How to get started @ the track? (SoCal)
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How to get started @ the track? (SoCal)
I'd like to start taking my 88 out to a DE or track day. What do I need for belts, equipment, etc?
My local PAC region(SB) does Autocross @ the Camarillo airport, so thought I'd try there. I'm also not too far from Willow Springs.
Suggestions?.
My local PAC region(SB) does Autocross @ the Camarillo airport, so thought I'd try there. I'm also not too far from Willow Springs.
Suggestions?.
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Generally, you just need a SA2005+ rated helmet. The factory 3 point seatbelt is acceptable.
It is recommended to have a tow hook and external shut off but is usually not required.
I would suggest checking out Speed Ventures or SpeedTrial for local events. If you've never tracked your car before, they have a novice group that will show you the line and you can drive with other rookies.
www.speedventures.com
www.speedtrialusa.com
It is recommended to have a tow hook and external shut off but is usually not required.
I would suggest checking out Speed Ventures or SpeedTrial for local events. If you've never tracked your car before, they have a novice group that will show you the line and you can drive with other rookies.
www.speedventures.com
www.speedtrialusa.com
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Auto-X is a great way to start out.
If you're looking for big track, I highly recommend the BMWCCA events. They're very well organized and have great instructors. Many are Porsche owners and racers as well.
http://zone8.pca.org/calendar.php
http://www.bmwclubla.org/calendar.php#165
If you're looking for big track, I highly recommend the BMWCCA events. They're very well organized and have great instructors. Many are Porsche owners and racers as well.
http://zone8.pca.org/calendar.php
http://www.bmwclubla.org/calendar.php#165
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A safe street car is all that's required to start experiencing HPDE/Track days. However, make to have a full track and safety inspection performed on your car prior to taking it on track. Make sure you have a good set of brake pads with adequate life left in the them, and fresh brake fluid.
As you gain speed and experience, you can start making changes and improvements to the car.
Have fun and good luck!
As you gain speed and experience, you can start making changes and improvements to the car.
Have fun and good luck!
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If you live in S.Cal, and own a Porsche. POC hands down. Especially if your first time or just getting started try one of their PDS classes. http://www.porscheclub.com/
Good group of people from newbies to ALMS GTS teams there on occasion (GMG, 911 Design, Werks 2 etc.) Have fun, learn, see some nice cars, get hooked. Sorry =)
Good group of people from newbies to ALMS GTS teams there on occasion (GMG, 911 Design, Werks 2 etc.) Have fun, learn, see some nice cars, get hooked. Sorry =)
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Ordered some new Toyo RA1 for my 996 TT for a track weekend comming up on 8/28/2010.......should come out to SpeedTrial (www.speedtrialusa.com) at Streets of Williow.....
On Saturday.....SpeedTrial will be running a NIGHT event.....they will be lighting up the track........
On Saturday.....SpeedTrial will be running a NIGHT event.....they will be lighting up the track........
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Try NASA, Speed Ventures, and Redline Time Attack too. NASA or RLTA does not charge you for instruction like SV.
Here is a really good link to track events and organizers here in CA
http://www.bratten.org/TrackDays/index.html
Have fun
Here is a really good link to track events and organizers here in CA
http://www.bratten.org/TrackDays/index.html
Have fun
Last edited by 996TWINS; Sep 23, 2010 at 04:02 PM.
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Two PCA driving events are scheduled this fall that may be of interest. All performance cars are welcome:
** The first is our semi-annual PCA-GPX Day Away from work DE/AX at Streets of Willow Monday Oct. 4th. This is an entry level event complete with novice clinic and instruction designed to bridge the transition between a parking lot AX and a race track. Experienced drivers are of course always welcome and encouraged to come out and play. Paid corner workers. The price is very reasonable and you will get lots of seat time.
** The second is a PCA-GPX/SGV 2 day event at the historic Pomona Fairplex race track where Phil Hill and Caroll Shelby used to race in the early 60s. November 20-21st. Saturday will be traditional single lap AX with timing on a long sweet 2+ minute course. Sunday will be a DE on the fast full track including the historic tunnel. The track was re-surfaced last year and it is as smooth as a baby's behind. Both days are open to novice or experienced drivers alike with mandatory novice clinic and instruction for new drivers. Includes paid corner workers. Sign up for either one or both days at very attractive rates. Where else can you get in 2 days of performance driving on a historic race track for only $150?
For more info: http://gpx.pca.org/
Did I mention the track surface was smooth?
** The first is our semi-annual PCA-GPX Day Away from work DE/AX at Streets of Willow Monday Oct. 4th. This is an entry level event complete with novice clinic and instruction designed to bridge the transition between a parking lot AX and a race track. Experienced drivers are of course always welcome and encouraged to come out and play. Paid corner workers. The price is very reasonable and you will get lots of seat time.
** The second is a PCA-GPX/SGV 2 day event at the historic Pomona Fairplex race track where Phil Hill and Caroll Shelby used to race in the early 60s. November 20-21st. Saturday will be traditional single lap AX with timing on a long sweet 2+ minute course. Sunday will be a DE on the fast full track including the historic tunnel. The track was re-surfaced last year and it is as smooth as a baby's behind. Both days are open to novice or experienced drivers alike with mandatory novice clinic and instruction for new drivers. Includes paid corner workers. Sign up for either one or both days at very attractive rates. Where else can you get in 2 days of performance driving on a historic race track for only $150?
For more info: http://gpx.pca.org/
Did I mention the track surface was smooth?
Last edited by Cajundaddy; Sep 23, 2010 at 02:44 PM.
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If you live in S.Cal, and own a Porsche. POC hands down. Especially if your first time or just getting started try one of their PDS classes. http://www.porscheclub.com/
Good group of people from newbies to ALMS GTS teams there on occasion (GMG, 911 Design, Werks 2 etc.) Have fun, learn, see some nice cars, get hooked. Sorry =)
Good group of people from newbies to ALMS GTS teams there on occasion (GMG, 911 Design, Werks 2 etc.) Have fun, learn, see some nice cars, get hooked. Sorry =)
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I’ve run the following:
Speed ventures – which I now refer to as SCARE ventures.. Many are out to run as hard as they can ..in my opinion well above their ‘skill ‘ set. My first and last time at Streets of Willow.. Some wanted to pass me going into a turn.
POC.. Great club and well respected too.
NASA.. I currently run with them in HPD … great instructors ( free) and will set individuals out of a session – if they are too aggressive to the group that they are capable of running in…
Speed ventures – which I now refer to as SCARE ventures.. Many are out to run as hard as they can ..in my opinion well above their ‘skill ‘ set. My first and last time at Streets of Willow.. Some wanted to pass me going into a turn.
POC.. Great club and well respected too.
NASA.. I currently run with them in HPD … great instructors ( free) and will set individuals out of a session – if they are too aggressive to the group that they are capable of running in…
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I’ve run the following:
Speed ventures – which I now refer to as SCARE ventures.. Many are out to run as hard as they can ..in my opinion well above their ‘skill ‘ set. My first and last time at Streets of Willow.. Some wanted to pass me going into a turn.
POC.. Great club and well respected too.
NASA.. I currently run with them in HPD … great instructors ( free) and will set individuals out of a session – if they are too aggressive to the group that they are capable of running in…
Speed ventures – which I now refer to as SCARE ventures.. Many are out to run as hard as they can ..in my opinion well above their ‘skill ‘ set. My first and last time at Streets of Willow.. Some wanted to pass me going into a turn.
POC.. Great club and well respected too.
NASA.. I currently run with them in HPD … great instructors ( free) and will set individuals out of a session – if they are too aggressive to the group that they are capable of running in…
With SV I had very few issues with other drivers. True that some are in the wrong group, but that always gets fixed when the finger pointing starts at the down load meetings.
SOW seems (IMO) to have more drivers going too fast for their abilities for the beginner (expected) and low intermediate group.
Which run group were you in?
Last edited by 996TWINS; Oct 18, 2010 at 09:47 PM.
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Registered User
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I’ve run the following:
Speed ventures – which I now refer to as SCARE ventures.. Many are out to run as hard as they can ..in my opinion well above their ‘skill ‘ set. My first and last time at Streets of Willow.. Some wanted to pass me going into a turn.
POC.. Great club and well respected too.
NASA.. I currently run with them in HPD … great instructors ( free) and will set individuals out of a session – if they are too aggressive to the group that they are capable of running in…
Speed ventures – which I now refer to as SCARE ventures.. Many are out to run as hard as they can ..in my opinion well above their ‘skill ‘ set. My first and last time at Streets of Willow.. Some wanted to pass me going into a turn.
POC.. Great club and well respected too.
NASA.. I currently run with them in HPD … great instructors ( free) and will set individuals out of a session – if they are too aggressive to the group that they are capable of running in…
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 490
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With SV I had very few issues with other drivers. True that some are in the wrong group, but that always gets fixed when the finger pointing starts at the down load meetings.
SOW seems (IMO) to have more drivers going too fast for their abilities for the beginner (expected) and low intermediate group.
Which run group were you in?
SOW seems (IMO) to have more drivers going too fast for their abilities for the beginner (expected) and low intermediate group.
Which run group were you in?
I run in the intermediate group in my 914-6.. as for finger pointing during the down loads..ya some were pointing me out for holding them up / not allowing them to past me on the short back straight on Streets... This section I deem as too short for a 'safe' pass. With attitudes of I CAN pass any where and drive as a Indy car driver before their skill sets there.. I guess that's why some people roll their cars ( see posting above)
If you run your twin.. I tip my hat to you.. as I only drive my GT2 on the street.
Last edited by 0396; Oct 19, 2010 at 11:14 PM.