Track Day help - Page 2 - 911/Carrera GT - PistonHeads UK

OK, so I've had a a couple of 997s and have a Boxster 4.0. Beyond Porsche PEC stuff, which doesn't count, I have almost zero track day experience. A 992 GT3 is coming in September. Despite the point of it being for fast road use (the wife who's prone to car sickness will give me hell for this whenever we go for weekends away) I'd really like to try it on a track. Can anyone recommend an instructor or guide who I can pay to help me decide which track day to go on, help make sure I bring whatever's needed, and most importantly guide me through the day. If they can give me some driving tuition then great, but my main focus is having a friend who can help me as a newbie get the best out of the day. I live in London so days within striking range of there will be what I'm looking for. Thank you!

Did my first track day this year, have done two at Snetterton now. Big run offs. Went with RMA who I would say are for slightly more experienced drivers although the instructor was extremely helpful and got me up to speed pretty quick. Goldtrack I went with the second time and was great as well. Both have low numbers so less traffic making life quite nice on track.

I did my first day last year and have done another couple since. I chose a circuit I knew the layout of already, and was short and fairly simple (Donington National). If you're a member of PCGB, there's a thread I wrote in the Cayman section of the forum with a beginner's guide to track days that you might find useful. I don't think you need to pay someone, I think you can do your own research and then just take a mate on the day who can passenger in the car with you

Bedford is good as when you have more speed than talent you just owe Palmer some grass seed. If you have never driven on track before get lots of good instruction. If you have a cheap head get a cheap helmet. DO NOT take your wife. They are addictive, one year after my 20th track day SWMBO got the hump, and I did not get to..... Enjoy.

I think it would be a mistake to rely on a mate ... Bad habits are hard to get out of, and good habits are the foundation of a learning process ... and a lot of fun. I would heartily recommend the Porsche days which have a variety of instructors ... but most of them are sold out for this year. However, why not ask them about instructors in the south ? The learning is in the journey so there are no short cuts unless you are the next Senna ... but the progressive learning is where the fun is to be had ?

Depends how seriously you're gong to take it I think, Chris. I'm happy with the odd day here and there just stretching the legs of myself and my car, so lots of tuition and a lack of just going out and enjoying yourself didn't and doesn't work for me. Each to their own though of course!

The Porsche tuition (coaching) is not expensive .... I remember my father telling me that he discovered after the event that the driving instructor he was paying was using his earnings to pay for his own lessons ... that was a while ago !

I got my GT3 a few years ago, and with similar experience to yourself, I found the Porsche Club days far quieter and less competitive, which allows time to learn the line and the car. Whilst they are all sold out they do have a reservation list and there are often people drop out in the days leading up to the event. I also found tuition really worthwhile, get to the circuit as early as possible, get to the front of the queue and book an instructor for early morning and get to learn the line and the braking points etc, then a few hours out on your own, and perhaps another half hour tuition after lunch when you are ready for more information. If you can't get on a Porsche Club day, in my experience Gold Track days are well organised and quite quiet, and by default less intimidating when you are trying to learn your car and the circuit. Finally I would say that a wet day is another complication you probably could do without, not always in your control, but if you get a call about a last minute reserve space then check the weather forecast first. Have fun and enjoy you're new car.

Thanks everyone. This is really helpful. Would definitely rather pay someone who knows it all, at least the first time, and probably for several sessions. Will be great if my driving improves but the my main objective is to have fun, and not break myself or the car.

Book a day directly with Silverstone. Instructors available.

Dixy said: Bedford is good as when you have more speed than talent you just owe Palmer some grass seed. If you have never driven on track before get lots of good instruction. If you have a cheap head get a cheap helmet. DO NOT take your wife. They are addictive, one year after my 20th track day SWMBO got the hump, and I did not get to..... Enjoy. The GT3 struggles at Bedford for noise limits.

Throttlebody said: The GT3 struggles at Bedford for noise limits. 991 GT3 does, that I agree with but are you sure that’s the case with 992 as well?

mm450exc said: Book a day directly with Silverstone. Instructors available. Thanks. This sounds like a simple first step, assuming the track days themselves aren't all full of the big kids who'll pick on me etc.. Does anyone know if Brands do the same? I can obviously check myself when I have more time.

First Sea Lord said: mm450exc said: Book a day directly with Silverstone. Instructors available. Thanks. This sounds like a simple first step, assuming the track days themselves aren't all full of the big kids who'll pick on me etc.. Does anyone know if Brands do the same? I can obviously check myself when I have more time. There is not a lot of room to fall off at Brands. Silverstone would be a good start

px1980 said: Throttlebody said: The GT3 struggles at Bedford for noise limits. 991 GT3 does, that I agree with but are you sure that’s the case with 992 as well? 89db. You can fart louder

Mr Spoon said: px1980 said: Throttlebody said: The GT3 struggles at Bedford for noise limits. 991 GT3 does, that I agree with but are you sure that’s the case with 992 as well? 89db. You can fart louder As a 992 GT3 owner that's done 2 track days thus far, both times have read at 94db static at 4000 revs (soft limiter).

Xyphox said: As a 992 GT3 owner that's done 2 track days thus far, both times have read at 94db static at 4000 revs (soft limiter). As someone who goes to Bedford very often & considers a 992 GT3 in the future, I’m very curious now. My 718 Cayman GTS reads 89-90dB on static and I don’t have problems on drive-by. Same with GT4s from what I know. I speak to other Porsche owners at the track but never met anyone with 992 GT3, only 991s. Did you have to lift or otherwise be careful around the 2 drive by microphones at Bedford?

px1980 said: As someone who goes to Bedford very often & considers a 992 GT3 in the future, I’m very curious now. My 718 Cayman GTS reads 89-90dB on static and I don’t have problems on drive-by. Same with GT4s from what I know. I speak to other Porsche owners at the track but never met anyone with 992 GT3, only 991s. Did you have to lift or otherwise be careful around the 2 drive by microphones at Bedford? I got pinged and thrown off Bedford in my 718 GT4. My 992 GT3 is much much louder on full chat. No chance at Bedford unless you short shift everywhere.

SRT Hellcat said: First Sea Lord said: mm450exc said: Book a day directly with Silverstone. Instructors available. Thanks. This sounds like a simple first step, assuming the track days themselves aren't all full of the big kids who'll pick on me etc.. Does anyone know if Brands do the same? I can obviously check myself when I have more time. There is not a lot of room to fall off at Brands. Silverstone would be a good start Thanks. This is the kind of advice I need!

Am also just about to finalise my spec. All generally good, and I know the path I'm taking on just about everything. Had settled on steels, as I didn't think I needed PCCBs, but if I'm going to do a couple of track days a year maybe I should go PCCB? That said I keep reading on here about the most committed track users having steels. Without restarting an ancient discussion, am I generally best going for PCCBs, as they won't fade on my infrequent track days, and I won't wear them out as I'll be doing so few track sessions relative to road? Does that sound vaguely sensible? Thanks again for all the help.

Mad Scientist said: I got pinged and thrown off Bedford in my 718 GT4. My 992 GT3 is much much louder on full chat. No chance at Bedford unless you short shift everywhere. Really interesting. My 718 GTS 4.0 has the same engine as 718 GT4 and I never once had a problem. No short shifting, lifting, driving wide of the sensor required. I’ve done about 10 trackdays in total in that car at Bedford. Sorry to hear your experience was worse.

First Sea Lord said: Am also just about to finalise my spec. All generally good, and I know the path I'm taking on just about everything. Had settled on steels, as I didn't think I needed PCCBs, but if I'm going to do a couple of track days a year maybe I should go PCCB? That said I keep reading on here about the most committed track users having steels. Without restarting an ancient discussion, am I generally best going for PCCBs, as they won't fade on my infrequent track days, and I won't wear them out as I'll be doing so few track sessions relative to road? Does that sound vaguely sensible? Thanks again for all the help. Lots of info out there using Google-Fu, you need to decide for yourself how you'd feel if you need to replace them due to damage or wear - they cost lots. Bear in mind also that they need more care than iron discs.

Twinfan said: First Sea Lord said: Am also just about to finalise my spec. All generally good, and I know the path I'm taking on just about everything. Had settled on steels, as I didn't think I needed PCCBs, but if I'm going to do a couple of track days a year maybe I should go PCCB? That said I keep reading on here about the most committed track users having steels. Without restarting an ancient discussion, am I generally best going for PCCBs, as they won't fade on my infrequent track days, and I won't wear them out as I'll be doing so few track sessions relative to road? Does that sound vaguely sensible? Thanks again for all the help. Lots of info out there using Google-Fu, you need to decide for yourself how you'd feel if you need to replace them due to damage or wear - they cost lots. Bear in mind also that they need more care than iron discs. I hear you, and thanks. Will keep reading the ton of stuff that's out there...

px1980 said: Xyphox said: As a 992 GT3 owner that's done 2 track days thus far, both times have read at 94db static at 4000 revs (soft limiter). As someone who goes to Bedford very often & considers a 992 GT3 in the future, I’m very curious now. My 718 Cayman GTS reads 89-90dB on static and I don’t have problems on drive-by. Same with GT4s from what I know. I speak to other Porsche owners at the track but never met anyone with 992 GT3, only 991s. Did you have to lift or otherwise be careful around the 2 drive by microphones at Bedford? It’s the drive by that usually gets you at Bedford. You can cut yourself some slack if you know where the 4 mics and cameras are positioned, but if they think your playing the lift game they will put a Marshall out with a mobile mic. The combination of high RPM and WOT induction noise is the problem in the GT3, particularly when you’re on it. The modern trend for overrun pops and bangs or flat shifting fuel dumps also triggers the limits. They guys that monitor the noise are usually helpful and will show you where you’ve been pinged with camera and noise data, but it’s normally 2 strikes and you’re out.

First Sea Lord said: I hear you, and thanks. Will keep reading the ton of stuff that's out there... No worries It's a very personal decision, much like which colour or which seats to have. There's no right or wrong, so you have to decide for yourself what you're looking for and what's important to you...

Throttlebody said: It’s the drive by that usually gets you at Bedford. You can cut yourself some slack if you know where the 4 mics and cameras are positioned, but if they think your playing the lift game they will put a Marshall out with a mobile mic. The combination of high RPM and WOT induction noise is the problem in the GT3, particularly when you’re on it. The modern trend for overrun pops and bangs or flat shifting fuel dumps also triggers the limits. They guys that monitor the noise are usually helpful and will show you where you’ve been pinged with camera and noise data, but it’s normally 2 strikes and you’re out. It’s no fun playing with less than you’ve got in the car though and constantly watching the limits, in my opinion.

px1980 said: Really interesting. My 718 GTS 4.0 has the same engine as 718 GT4 and I never once had a problem. No short shifting, lifting, driving wide of the sensor required. I’ve done about 10 trackdays in total in that car at Bedford. Sorry to hear your experience was worse. Quite different states of tune and rev limit etc. though? GTS clearly not as loud.

Mad Scientist said: Throttlebody said: It’s the drive by that usually gets you at Bedford. You can cut yourself some slack if you know where the 4 mics and cameras are positioned, but if they think your playing the lift game they will put a Marshall out with a mobile mic. The combination of high RPM and WOT induction noise is the problem in the GT3, particularly when you’re on it. The modern trend for overrun pops and bangs or flat shifting fuel dumps also triggers the limits. They guys that monitor the noise are usually helpful and will show you where you’ve been pinged with camera and noise data, but it’s normally 2 strikes and you’re out. It’s no fun playing with less than you’ve got in the car though and constantly watching the limits, in my opinion. Fully agree, there are better circuits and where noise isn’t an issue.

First Sea Lord said: mm450exc said: Book a day directly with Silverstone. Instructors available. Thanks. This sounds like a simple first step, assuming the track days themselves aren't all full of the big kids who'll pick on me etc.. Does anyone know if Brands do the same? I can obviously check myself when I have more time. If other traffic is a concern to you, then there is another option, which other PHers (one pictured on the webpage) have done, CAT Driver training: https://catdrivertraining.co.uk/track-driving-acad... I think they have some sort of connection to PCGB too. Once you've cut your teeth, the PCGB days would be a good place to continue. They have excellent instructors too. However, as others say, just about all 2022 dates are booked up, so you'll need to be fast on the trigger when the 2023 dates are announced. Good luck. Enjoy!

First Sea Lord said: A 992 GT3 is coming in September. Despite the point of it being for fast road use (the wife who's prone to car sickness will give me hell for this whenever we go for weekends away) I'd really like to try it on a track. Can anyone recommend an instructor or guide who I can pay to help me decide which track day to go on, help make sure I bring whatever's needed, and most importantly guide me through the day. If they can give me some driving tuition then great, but my main focus is having a friend who can help me as a newbie get the best out of the day. Firstly congratulations of your first GT3, you will only get the best of that car on the track, so you are right to start thinking about planning your first track day etc. I think you might feel a bit overwhelmed with paying an instructor to help on your first day, could be a wiser investment once you have a little bit more confidence and a couple of days under your belt. What you really need is a friend who has plenty of circuit experience who will hold your hand and steer you gently through your first day. It's really fun and there is nothing to be too concerned about, however i can see how it might all feel like a lot to take in without a friendly face to watch your back so to speak. I am no instructor by any means, but i have sat in with quite a few friends and family over the years when they were doing their first track day and it can be hugely reassuring having someone with lots of experience riding shotgun. Picking the right day, a suitable circuit, help showing them how to prep the car, where to sign on, explain that the briefing makes it all sound much more daunting than it is, take them out in their car for a few sighting laps, then sit in with them for their first two or three sessions to help them with lines/gear choice/mirrors/etiquette etc. It all helps break the novice in at a pace they feel comfortable with. Others here have made some good suggestions re suitable circuits. I would be inclined to choose a circuit with loads of space and run off (space is just as important because if there are faster cars around you the last thing you will want is to feel pressure if it's a narrow twisty track and you are holding people up). So actually Silverstone is a very good shout. I have helped novices before at Goodwood, Brands and Donnington, so it's those circuits also are not out of the question, but the space and run off at Silverstone would be preferable i think. Under no circumstances would i choose a 'cheap' day or even worse an evening at somewhere like Brands. Those days will be larger numbers of cars, so the track is crowded, a lot of those cars will turn up on trailers (with owners not that fussed in what condition they finish the day in), and some of those drivers will see a new GT3 as fair bait/game to bully. Much better to book what might seem like a more expensive day with a first class company like RMA or Goldtrack. Less numbers, higher skill set among the drivers, etc. You will want to run your GT3 in beforehand anyway, so once you have a idea when it might be arriving look to book a day 2 or 3 months later. So you should be able to find a suitable day. Post on here when you have booked something, and who knows there might be a PH user or two attending who would happily help you out on the day. p.s. order your GT3 with PCCB's - steels make sense if you are going to do a huge amount of track driving, but only then. Otherwise PCCB's are a bit of a no brainer, it's what the market expects when it comes to resale etc and they are fantastic.

Get an instructor to keep yourself and your car safe. You will learn things too and enjoy the day more. Gary Marsh is an excellent instructor, contact details are at https://www.aneed4speed.co.uk/contact Silverstone is a great track, fun, wide enough and with lots of runoff.

If you lookup some motorsport groups on facebook or similar, you might find someone who is willing to come along to provide you with tuition. An ex racer, retired instructor etc.

Thanks again for everyone's help. Really useful. Seawise is on the nail. Am after someone to help me through that first day at school experience, both before when doing paperwork / admin, and knowing where to be - and then out there to avoid being bullied by the more experienced individuals! An experienced (new) mate or an instructor are both good so long as they can definitely help re the above. Thanks for the pointers re expertise, and also re tracks. Silverstone looks like the one then. Really grateful to everyone.