Track Guidance for a Newbie

I have made the decision to finally get out on the track and learn more about the capabilities of my 996 and drive it closer to the way it was originally intended - hopefully. I've spent a fair amount of time reading through various posts about driving on the track and wanted to pose a question to you all. What do you recommend as a track program for an absolute rookie? I live in San Francisco, and I've read through the local PCA site about their DE program. I've also spoken with friends about their experiences with organizations such as Hooked on Driving, etc. As you would expect, I get a different recommendation from everyone I speak with. I'd be interested in hearing your opinions about track programs - what worked and didn't. I'm looking forward to the experience and want to make sure I get as much out of it as I can while still having fun Thanks for the help. Sumner

I haven't done a DE with my Porsche, but I did do a DE with my Audi TT and it was an eye opener. Do it, you'll be amazed at the limits of your car. They (the track organizers) won't let you get into trouble. You'll then most likely become a track rat.

I highly recommend joining your local PCA for a DE. It is designed to help you or almost anyone from a beginner or advanced driver. Go have fun, you'll know very quickly if it's your thing or not. I haven't seen my golf shoes since I put on some driving shoes... just a warning.

I can't recommend your local PCA club enough. You will have an instructor who knows all about the handling dynamics of a rear-engined car. It would be my recommendation for any newbie. You will meet a fantastic group of people, who are there to help you and keep you safe. You will make some great new friends who are all addicted to controlled speed. Try it, I'm sure you'lll like it. Once you see if the track is "your cup of tea," and you get some experience you will better appreciate the formats of other DE groups.....Trackmaster, NASA, chins, etc.. I don't think that PCA experience will disappoint you in any way. Enjoy the track!

Ditto the PCA Program/experience. PCA has developed a terrific training program for its instructors, and the vast majority of Regions run a very, very good DE program. I've heard occasional nits about some Regions, but usually more about them being too strict than too lax. Safety is paramount. Whereas there are other outstanding track programs, as mentioned, starting at a PCA event will put amongst alot more people in similar car to yours. The sharing of knowledge and information will be very useful, from tire pressures to diagnosing a strange noise.

you will be overwhelmed with all the details the first time or two out - rules, ground school, car prep, packing stuff.... but really the key is to keep it simple and just show up with a full tank of gas, a helmet and some Gatorade and energy bars. Its pretty fun and simple and PCA is the way to go for a new driver IMO - great program, one of the best in the nation for consistent safe track days As stated, it's a tad addictive so be fore warned, the smile thing and the "when's the next track day" thing are tough to shake....have FUN

My first DE was with the local Porsche club (they hold one DE per year where beginners can participate). If your local situation is similar to that I'd encourage you to consider looking at the DE schedules of the local Audi and BMW clubs. I did a DE earlier this year with the local Audi club. It was run as well as the Porsche club event I attended (ie. both were excellent). There were far more Porsches at the Audi club event than Audis. No one really cares what you're driving (you won't be discrimated against at an Audi event because you're driving a p-car). My instructor at the Audi club event was a Porsche guy. My first DE was a revelation. I'm hopelessly hooked now.

I have done DE's with several groups. There is no question in my mind that the PCA DE's in my region are the best for a beginner. Best structure for a beginner and you are likely to have an instructor who is familiar with 911's. Great people too.

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yes, this is true...our Porsche days are cluttered with JUNK !!

I went with PCA for my first. What a great experience, though a bit overwhelming. You realize how little you really know. I was forced to "volunteer" before I went off. It was great. I had to check to make sure each driver had his wristband/inspection sticker before he entered the pit area for staging. Everyone is happy and you see some great cars. My instructor let me ride in his car for one of his runs. Wow, can he drive! To a person, everyone is helpful, friendly, and wants you to have a great time. Register early, the beginner slots fill up fast.

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One of the things I really like about PCA, at least in our region, is that they go for the best instructors instead of whether they own Porsches. We have a lot of BMW and Spec Miata instructors. They all end up learning 911's because they instruct in them so much. We have a bunch of non-Porsches at the DE's. More fun that way.

+1 with ivangene Keep it simple first time. Bring food for lunch lots of drinks, water, Gatorade. Rain gear is also good to have, NOT RED OR YELLOW, in case of rain or cold, some sort of small tarp to lay your gear on & cover it if rain & or to keep it together, and a chair & umbrella for shade or rain cover. Many of your new track friends will have & lend things you might forget. Like torque wrench or tire gauge.

Thanks for all the quick feedback. I really appreciate your advice, and it pretty much much confirms the direction that I was heading. I'll look into the local PCA to get some additional information on the DE sessions they have upcoming. I'm already looking forward to it. As a follow-up, aside from making sure the car is mechanically sound, is there anything I would need to do to prepare the car for a DE event? I expect that in its current state - a well-maintained, stock C2 - it will more than suffice until I get some experience, but I want to make sure it's ready when the day comes. I've heard stories about having to utilize different steering fluid, rotors, etc., but I have to believe the car is ready as designed. Any thoughts?

I'm also contemplating doing a DE. Should I change my brake pads and rotors? What about more HP? Should I use the search function? I don't want Ed to respond, he knows what I'm doing. -td

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You probably need to do nothing unexpected except to make sure that the brake fluid has been changed. PCA probably requires a technical inspection to make sure the car is okay and that you have enough brake pad, tires, etc. If you need to change the brake fluid, consider one of the premuim brands which have a higher boiling point.

Just what I needed. Thanks for the help.

For a first track event you shouldn't have to do anything to the car other then basic maintenance checks. First time out you aren't going to stress systems much more then running in traffic on the street. Also near the end of a long event take it easy on your instructor. If he falls asleep try to be very smooth so that you don't jar him/her awake. Above all, DON'T SCARE THE INSTRUCTOR!