My first DE
...is tomorrow.
50% chance of rain.
Have new helmet, car's inspected, got number, ready to go.
Green group, of course--along with 10-15 other greenies.
Hope car does not get too trashed on track--rocks, walls, other cars, mainly rocks, etc... This is about the only thing that could stop me from becoming a regular.

Any tips, tricks, sage advice, chime in.
Otherwise, let's get it started!

Jimmy
#27

 

Maybe invest in a little blue tape to wrap around the sensitive parts? this guy did a messy job but you get the idea.

 

A bit late to do at this point - but I consider a full front clear bra essential for track - you may well be following other cars closely, and there tends to be quite a bit of stuff (tire rubber, rocks, car parts, ...) thrown up in front of you.

Listen to your instructer and concentrate on learning the track and being smooth - fast will come with time.

Have fun - it's really the only place you can safely enjoy the performance potential of our cars.

 

I have only done 6 or so DEs in the last three years (not in a Porsche but in a Lotus Elise) but I can tell you that you will have a great time. Just don't get to ****y, it is not a race. Let faster cars by (instructor will make sure of that). Keep hydrated. Try to be smooth on all the controls and remember - slow to go fast.

 

Relax and enjoy. In green groups if the cars bunch up they are usually at slow enough speed that not much junk is throw off. No worse than a major highway.

Also, if you stay on line there is less junk to be thrown your way.
You can learn so much if you relax and listen. Go to the classroom sessions and ask questions.
You will have a blast.

 

Talk to the track junkies to get tips on tire pressures. It makes significant difference on the track.

Dan

 

first time out on the track, instructor drove my car as "slow" speed on the first run to show me the line and braking, etc. I was taken aback since the speed on the straights was 100-110 and never drove that fast in the car before. He said by end of day, I'll be doing much faster than that - he was right. So, my words of advice are relax (1st), focus and drive the line of the track (2nd), don't drive faster than what makes you comfortable (3rd) and enjoy (4th). let those who seek speed to pass you safely, you're there to have a good time. As one other person mentioned, track time will improve, just like a golf score - its you against the course - no one else matters.

 

Don't worry about the chance of rain. A wet track is a blast for a DE day. It also provides you with some great learning opportunities as you can break the back end loose at much lower (and safer) speeds. It's a great way to learn how your car feels when it's close to the traction threshold.

 

I second the blue tape if you are worried about your paint. You will get chips without it. Put it on the bumper and about a foot or so up the hood. Mirrors too. You'll be glad you did.

 

TrackShield works well and looks better in your pictures. You can also print your own numbers and use it like big scotch tape to hold them on.

 

Have fun and be prepared to learn to drive all over again. Make some friends. Bring a camera. Jot down some journal notes after each session, or maybe once or twice throughout the day.
Report back and let us know how it went.
Good luck!

 

Use stock pressure...33/39 cold for your 1st DE. Relax, go with an open mind and enjoy your car, the other great people you will meet and be patient an learn everything you can and remember to ask questions

 

When your finished get back on here and tell all the garage queens to get their beasts on the track where they belong.

Jason

 

For beginners, do you all concur to leave PSM on?

 

I still keep PSM on, don't know when the *** will swing out... Saved my butt a couple of times I don't care about spinning, it's the other drivers I am concerned about.