PCA members... worth it?
 

I was thinking about becoming a PCA member but didn't know if it was worth it or not. I would definately like some track time / driving instuction with my 986 but don't know if I should just plan it on my own. As a member do you get any free/discounted track time or instruction? It seems like events are pretty infrequent...
http://www.arpca.com/c-main.html#2
and even track time they want your car set up properly...
http://www.arpca.com/Apps/GLEN_2005_application.pdf

I think the requirements of rollbar extensions for the Boxster is new this year. Last year the car was acceptable as-is.

This really sucks. Puts a damper on my expected track time for sure.

Will a Hardtop replace the roll bar requirement?

Yea, I have nice painted roll bars... I'm not about to pay to replace them.

This is my understanding about the roll bar, someone with more track day experience then I might be able to fill this in better. There is a difference between roll bars, and a roll cage. All Boxster's have roll bars; they are required by law in production convertibles. I believe you only need roll cages in PCA events when your skill and experience progress (there are different levels) or you are taking part in PCA racing. PCA racing is totally different the PCA drivers ed events.

STL PCA has two DE events a year, one in the spring and one in the fall. Read our application for the spring DE event, it might answer some questions.

http://vista.pca.org//stl/events/2005/April05CCRegistform.pdf

I did a little research. The rollbar extention is a device that goes over the top of the factory rollbar, and mount non-destructively. See here: http://www.bkauto.com/porsche/r3010.php

They're about $600. It sucks to have to pay for it, but I don't need to modify my car permanently, and it is protecting my squash, so...

To the original point, yes it's worth it to join PCA. Hell, the parts discount at most dealers alone will pay you back tenfold. I've probably saved $250 on parts in the past couple years, so I figure thats paid for nearly a decade of membership. Besides, you get a decent magazine and the opportunity to participate in autocrosses, mountain drives and all sorts of other good times. Join, you won't regret it.

-Paul