News from the Michelin Man..

[robert997]

Hi All, just a short note from Steve Dolby of Michelin on the tyre wear on the 997 and what's in the pipeline...

'We have taken the wear issue high lighted on the 997 seriously. The main issue seemed to be on the 19" front tyre when driven hard on tracks. I am hoping to get back to you with some more advice/information in the near future. In the short term, when on the track we do not advise drivers to bleed air out of the tyres. Low pressure can lead to more rapid tyre shoulder wear.
Another piece of news is that we hope to have available early in the new year a
19 inch version of the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyre to suite the 997. The Pilot Sport Cup is designed more with track work in mind, so could be an alternative for some of your members.
I expect to have some more news for you in January.'

I'll keep you posted as always.

 

[Guest]

Thanks Rob

Has does one go about getting on a Porsche Club track day?

Petch

 

[Michael Downing]

Very easily indeed, Petch! And highly recommended.

If you're a member then Porsche Post will include a booking form for the 2006 season sometime soon. When it is ready, it is also downloadable from the Club site at http://www.porscheclubgb.com/frame.html - follow the "Motorsport" and the "track days" links, and then there will be a link to the latest form. At the moment it is showing the 2005 form as 2006 has not been finalised.

You'll see that there is a member rate and a non-member rate .. quick tip, the difference is about equal to a year's subscription!

 

[paul kelley]

Hi All

It is good to see one of the Club`s long term sponsors taking the time and trouble to look at a serious issue ,and do something about it.

Thank you Michelin

Have fun

Paul Kelley

 

[Mark_Bennett]

ORIGINAL: princer2

In the short term, when on the track we do not advise drivers to bleed air out of the tyres. Low pressure can lead to more rapid tyre shoulder wear.

Sorry.
Do they mean maintain at the regular road pressures, or let them heat up - and as a result have the pressures high?

Just a bit ambiguous...

 

[Guest]

Thanks Michael

In regards to the track days, is it OK to take your road car? Obviously I don't want to damage my new baby when it arrives...I guess you don't need to drive too hard if you don't want to?

Petch

 

[Michael Downing]

ORIGINAL: Petch
In regards to the track days, is it OK to take your road car?

I'm poor as a church mouse so only have one 996, so I yes I take that one []

What I have liked about the PCGB days is that no-one seems to mind if you start by taking it gently (relatively speaking!). The briefing is quite strict on the subject of overtaking and how/when to do so, and also on how to be overtaken. The emphasis on the latter really helps, I think, as the feeling that they can & will get past us slower types seems to make everyone quite accepting. I remember having to let someone past on virtually every straight at first, but now I seem to keep up with things, unless they have RS badges or "luvverly" Guards Red paint jobs of course... []

The instructors have also been very understanding of "newbies", although it is a good idea to mention the fact in advance so that they know what level they are trying to achieve. For a first track day, mention this when you sign on and they will try to get you with an instructor early in the day, which helps a lot.

 

[Guest]

Hi Michael

Well I think 996's are lovely, so don't feel left out! ;-)

Its good to know you can get instruction on those days and that people are quite civilised to us less speedy drivers, I'm definitly going to keep tabs on the days in the summer and get down to one. I don't want to go crazy, just put my foot down a bit without having to worry about being done for speeding and worrying about anything coming the over way!

Have a great Christmas!

Petch