turn by turn.

don't fall into the trap of driving over your head. slow and smooth is better than fast and sloppy. but your instructor will no doubt be telling you this anyway.

at some point, see if you can ride in your car for a session with your instructor driving so you can see what your car is capable of. then you will realize that you aren't pushing the car nearly as much as you may think you are. i did this on my first DE day and it helped me a lot.

i am not trying to sound negative, just giving tips that might help a newbie. the sooner you can get used to the experience, the more fun you will have.

welcome to the slippery slope!

cheers,
scott

tiwebber · 02-13-2007, 10:21 PM

Get video footage if you can.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by VaSteve
RL, you coming back this season?

I had planned to, but it's looking like it's not in the cards.

BK911 · BK911's Garage

See you guys there. I'll be in a black 73.

AvonGil · 02-14-2007, 04:18 AM

here are a few things i forgot to bring:

1 plastic container that fits on top of the rear seats. To store all your stuff in when you take it out of the car.

2 fold up chair

swa911 · swa911's Garage

Drink water even if you are not thirsty.
Check tire pressure as soon as you pit while they are hot.
Unless you already know how, don't attempt to try heel and toe at your first DE.
Get a ride in a club race car with an instructor as soon as possible, your eyes will open to what your car is capable of and your driving will improve dramatically thereafter.

mca · 02-14-2007, 05:40 AM

Lots of great advice. It is much appreciated.

Regarding oil temps ... I decided to do this in February b/c of the outside temps are tolerable ... forget about Spring and Summer in Savannah unless I decide to upgrade the cooling system.

I plan on shooting some video. Especially when I ride with Andy in his RS America - not sure how it will turn out though b/c it could be pretty tough being hand held. I will post some footage for everyone.

RR condition ... Andy told me that the track was recently paved and is now much easier on tires and brakes. Certainly a good thing!

Keep the tips coming!