Cars need exercise

"WhiskeyGolf" (whiskeygolf) 05/11/2015 at 14:47 • Filed to: lapping, 911, track

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This weekend I participated in some lapping at a local track and as part of the “learning process”, I jumped in with an instructor in his 911. A 996 or 997 I don’t remember but it was a Carrera S and man, was that awesome. It was a 6 speed manual and he was on it hard, up to 200 km/h on the back straight. One of the most exciting, fastest rides I’ve been on and it was interesting to see the difference between a RWD, rear engined sports car and a FWD hatchback (which was still fantastic fun).

Ultimately it kind of made me sad, because the vast majority of these machines will never see speeds higher than the highway limit and Gs beyond whatever it takes to get that last parking spot at the outlet mall.

I hope someday I can have a car like it and give it the exercise it needs!

thebigbossyboss > WhiskeyGolf 05/11/2015 at 14:50

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I went in a ride in the track prepped mustang there. We only hit 180.

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > WhiskeyGolf 05/11/2015 at 14:51

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It is quite sad, people race on the streets instead.

WhiskeyGolf > thebigbossyboss 05/11/2015 at 14:52

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I’d love to do the Mustang Experience but it’s mucho dinero. Of course, nevermind the amount I probably spent this weekend on registration and gas haha

WhiskeyGolf > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy 05/11/2015 at 14:53

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Which is crazy, because if you find the right group, a day lapping with an instructor is cheaper than the ticket

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > WhiskeyGolf 05/11/2015 at 14:54

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I’m gonna need that knowledge...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > WhiskeyGolf 05/11/2015 at 14:55

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My first ride in a Porsche was in a 996 GT3 at my local track, driven expertly by an older gentleman. What a thrill... A highly-skilled guy with a highly-capable piece of machinery, flirting with the limit all the way around the track. The feeling of the weight rotating behind us, ready to push us out of the corner, was fantastic.

WhiskeyGolf > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy 05/11/2015 at 14:57

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MCO runs a few days each year for $250 / day and 1morelap does more informal afternoon sessions throughout the summer for less (although you probably need to ride with MCO and an instructor to get comfortable enough). Yesterday had 7x 1/2 hour sessions which is plenty, let me tell you.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > WhiskeyGolf 05/11/2015 at 15:02

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Track night in America is only 150 for 3x 20 minute sessions. Less time per $ but less upfront cost and less wear and tear on the car. Plus there’s deals abound. I got 25$ off my next one just by waiting for a sale. If you’re curious about track days, 125$ is cheaper than almost any speeding ticket. I think I paid 110 for a 5 over on the highway. But they keep the group sizes very small and typically have pretty loose rules and an open paddock for spectators to see/take pictures. It’s the gateway drug for track days lol.

WhiskeyGolf > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/11/2015 at 15:08

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The drug analogy is too accurate haha

Justin Hughes > WhiskeyGolf 05/11/2015 at 16:11

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Since replacing my BRZ’s stock Prius tires with real rubber, even it can’t safely or legally push the limits on the street. Getting it out to play at a recent Track Night proved that to me, once I could finally let ‘er rip. And that’s a car most people consider underpowered and too slow.

No comparison to a 911, of course. I pointed them by more than once. But even today’s “slow” cars are still very capable.

Ryan A. > Justin Hughes 05/11/2015 at 16:18

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What did you replace the stock tires with? I am starting to wonder if I should have chosen those Prius tires over the optional Bridgestone Potenzas.

Justin Hughes > Ryan A. 05/11/2015 at 16:24

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Michelin Pilot Super Sports. It also helps that I’m running 235 width now instead of the stock 215. These tires grip well, barely saw any outer tread wear after Track Night (even on a stock alignment), and are perfectly good on the street.

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > WhiskeyGolf 05/11/2015 at 18:22

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That’s great. I’d love to do a few sessions, maybe that’ll get the drug flowing.

E92M3 > WhiskeyGolf 05/11/2015 at 18:33

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And loosing your license.

E92M3 > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/11/2015 at 18:37

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I think 3 sessions is perfect. The last trackday I went to had 5 sessions. I was worn out by the 4th (after getting up at 5:00am). I skipped the last session because they combined all the groups and it was just too many cars on track.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > WhiskeyGolf 05/11/2015 at 23:30

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I push the GLI as much as I can on a daily basis.

A redline a day keeps carbon deposits away!