[Z-man]

stoppie:
Now that you are purchasing a real sports car, you need to excersize it properly. That's what AX, DE, and TT are all about! In a nutshell:

AX - ie Autocross is Solo 2: A bunch of cones are setup in a large parking lot with timing equipment at the start and finish. One by one, cars are run through the serpentine course. Each driver typically gets 4 to 8 attempts at putting down a best time, and it usually takes about a minute to complete the course. Cars are put in different classes based on power, handling, ability...etc. Fastest cars in their respective classes win.

DE / Driver's Education / HPDE - High Performance Driver's Ed: This is an event done on the big tracks (Like Sebring, Road Atlanta, Watkins Glen, Lime Rock, VIR...etc). Cars here are grouped by driver ability, and instructors are assigned to 'lower' run groups. The basic purpose - learn how to drive your car the way it is meant to be driven in a safe and controlled environment. Passing is typically only allowed in designated areas (usually the straights) with the slower car giving a signal to be passed. It is not a race, and the event is not timed, but DE's offer a Porsche owner a wonderful opportunity to drive his car at the limits on world class race tracks. PCA has one of the most developed DE programs in the states.

TT - Time Trials: Basically, a TT is the combination of AX and DE: it is the same format as an autocross, except that the venue is now a racetrack, not a parking lot. This is a timed event, and again, the fastest cars in their respective classes win.

Warning: the AX/DE/TT addiction is very strong, and there are no known cures. Once you get hooked (which happens typically after the first event of any of the above), your life's priorities will change. Instead of worshipping boobs, you will be oogling track tires, suspension components, and other go-fast goodies. You have been warned.

Welcome!
-Z.