I have just returned from a weekend at the Ring and Spa in the Turbo and once again it has gone up in my estimation as as superb all rounder. I also got lucky on a quiet German motorway and on a fine afternoon I was able to run at above 250KPH for a 10 to 12 mile stretch without slowing down. I didnt go much above 280KPH because for some reason I kept thinking about what would happen if I had a tyre blow out at that speed so chickened out which I now regret because may never get that chance for such a sustained run again. Also when you pass a truck moving at 60 MPH doing over 175 MPH you start praying he stays in his lane and doesnt wander. The Turbo feels very impressive at this speed. Totally planted and secure and eager to go faster
Like many petrol heads I have always wanted to go to the Ring and the circuit is fabulous but visited and driven by some total nutters. I was told that 4 people were killed this weekend and I can see how. Its amazing they allow this carnage to continue and surely the health and safety guys will have to show up some time. You can just show up pay 19 Euros and go onto the circuit without any kind of briefing or checks to your sanity. Pleased I did it though and would love to go back but for me only on an organised track day and not a public day.
Spa on the other hand was a glorious experience which I would encourage you all to try if you have done a few track days. The first time you go through Eau Rouge at speed is an unforgetable experience and corners like Pouhon and Stavelot make you really appreciate the car. I had some tuition from Mike Wilds who competed in Formulae 1 in the early 70's. Mike is a great instructor and he drove my car at speed for a few laps and I just didnt realise how capable the car is in the right hands. Awesome as I now know what it feels like to pass some quick cars on the pit straight and go through Eau Rouge at 140 MPH + in a 911 and I wont forget that for a long time. There were quite a few guys there who could do this but I wasnt one of them. May be one day.
Sure a GT3 would be more focussed and a better track car but after a track day at Spa and a 250 mile drive without a break I got out of the Turbo with a huge smile on my face so perhaps I was right in not getting the GT3 after all as my car has to be an all rounder.
Thanks to Noel and colleagues from the Dorset region of the club for organising a memorable long weekend
I now find it difficult to dislike the Turbo and it continues to grow on me depite the fact it is too quiet. Is it the start of a long term relationship where the real values only come through with time? I would like a sportier exhaust note and for the sport setting to offer a firmer suspension setting but I guess nothing is perfect. Would putting an aftermarket market exhaust on the car be like asking my wife to go in for a few nips and tucks?
Alex you are in for a treat despite the fact that Cobalt is the colour to have
Like many petrol heads I have always wanted to go to the Ring and the circuit is fabulous but visited and driven by some total nutters. I was told that 4 people were killed this weekend and I can see how. Its amazing they allow this carnage to continue and surely the health and safety guys will have to show up some time. You can just show up pay 19 Euros and go onto the circuit without any kind of briefing or checks to your sanity. Pleased I did it though and would love to go back but for me only on an organised track day and not a public day.
Spa on the other hand was a glorious experience which I would encourage you all to try if you have done a few track days. The first time you go through Eau Rouge at speed is an unforgetable experience and corners like Pouhon and Stavelot make you really appreciate the car. I had some tuition from Mike Wilds who competed in Formulae 1 in the early 70's. Mike is a great instructor and he drove my car at speed for a few laps and I just didnt realise how capable the car is in the right hands. Awesome as I now know what it feels like to pass some quick cars on the pit straight and go through Eau Rouge at 140 MPH + in a 911 and I wont forget that for a long time. There were quite a few guys there who could do this but I wasnt one of them. May be one day.
Sure a GT3 would be more focussed and a better track car but after a track day at Spa and a 250 mile drive without a break I got out of the Turbo with a huge smile on my face so perhaps I was right in not getting the GT3 after all as my car has to be an all rounder.
Thanks to Noel and colleagues from the Dorset region of the club for organising a memorable long weekend
I now find it difficult to dislike the Turbo and it continues to grow on me depite the fact it is too quiet. Is it the start of a long term relationship where the real values only come through with time? I would like a sportier exhaust note and for the sport setting to offer a firmer suspension setting but I guess nothing is perfect. Would putting an aftermarket market exhaust on the car be like asking my wife to go in for a few nips and tucks?
Alex you are in for a treat despite the fact that Cobalt is the colour to have