Observations from Phoenix Historics or Racing with a Factory 914GT

[John Rogers]

The first Phoenix Historics were a blast, here's some thoughts:
- More Porsches than any other brand.
- Got to race against a real factory 914GT that was brought from europe.
- Cutting the top off a 914 probably adds 10MPH or more to top speed.
- Frank Beck sure is fast!
- You never, ever want to loose the rear end at a turn on a speedway, you probably will never save it!
- Saw a beautiful black, 6 conversion with steel flares and a bare shell restoration that will be for sale shortly.
- The AZ historic license plates are cool, they are copper colored.

[Zeke]

More on the 'loosing' rear end, please. And, were you = to the factory 6?

[John Rogers]

Spelling? Should it be losing the rear end? Anyways, several cars came out of turn 4 (speedway turn 4) too hot and broke loose and at about 110 to 120 could not save it. As for the GT, I was about equal for accelaration but it has slightly better brakes and my slicks helped me in the corners a little. I was surprised it did not have any sort of roll cage although it did have a 100 liter gas tank that had a bladder installed! It also had those stock "U" shaped sholder belt attachments that seem a little weak looking to me?

[campbellcj]

Yikes, I am kinda surprised that even a historically significant car like a factory GT is allowed to race wheel-to-wheel w/o a roll cage, modern belts etc! We all keep hearing about the tightening rules -- fire systems, scheduled belt replacements, Hans devices, etc. I for one think they are good changes, within reason.

Anyways, glad to hear it was a great event John! One of these days I will get out there with you. So many opportunities, so little time and $$$!

Oh yeah..