Had my first ever DE day today in the 991S at NJMP Lightning. I don't think I could have asked for a better introduction to tracking. There were only 2 cars in the novice group, myself and a souped up Golf GTI. Instruction was provided by legendary PCA instructor Peter Tremper in the classroom and then he drove the pace car for us to follow to learn the line.

On top of that, I had a very kind friend, who is also a PCA instructor riding shotgun with me giving me turn by turn guidance.

YouTube clip is from my second run of the day and the first with helmets and at speed.
The car performed superbly, totally composed and gobs of power at the higher rev range. Completely planted and the PDCC did its job really nicely.

The P Zeros were pretty good early on but on the third session out, they started to get a bit spongey and the car started slipping a bit more in the turns. I am definitely looking forward to swapping them out for Michelin Pilot Sport 2.

Thanks so much for all the tips and guidance beforehand as it was invaluable and I arrived at the track a lot more mentally prepared.

Lightning is a great track to start on as it is fairly short and the turns are not a tricky as other tracks can be.

Pete was pretty happy with our progress so ramped up the speed in the 2nd and 3rd sessions. I think top speed I got to was about 125 today at the end of the sweeping straight.

Wind buffeting was not an issue once the sunroof was tilted open. The organisers knew about the problem and let the 2 991s pop the roof a little to ease that problem.

If anyone is considering doing a DE, I would highly recommend doing it as you learn so much from just the one day and it certainly gives you a lot more comfort regarding the performance boundaries of the 991 and it certainly helps your driving skills.

Thanks again! Now, where can I get myself a not so expensive dedicated track car....

 

Suzy, PM me if you need a translation for "cherry popped".

 

pete is a great instructor...thanks for sharing the video

 

I would highly recommend the newer Michelin Pilot Super Sport over the Pilot Sport 2. My 997.2 came with the Pilot Sport 2 and when it was time to change them I got the Super Sport - they are much much better with amazing grip and apparently have longer tread life as a bonus plus they are cheaper than the PS2s !!

 

My mistake. You are right, it's the Super Sport I was thinking of. I ran PS2 on my 993 and got confused.

 

Well done Darren - Glad to see that the weather wasn't a factor.
How are your brake pads?

PS. "Gobs of power" - Haven't heard that phase since boarding school!!

 

Nice, sounds like you have a fab time!

I luv my first DE day with my car, but felt the car could use some stiffer suspension. Just ordered a set of KW V3, can't wait to get her back at the track with the new suspension.

 

Dux,
Brake pads are ok. Heading to dealer to have tyres checked tomorrow. I don't know if it is just my imagination but I swear that the road noise from the tyres on the drive back was a lot more significant than pre track. Will see what the techs say tomorrow. It was 93 degrees at the track today, so it was hot as hades!

 

Orrrrr... your entry/corner/exit speeds were faster in your third session...

I'm glad you had the opportunity to enjoy the car how it was meant to be driven.

 

Kin'ell !! Really

 

Haha...I guess you might be right there! . My buddy felt a shift in the tyre performance too. My first run was at 10 am when it wasn't too hot yet. The 3rd session was at 2pm and after 5 laps of trying to keep pace with Pete Tremper, I could feel the tyres progressively losing grip and pulled into the pit 2 laps short of my session. Did not want to risk a blow out at 100mph.

 

Porsche option of the day was the ventilated seats! Totally paid for themselves today!

 

Yes, I noticed you were adjusting the A/C vents right at the beginning.

Glad to see a manual on the track.

 

I am traveling in Canada and can't get the video to play. Glad it went well. Did you purchase track insurance? Just curious because I tracked my 997 without it but would be afraid the do so with the new one.

 

Congrats, I had no idea how much of an improvement the 991 chassis is over the 997 until I was on the track. Btw, what were your tire pressures after each session? I like the Pzeroes around 34/38 hot (right after session), when they get any higher they definitely start losing grip. The buffeting is insanely annoying, I wish I had stopped to ask whether I could pop the sunroof last weekend at RA.