Enrolled For My First DE

[SC986]

Ok, I've been contemplating this for awhile. The Carolinas chapter of the PCA is holding a DE the first weekend in October. Not sure how many they accept, already 85 enrolled, usually about 180 applications.

I hope mine goes throught. It took awhile to talk myself into it. So, until I get accepted I won't take the plunge on a helmet. Here's a link to the track:

http://www.carolinamotorsportspark.com/index.2.gif

[ddb]

Way to go SC986! I hope you make it in. I bet you'll be hooked after the first one.

Good luck,

ddb

[racer_d]

Awesome. You should be "hooked" in no time .. The boxster is a fantastic car to enjoy DE events with. Very well balanced and good power too. Be sure to check the regions website , and in particular its Tech Inspection forms. Some clubs/track require certain standards for Tracking a Boxster and you may need time to make sure you and your car comply.

I've been doing PCA events since 1990. It's a really slippery slope

[SC986]

Yeah, there is an inspection a shop has to do and sign off on, the Brake fluid most be changed.

The guy who painted my top, front bumper and bumperettes starting talking me into it when I was there. He has a 914 he runs at this track. here is a pic of him:

[drburton]

I did my first DE earlier this year and it was a wonderful experience. You will be amazed at what the car is capable of. Then you will leave thinking about all the potential improvements you can make in your driving skills and start craving the next one to test your theories.

[SC986]

I have been checking on the status daily. I checked my email and got the word I was accepted and assigned to a group. Here's the list of cars in my run group so far:
2007 Porsche Cayman S
2001 Porsche 911
1990 Porsche 944s2
2002 Porsche Boxster S
2006 Porsche 997 cabriolet S
1996 Porsche 993 C2
1979 porsche targa
1965 Superformance Daytona Coupe
1973 Porsche 914
1988 Porsche 911
2007 Porsche Cayman S
2007 porsche 997turbo
1986 Chevy Corvette
1991 Honda Civic
2006 lotus exige
1986 Porshe 944 Turbo
2006 Porsche Cayman S
1986 VW Scirocco

I guess it's about time to go helmet shopping!

[MartinJ]

Take a look at the BELL M4

http://www.bellracing.com/productdetail.asp?sec=product&catid=4&prodid=136

I just bought one, I use it for AutoX and DE.

It is difficult to find any discount on the web but I found one that sold me the Helmet a Helmet bag and shipped it to me for the MSRP of the Helmet. Email me if interested.

Another note - Don't buy used, these things can be quite easily damaged (e.g., by dropping on concrete) and it is difficult to tell if they are in good shape by looking at them.

[J-RAD]

Congratulations! You're going to have a great time!

I assume you're do the driver's training component first (given that you've never done a DE before). Listen to your instructor and concentrate on learning the line. Don't worry about how fast or slow you are. That said, smooth is fast.

[SC986]

Thanks guys! J-RAD I'm really looking foward to learning how to really drive the car. Saturday morning is classroom instruction, afternoon track time with the Instructor. Sunday more Instructor and/or solo time.

Thanks Martin, I'll send you a pm.

[drburton]

Funny that they are going to have a 997 Turbo on the track (same run group) as a 1991 Honda Civic. When the Civic gets to a straight they better be looking in their rearview mirror.

[racer_d]

Originally Posted by drburton

Funny that they are going to have a 997 Turbo on the track (same run group) as a 1991 Honda Civic. When the Civic gets to a straight they better be looking in their rearview mirror.

Its the Driver, not the car. well.. sometimes it is the car, but, well, I've seen lots of "fast cars" only go fast on the straight and go painfully slow in the corners. Carolina Motorsports park is mostly corners

[Perfectlap]

kind of dated but still good to watch and will tie you over until the DE
high performance driving DVD
p.s.
Get the book too. Hours or good reading.

p.s.s.

great video Pocono south I think. Check out the braking points and g's.

GT3 Pocono on board

[SC986]

That's a great video! You can tell he was a more experienced driver than the M3 he caught. Much better lines and smoother in the corners.

I was watching some videos from the track in Kershaw where I'm going. It really got me pumped but then I also realized just how bad I'll be, but that's ok.

[Perfectlap]

which reminds me. ask about the track insurance that some of the other guys may be getting for the day.