I Get It!

[davidbir]

I bought my 911 SC last Summer in surge of enthusiasm garnered-I admit- from magazine articles. I have a fair bit of experience in racing-from single seaters to sports racers and sedans-all in vintage racing but I was usually running at the front and trying-not like the 'parades' that seem to occur so often now.

Anyway, last weekend was the first running of the 'Spring Thaw' rally from Squamish, just north of Vancouver, up past Whistler, site of the 2010 Winter Olympics and then into the "Interior" of BC on roads that are mostly empty and wind through glorious countryside. Forty five cars were entered, from a genuine Rally Saab 900 two stroke through to three 911s and encompassing BMWs, Minis, 356s, MGBs and others.

The first day I rather 'lost it'-not having raced in er, quite a long time, the open roads, fellow competitors and a willing 911 drew me in and I made a bit of a hooligan of myself! Let's just say the organizer gave me a gentle talking too before the next day.... We went on very minor roads through very minor towns: Litton, Lillooet, 70 Mile House (Big forest fire starting as we got there), Merritt, etc, etc.
The roads were FANTASTIC, the other cars terrific, the weather amazing-we got sunburned--in BC in May!

The point of this post is that I really 'Got' the Porsche 911 on this trip. The handling was wonderful, the steering just perfect and the brakes unbreakable.

There were two incidents of note: After rounding a hairpin bend quickly we heard a loud 'Crack' followed by a clattering from the front. We pulled over and inspection revealed that the power antenna had been grabbed by the r/f wheel and torn out to be thrashed around by the wheel-making a series of divots in the underside of the fender-well, that fender needed painting anyway.

The next occurred while going along a high plateau at about 90. I spotted a large deer on the l/h side of the road ahead-looking at me. That usually means only one thing so I nailed the brakes. I had the car really slowed down when he leaped. I may have turned the wheel slightly, but in any event ONE rear wheel locked and we slewed slightly-just enough to miss the deer! It wasn't until the next day that I realised that one tire was flat spotted.

The final day was a high speed blast for 250 miles to the finish at Hope, BC-we made it in 3 1/2 hours an average of about 70 mph which included 2nd gear turns.

The most noticeable other cars in the Rally? I would have to say the 356s. I would be cruising at 90mph through the mountains and one or two 356s would tuck in behind. It was only when it was necessary to brake and then accelerate quickly again that they lost out. I asked one of them how many hp he had, "Oh, about 75bhp" was the answer! I think I could live with one of those, even if I would have to keep my foot buried all the time.

So do I like the 911? I am amazed! I get it!

ps, My co driver was Iain Ayer the automotive journalist who has just published a book "The Affordable Porsche" and he will have an article on the drive in "911" magazine.

[oregonmon]

Wow, sounds like some serious driving. Good to hear about your new SC and glad to hear you didn't bite it.
P.S. I get it too.