Who hasn't taken his car to the track ?
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I'll give you one reason people stop. They are getting IMO more popular and they are starting to get very crowded. U need to drive with the right group so that safety and skill building are key. Get stuck in some DE school with a punch of bozo’s and your will not be going back.
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an option...
My thoughts...... do you love to drive? Are you a car enthusiast or a driving enthusiast? Many are a mix....and many evolve into one another down the road in life.....For starters (I know you did not ask but want to note) no one is better or worse then the next for being more % of one vs the other. Many people seem to think they are the cats *** because they pride themselves on only the joy of driving and tracking their cars... and claim to only add performance enhancing mods... Many claim to never add any mod unless it enhances the driving (yet they all have clear side markers
)..... why? Never was quite sure why this mindset carried an elites like attitude.... found some (not all) of these people (along with the Purist crowd) to be complete *******s in their appreciation for those who don't share the same mindset.... yet time and time again I see posts by a purists and sometimes the purist/track breed tearing other cars apart that mod or do something that won't add true and proven performance to their car.... but not sure I have ever seen someone with a modded car beating up on the purists or track junkie for tracking their car or leaving it stock..... IMO the appreciation for tracking, purists views, modding etc, is the right attitude and the one I hold.
Anyway, here are my thoughts. Rent a car for the track, you clearly have the resources, there are many companies that will meet you at the track with a car ready to go, gassed up, tires ready for your wear and tear etc.... many times can be cheaper then using your own car in the end.... see how you like the experience, the event, the learning, etc.... if you like it then factor in that you would like it many times more driving your own car IMO..... most likely. Then go from there.... this takes out most of your concerns about tracking your own car.... try before you commit with someone else’s car and if you find it fun then give it a shot..... reading about what a car can do is great, looking good doing it can also be fun, but actually doing it... well a very unique and exciting experience....you like to mod, I am the same, but I have to say the track can be a very enjoyable experience but also addictive and ugly if you have any serious issues. Gotta pay to play.... I have tracked my cars but not my 997, but may..... if I sell and get a gt3 rs I will track my car no doubt.
I just got back yesterday from Menticello where I tracked the new Bentley Supersports.....620+hp TT! (not my car....but wish it were, what a beast!)
)..... why? Never was quite sure why this mindset carried an elites like attitude.... found some (not all) of these people (along with the Purist crowd) to be complete *******s in their appreciation for those who don't share the same mindset.... yet time and time again I see posts by a purists and sometimes the purist/track breed tearing other cars apart that mod or do something that won't add true and proven performance to their car.... but not sure I have ever seen someone with a modded car beating up on the purists or track junkie for tracking their car or leaving it stock..... IMO the appreciation for tracking, purists views, modding etc, is the right attitude and the one I hold.Anyway, here are my thoughts. Rent a car for the track, you clearly have the resources, there are many companies that will meet you at the track with a car ready to go, gassed up, tires ready for your wear and tear etc.... many times can be cheaper then using your own car in the end.... see how you like the experience, the event, the learning, etc.... if you like it then factor in that you would like it many times more driving your own car IMO..... most likely. Then go from there.... this takes out most of your concerns about tracking your own car.... try before you commit with someone else’s car and if you find it fun then give it a shot..... reading about what a car can do is great, looking good doing it can also be fun, but actually doing it... well a very unique and exciting experience....you like to mod, I am the same, but I have to say the track can be a very enjoyable experience but also addictive and ugly if you have any serious issues. Gotta pay to play.... I have tracked my cars but not my 997, but may..... if I sell and get a gt3 rs I will track my car no doubt.
I just got back yesterday from Menticello where I tracked the new Bentley Supersports.....620+hp TT! (not my car....but wish it were, what a beast!)
Last edited by mickfluff; Jun 25, 2010 at 09:02 AM.
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My thoughts...... do you love to drive? Are you a car enthusiast or a driving enthusiast? Many are a mix....and many evolve into one another down the road in life.....For starters (I know you did not ask but want to note) no one is better or worse then the next for being more % of one vs the other. Many people seem to think they are the cats *** because they pride themselves on only the joy of driving and tracking their cars... and claim to only add performance enhancing mods... Many claim to never add any mod unless it enhances the driving (yet they all have clear side markers )..... why? Never was quite sure why this mindset carried an elites like attitude.... found some (not all) of these people (along with the Purist crowd) to be complete *******s in their appreciation for those who don't share the same mindset.... yet time and time again I see posts by a purists and sometimes the purist/track breed tearing other cars apart that mod or do something that won't add true and proven performance to their car.... but not sure I have ever seen someone with a modded car beating up on the purists or track junkie for tracking their car or leaving it stock..... IMO the appreciation for tracking, purists views, modding etc, is the right attitude and the one I hold.
Anyway, here are my thoughts. Rent a car for the track, you clearly have the resources, there are many companies that will meet you at the track with a car ready to go, gassed up, tires ready for your wear and tear etc.... many times can be cheaper then using your own car in the end.... see how you like the experience, the event, the learning, etc.... if you like it then factor in that you would like it many times more driving your own car IMO..... most likely. Then go from there.... this takes out most of your concerns about tracking your own car.... try before you commit with someone else’s car and if you find it fun then give it a shot..... reading about what a car can do is great, looking good doing it can also be fun, but actually doing it... well a very unique and exciting experience....you like to mod, I am the same, but I have to say the track can be a very enjoyable experience but also addictive and ugly if you have any serious issues. Gotta pay to play.... I have tracked my cars but not my 997, but may..... if I sell and get a gt3 rs I will track my car no doubt.
I just got back yesterday from Menticello where I tracked the new Bentley Supersports.....620+hp TT! (not my car....but wish it were, what a beast!)
)..... why? Never was quite sure why this mindset carried an elites like attitude.... found some (not all) of these people (along with the Purist crowd) to be complete *******s in their appreciation for those who don't share the same mindset.... yet time and time again I see posts by a purists and sometimes the purist/track breed tearing other cars apart that mod or do something that won't add true and proven performance to their car.... but not sure I have ever seen someone with a modded car beating up on the purists or track junkie for tracking their car or leaving it stock..... IMO the appreciation for tracking, purists views, modding etc, is the right attitude and the one I hold.Anyway, here are my thoughts. Rent a car for the track, you clearly have the resources, there are many companies that will meet you at the track with a car ready to go, gassed up, tires ready for your wear and tear etc.... many times can be cheaper then using your own car in the end.... see how you like the experience, the event, the learning, etc.... if you like it then factor in that you would like it many times more driving your own car IMO..... most likely. Then go from there.... this takes out most of your concerns about tracking your own car.... try before you commit with someone else’s car and if you find it fun then give it a shot..... reading about what a car can do is great, looking good doing it can also be fun, but actually doing it... well a very unique and exciting experience....you like to mod, I am the same, but I have to say the track can be a very enjoyable experience but also addictive and ugly if you have any serious issues. Gotta pay to play.... I have tracked my cars but not my 997, but may..... if I sell and get a gt3 rs I will track my car no doubt.
I just got back yesterday from Menticello where I tracked the new Bentley Supersports.....620+hp TT! (not my car....but wish it were, what a beast!)
excellent post and advice on renting out a car for a day.
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I have not tracked the 911 - don't plan to - not why I got it.
I tracked my BMWs at club events, but the wear was just too much even for occasional for me. I didn't have enough sense to do clear bra back then - that could have helped, but tires, brakes, insurance, etc...
At this point, I'm kinda at the "been there done that phase", too many hobbies as it is too.
Last time I was on the track it was with BMW's car, not mine - that was a lot more fun for me since I had no worries about my car. I want to do the PSDS when I get some time - pricey, but again, it will be worry free, as a result, loads more fun for both my wife and I.
If I were going to track my own car now, I'd want a car just for that - and, as I said, I have too many other hobbies now to squeeze another one in time-wise or money-wise.
If I were you, I'd do a PSDS, or a renta-racer as mickfluff suggests, first and see if you have a taste for it - and ask yourself, "would I do this in my car?". Then go from there.
I tracked my BMWs at club events, but the wear was just too much even for occasional for me. I didn't have enough sense to do clear bra back then - that could have helped, but tires, brakes, insurance, etc...
At this point, I'm kinda at the "been there done that phase", too many hobbies as it is too.
Last time I was on the track it was with BMW's car, not mine - that was a lot more fun for me since I had no worries about my car. I want to do the PSDS when I get some time - pricey, but again, it will be worry free, as a result, loads more fun for both my wife and I.
If I were going to track my own car now, I'd want a car just for that - and, as I said, I have too many other hobbies now to squeeze another one in time-wise or money-wise.
If I were you, I'd do a PSDS, or a renta-racer as mickfluff suggests, first and see if you have a taste for it - and ask yourself, "would I do this in my car?". Then go from there.
Last edited by stevepow; Jun 25, 2010 at 09:22 AM.
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Larry, anything worth it...anything that you gain a great learning experiance from.... requires some effort.
I do not look at DE's as effort. They are fun. I enjoy the prep I do with the car, driving to the event, seeing my track friends, meeting my student and so forth....oh yeah I enjoy the track driving the most though.
I do not look at DE's as effort. They are fun. I enjoy the prep I do with the car, driving to the event, seeing my track friends, meeting my student and so forth....oh yeah I enjoy the track driving the most though.
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I have not tracked the 911 - don't plan to - not why I got it.
I tracked my BMWs at club events, but the wear was just too much even for occasional for me. I didn't have enough sense to do clear bra back then - that could have helped, but tires, brakes, insurance, etc...
At this point, I'm kinda at the "been there done that phase", too many hobbies as it is too.
Last time I was on the track it was with BMW's car, not mine - that was a lot more fun for me since I had no worries about my car. I want to do the PSDS when I get some time - pricey, but again, it will be worry free, as a result, loads more fun for both my wife and I.
If I were going to track my own car now, I'd want a car just for that - and, as I said, I have too many other hobbies now to squeeze another one in time-wise or money-wise.
If I were you, I'd do a PSDS, or a renta-racer as mickfluff suggests, first and see if you have a taste for it - and ask yourself, "would I do this in my car?". Then go from there.
I tracked my BMWs at club events, but the wear was just too much even for occasional for me. I didn't have enough sense to do clear bra back then - that could have helped, but tires, brakes, insurance, etc...
At this point, I'm kinda at the "been there done that phase", too many hobbies as it is too.
Last time I was on the track it was with BMW's car, not mine - that was a lot more fun for me since I had no worries about my car. I want to do the PSDS when I get some time - pricey, but again, it will be worry free, as a result, loads more fun for both my wife and I.
If I were going to track my own car now, I'd want a car just for that - and, as I said, I have too many other hobbies now to squeeze another one in time-wise or money-wise.
If I were you, I'd do a PSDS, or a renta-racer as mickfluff suggests, first and see if you have a taste for it - and ask yourself, "would I do this in my car?". Then go from there.
I attended the PSDS in Birminghamm last week.My only regret is I could not stay two days.I strongly recommend this to "anyone"..regardless of intent to track or not to track..The instruction is good,nice people and the car experience is great..I learned alot and will return. I am planning on starting with DE programs and will drive within my skill sets. I dont plan on being a race car driver for a living but do enjoy performance cars and always want to be a better driver..
I have tracked my Ford GT in 2008 (sold in 09) in the past and have done autocross with my Lotus in 2006 (sold 07) but each car has very specific characteristics that are inportant IMHO to learn.The weight dist challenges anticipated by the Porsche were greatly minimized at the PSDS..I am more comfortable in the car...in fact..it is more enjoyable to drive than before. I have only owned my GT3 for a couple months ...Great car and I have met alot of nice people ..I own an R8, Rossion Q1 and at this time my GT3 is numero uno!
Enjoy on or off..we are lucky to own such amazing cars!
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The only reason I'd get another 911 is for the track. But then again, I could live at the track. So perhaps I'm the wrong guy to answer this...
My wife didn't enjoy the track as much as I did... She was too afraid of hurting the car (and upsetting me). I think track insurance would've eased her mind. But still, she doesn't enjoy it as much as I do. She goes, but more for spending time doing something with me.
For the gentleman who finds it exhilarating to push the car occasionally to 95mph (and you probably went beyond this - but don't want to post it here - understandable): I thought the same thing until I went ~150mph+ just before entering a corner - repeatedly (at VIR's front and backstretch).
The fact that you can do this, without worrying about legal consequences, is worth the price of admission. I'd rather pay $350 for two days, driving as fast as I can, and learning how to drive more efficiently, than paying a $400 ticket for going 20mph over for 15 secs.
I don't go as often as I'd like. But it's nice to get it out of your system occasionally, in a safe constructive environment. That's where our cars are born. It's where they belong, and (as was stated very early on) - the car feels at home on the track - everything makes sense.
My wife didn't enjoy the track as much as I did... She was too afraid of hurting the car (and upsetting me). I think track insurance would've eased her mind. But still, she doesn't enjoy it as much as I do. She goes, but more for spending time doing something with me.
For the gentleman who finds it exhilarating to push the car occasionally to 95mph (and you probably went beyond this - but don't want to post it here - understandable): I thought the same thing until I went ~150mph+ just before entering a corner - repeatedly (at VIR's front and backstretch).
The fact that you can do this, without worrying about legal consequences, is worth the price of admission. I'd rather pay $350 for two days, driving as fast as I can, and learning how to drive more efficiently, than paying a $400 ticket for going 20mph over for 15 secs.
I don't go as often as I'd like. But it's nice to get it out of your system occasionally, in a safe constructive environment. That's where our cars are born. It's where they belong, and (as was stated very early on) - the car feels at home on the track - everything makes sense.
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Ha - my car was born in Stuttgart, but I'm not taking it there either.
It feels at home with me - wherever I am. And none of it makes sense, really.
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I meant that everything on the CAR makes sense... My wife didn't enjoy the car (she thought the ride was a little stiff, the steering was too heavy, the brakes dust too much, etc...) until she ran her first session at VIR. She got it. And now she loves driving the car. I'm in the camp that EVERYBODY should try it at least once. Hell, I wish they did auto-x for driver's education (yes, I know they do that in some countries, even HPDE's).
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Me too! How can we arrange a group buy? Or a 6 speed session?
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I've not tracked mine, and I doubt I ever will. I'm having fun with it as it is. I'm afraid going to the track might be an expensive proposition. I tend to be competitive in nature and not being the best outfitted car that could lead to $$$ and divorce (better known as $$$+).
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I bought a Miata for my grandson and will be living vicariously through him on the track. He's fourteen and we'll be building the car up over the next 18 months and getting it ready for AutoX. I traded my 64 Shelby Cobra Roadster(plastic), in on the Porsche so I could enjoy an exciting car with all the creature comforts such as windshield wipers, top, horn, heat, a/c ,radio etc..... I can't imagine I'll be tracking the Porsche but I plan on whipping the hell outta the Miata....Through my grandson of course....
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I come from two schools of thought. The first, is me as an owner before I tracked my car. I appreciated my car for it's heritage, it's status as a Porsche, as well as detailing the paint and appreciating its beauty when waxed and displayed at the car shows and meets I brought it to. The second is me as an owner, after tracking my car. The car never felt more at home, and the car as a Porsche never made more sense to me than it did when I brought it to the track. The suspension felt 'right' on the track like this is what it was made for all along, and I learned more about the car and its dynamics more than I could ever had during a regular commute.
Happiness for the car is definitely defined differently but happiness doesn't need to be confined to one category, as I am evidence of appreciating the static beauty of my car as well as the physical prowess it possesses on a track.
Happiness for the car is definitely defined differently but happiness doesn't need to be confined to one category, as I am evidence of appreciating the static beauty of my car as well as the physical prowess it possesses on a track.