I know there are a hundred threads with the same theme, but I had to add my own. Just finished an all day DE session yesterday followed by an evening autocross. My first day driving on a track ever.

The short-story version: What an absolute BLAST. This is too much fun!

The long version: We did a heel & toe downshifting exercise, a accident avoidance / last minute brake & turn exercise in the morning, and then a track exercise in the afternoon. The track exercise was (obviously) the most fun. There was a light drizzle most of the day until mid afternoon which actually helped with the exercises since any error was exaggerated by the wet surface - even at lower speeds. With the help of an instructor sitting in the passenger seat, my track session went from almost scary understeer the first few laps to learning how to transfer the weight smoothly (most of the time... otherwise PSM...) and get the front to grip solidly.
(Personal opinion note: compared to other cars I have driven, I was pleasantly surprised by how far PSM let me slide before it nudged me back on course - without a major impact to speed. Other cars nanny systems have almost brought me to a stop before letting me get back on the gas)

This was probably the most fun I've ever had driving a car. I got this 997 (my first Porsche) last summer and am continually amazed by its connection to the road. The DE event taught me more than I could learn in years of driving on my own. I'm going to do more.

The Autocross that followed the DE event was even more fun. We have a proper road course (for now: city hall is planning to shut it down) and my lap times improved with each run. I can't describe how much fun it is to drive such a well designed sports car that fast. I know this is old news to all of you experienced people here, but a day later I am still pumped from the experience.

Anyway, sorry for repeating a post theme that has been here before, but if you have never taken a DE course and had some track time I HIGHLY recommend it. Way too much fun! Can't wait for the next autocross.

Cheers!
John

 

John, I know exactly how you are feeling, I had my first track day about 2 years ago, and it is all I really want to use the car for now. Driving on the street in nice, but you cannot get the same feeling as you can while on the track.

Too bad about Race City, I hear that the track in very nicely designed and a lot of fun. There is a new track in Spokane, WA and another new one in Eastern Oregon. The track in Seattle is very nice, and Mission BC, is small but close to me, but the last two are a bit of a drive for you.

 

I was at the DE day with John and driving on the wet track was an absolute blast.

We are all quite frustrated that Race City will not be around next year. City counsel has yet to come up with a reasonable explanation as to why the lease can't be extended.

 

Like every other race track around the world, some people don't understand that these tracks are outlets for peoples need for speed as well as providing a place to have people develop there skills. They look at race tracks as a noisy environment that people live near as a source for complaints.

Locally we have a large piece of tarmac that is within the limits of a small airport that is used for auto x and the local neighbours have been complaining about the noise. Go figure it is an airport, and yet they still complain.

 

Hey man, congrats on getting into the track day world...it's ADDICTING as HELL! but, SO much fun, and totally worth it....just watch the wallet bro. costs add up fast haha! enjoy!

 

good luck with your addiction! i played hookie today at the track all day here in Seattle. beautiful day at the beginning of the season & had just as much fun in the paddock as i did on the track. ok, not really, but it was fun to talk about setting up trips to oregon raceway park, portland, spokane, etc.

have fun!

brendan

 

im signing for the Ruf DE for june 7th. cant wait