Menu toggle

First thoughts

grover

grover

New member
I took my race car out a couple of weekends ago in shocking weather at Silverstone and was very impressed with its handling and set up. I am back this coming weekend on another testing and set up day so we can begin to find the limits of my ability in it, as best we can this time of year.

I am now entered into two Classic Car Club races as a modern classic and am looking forward to that immensely. I am struggling with a heavy diary this year with other things going on, to fit many more races in through any series or championship though. So it might be a years of track based focus, lets see.

We are at Donnington in a couple of weeks time in early March so might see some of you there. That is one of my later races this year so need to get used to the track as have not driven there yet.

Still working on the graphics pack for sponsors, so can still plain maritime blue for now.

D
 
I wouldn't worry about the commitment thing, I have never done more than 3 race weekends in a season but I am hoping to get that up to at least 5 this year. Does it really matter? unless one is competing to win a championship I don't think it matters at all personally other than building up ones track time. Does it matter if your not competing for wins? doesn't bother me but it does seem to bother many guys, its easy to see the guys that keep going are the ones that just love being part of all and driving their race car with other race cars. For me racing has been a voyage of self discovery, does it change you as a person? probably does actually. I am more chilled out and philosophical about things, you have to be to chuck money at something that often feels like money burned for no gain. I only learned to be OK with that when I realised its the same for everyone else.

My wife keeps pleading with me to stop but in all honesty track days just seem a bit empty in comparison. One piece of advice I would give you though is not decide how you feel about it all to early. I have had some really bad luck with no end of bizarre mechanical failures and other issues that put me close to chucking the towel in. Then I did a race weekend at Silverstone with PCGB back in 2011 which completely changed my mind around. I was more relaxed, more focused in the car and got through and finished all 3 races. Still had multiple car issues but it didn't really matter this time as I was quick enough to enjoy it anyway and compete with the class 2 pack. One of the most enjoyable weekends I can remember whose memory will stay with me for a very long time. Then of course I crashed at Brands last year and ran out of money so missed the rest of the season. This was a big kick in the nuts but I am so far in now its only strengthened my resolve to push onwards and upwards as Paul Follett has said many times.

Finding time out mid week to go testing or track daying is much more difficult for me than planning in the race weekends so I may well this cut that aspect right short. I would very strongly advise to try and book in the Friday test days right before each race if possible. I was given this advise a couple of years back and its true there is no better time to get into a track than the day before you have to race on it.

Sorry if any of that doesn't make sense I am laid up sick at home today.
 
Thanks useful feedback, Silverstone this Sunday again for another test day and will book in sessions before my Brands and Donny CSCC races later this year.

D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members

Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Club, who shall have no liability in respect of them or the accuracy of the content. The Club assumes no responsibility for any effects arising from errors or omissions.

Porsche Club Great Britain gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representations or recommendations regarding any goods or services advertised on this site. It is the responsibility of visitors to satisfy themselves that goods and/or services supplied by any advertiser are bona fide and in no instance can the Porsche Club Great Britain be held responsible.

When responding to advertisements please ensure that you satisfy yourself of any applicable call charges on numbers not prefixed by usual "landline" STD Codes. Information can be obtained from the operator or the white pages. Before giving out ANY information regarding cars, or any other items for sale, please satisfy yourself that any potential purchaser is bona fide.

Directors of the Board of Porsche Club GB, Club Office Staff, Register Secretaries and Regional Organisers are often requested by Club members to provide information on matters connected with their cars and other matters referred to in the Club Rules. Such information, advice and assistance provided by such persons is given in good faith and is based on the personal experience and knowledge of the individual concerned.

Neither Porsche Club GB, nor any of the aforementioned, shall be under any liability in respect of any such information, advice or assistance given to members. Members are advised to consult qualified specialists for information, advice and assistance on matters connected with their cars at all times.

Porsche
Lockton
Pirelli
Officially approved
Oracle Finance
WEX Esso
Collecting Cars
Archant Dialogue
Back
Top