996 Track Retirement Photos

Well, last weekend at Watkins Glen was the last track event for my '02 Targa. From now on, I will be using my '84 944 Dedicated Track car for DEs and, hopefully at some point soon (but not before I am driving well enough), racing. This car is responsible for getting me addicted to the track. Despite being a very heavy car (not only is it a Targa but it also has every factory option you can imagine), it handled extremely well and was relatively quick. It is funny how as a green student your car feels extremely fast, but each event it starts feeling a little slower. The adjustment to the '44 will be "interesting" to say the least. I really like the romantic ideal of using your daily driver on the track. However, I have concluded that it really is a romantic ideal, and that having two cars -- one dedicated to the track and one dedicated to the commute -- is the better way to go. Now was the time for me to make this transistion because I was starting to get the urge to start ripping everything electronic out of the car, which would have ruined it as a daily driver. A Targa is the perfect daily driver IMO, but it will never be the ideal track car, so it would have been absurd to take the track mods any further. She served me well on the track and I survived 3/4s of a DE season without any offs, so she is as good as new and none the worse for her track days. Although I know I am doing the right thing, it was a little sad driving off Watkins Glen for the last time in the 996. On a lighter note, I did have some fun using blips of the throttle with the Porsche Sport Exhaust to get the attention of a few drivers who weren't watching their mirrors. Apparently it works on the track like it works on the street, which is yet another reason why you also "need" the PSE, sorta like "loud pipes save lives" . . . yeah right! These pics were taken by Steven Lee, a really nice guy and brother to Sander Lee, who is also a great guy and a far better driver than I would ever admit to him in person. I really like the pics, particularly those with other cars. One shows me apparently trying to let a red 911 know that I want by and the other one shows me right after passing Humberto in a red 944 (another great guy who will be getting revenge soon enough once I bring the 944 to the track) with Sander in close pursuit behind Humberto. Overall, I had a great weekend and I learned a lot from my instructor, Woody Smith. When you see his car, don't make the same mistake I made by asking him if he is a clemson tiger Note in the pics how flat my car is with all wheels on the ground. It looks like I am standing still despite the fact that these are very high speed corners. This is a testament to how well the PSS9s and GT3 adjustable sway bars handle the weight of a loaded '02 Targa with two passengers. Simply incredible. The bottom line is that if you haven't taken your Porsche to the track yet, you really do not know what you are missing ( or how badly you drive) If you like your Porsche now, you will love it after you track it. You owe it to yourself to try . . .

Now, show us your track car.

Well, I only have one picture of her as of yet. I bought it from Dave Derecola. Here are the specs as they were when I bought it: 1984 944 Cup/ITS spec 944. � Engine: o 2.5 engine with Custom air intake. Factory late model header. Custom exhaust and racing muffler. Late model DME box/chip. � Suspension: o FRONT: Turbo shock mounts, strut tower brace, cut down 300 lb.springs, shocks. Heavy Porsche MO30 30MM front sway bar. High performance solid bushings. High strength steel a-arms (this was stock on 1984 944's and is much stronger and SAFER than the later model aluminum arms, especially on lowered cars. This car is lowered approx 2 inches.) o REAR: Porsche MO30 26 mm. sway bar, gas shocks. o Desirable 30 mm. torsion bar. Solid bushings. � Brakes: o New rotors, braided stainless steel brake lines, carbon metallic pads. Custom brake cooling ducts in front. � Interior: o Stripped and painted. Undercoating removed in passenger compartment to save weight. Quick release Grant racing steering wheel. Cobra race seat with Simpson 5 point harness and racing window net. Custom full roll cage. Floor mount fire extinguisher. Lights window lifts etc. operational. Clear title. Could be driven to the track. � Exterior: o Recently re-painted in original factory Porsche red. Body is very straight. Electrical emergency cut off switch on hood. � Wheels/tires: o Car has 15" phone dials with Hoosiers in good shape. Have extra tires and set of cookie cutters. � Recent work: o Replaced water pump, head gasket, factory timing belt, valve adjustment, and had general engine checkup done by Performance Tech November 2002. 2 track hours since then. Replaced rear half shafts. Car has good power, good compression, light weight, exceptional handling. Since purchasing the car, I have installed an oil cooler and accusump, a kirkey racing seat and new harnesses, an LSD and lower european 5th gear, and I have boxed the a-frames. I have done varioius other little things to the car (mirrors, lights, etc . . .). I also found a set of 15x8 Fuchs with Michelin PSCs. If all goes well, it will be making its debut on July 30-31 at Shenandoah. Since I am in white group now, I need to find some willing instructors to ride with me on a new track in a new car. Any brave souls? As I have said before, I bought a low horsepower car intentionally so that I can learn to momentum drive and really become a great driver. Watch out when (well if) I ever accomplish these goals and move back up in horsepower!

Thanks for the pics. I'm somewhat like you; I've done a little DE with the Targa and it was fantastic, but would like something cheaper and a little more disposable (cosmetically, anyway) to play with on the track. And I agree, the Targa is an awesome daily driver. That's one reason I haven't been tempted much by the 997, because I think I would miss the Targa roof too much.

Good thinking. Brake less and go smooth and faster.

TD: Great memories with the Targa and tons of fun w/the '44!

TD, those are really cool pictures! you should track both cars! Those BBS RS-GT's match your car so well!

Thanks Fast 40th and Kirby! I went to see the '44 today and it will be ready for the next DE. You should see me trying to get into and out of it with the full cage

That sounds great TD. I am glad you're really getting in to driving on the track. Are you going to the Ferrari of Washington track day at Summit Point? Here's a quick Photoshop for you.

Smart man. You have a great attitude toward improving yourself as a driver. Good luck! Don't be afraid of racing, just be sure to drive within your limits, and check your ego at the door!