Track days and C2S' - the perfect match

leesweeney · May 25, 2007

Completed the first track day in the S and can't believe how good the car is on track. Yes I know a RS would be miles better but compared to the last Porsche I tracked, a 996 C4, also at Croft, the difference was amazing. Handling was great, very litlle understeer and no oversteer, even with my mild provocation, just gripped and gripped and gripped and even when I got it wrong and did something stupid like lift off (yes I know you should never do this but as a novice when something happens in front of you it's hard not to react by backing off) it still didn't bite.

I had a few laps tuition from Mick, the racing driver come mechanic at Specialist Cars who was massively helpful (instances where flooring the throttle tightened the line and stopped understeer! Seemed counter intuitive to me but worked a treat and again showed how little I knew).

Now I'm no Paul Frere, but passing two 996 Turbo's and a GT3 in the same lap put a huge big smile on my face (perhaps they were on their in-laps but I'm still claiming the scalps).

I can't imagine what a modern GT3RS would handle like - must be mindblowing.

Anyway, if you haven't tracked yours you need to resolve this oversight asap. It will show you just how good your car is - did me.

Sorry for the blathering - more than 24 hours later and the adrenalin hasn't gone yet.

Mark Elder · May 25, 2007

Lee,
I've never been interested in tracking - but just reading your post has made me feel some temptation coming on. (with my non-S)
The tutition sounds a good idea.

leesweeney · May 26, 2007

Trust me, it isn't something you'd regret. It makes you realise what a truly fantastic car you own. No way can you find that out to anything like the same degree on the road without being a) a psychopath and b) locked up for dangerous driving.

Guest · May 26, 2007

after a boxster S and a mental stage 3 vx220 turbo im off to the ultimate track in June.The Nordschelifie Nurburgring with a m8 in a 360 modena and a 996 TT. I was only going to do the odd lap in the C2s as I thought it may be outgunned but after reading your review i thnk im going to be in for a pleasent surprise.. can't wait !!!

leesweeney · May 27, 2007

ORIGINAL: surinder

after a boxster S and a mental stage 3 vx220 turbo im off to the ultimate track in June.The Nordschelifie Nurburgring with a m8 in a 360 modena and a 996 TT. I was only going to do the odd lap in the C2s as I thought it may be outgunned but after reading your review i thnk im going to be in for a pleasent surprise.. can't wait !!!

Maybe the bigger surprise will be from your mates! Make sure you put a post on afterwards with your exploits. Green with envy.

smithm · May 28, 2007

I did the first Club track day of the year in March at Castle Coombe as a shake down test then went to Nurburgring in early May. It's awsome. The car is really very good, no vices at all. You can tell it was made to be 'used' around the track all day. 2 days at the 'ring wasn't enough - I'm going back later this year. It's difficult to explain just how good the 'ring is. there really is nothing like it in the UK. Highly recommended.

Guest · May 28, 2007

its a unbelivable place even if you bottle it and don't race. The atmosphere and the cars are awesome. Its Porsche heaven with GT2's, RS's Turbo's and carrera GT's parading around and if you do decide to venture on the track its the only place I can imagine you can go head to head with all your dream cars.. You really should hear the V10 of a carrera GT off the line...;-)

will be taking it a little easier this year as the wife is going too and for some reason i'm worried more about stone chipping the front my C2s rather than the complexities of the track itself... its going to be great!!

Andy Tims · May 28, 2007

If anyone has not tracked their Porsche (Cayenne aside), they should try it at least once.
The PCGB days are very good for novices - well run with generally good driving etiquette plus instruction available from people who understand our cars.
Bedford Autodrome is possibly the safest venue - very little to hit if you do go off, but it's comparatively dull compared to the better UK tracks & hard on brakes if you are really going for it.

Guest · May 28, 2007

forgot to add if anyone wants to join us on the 15th June for 3 days you are more than welcome. Some other novices are coming along too..

leesweeney · May 28, 2007

ORIGINAL: surinder

forgot to add if anyone wants to join us on the 15th June for 3 days you are more than welcome. Some other novices are coming along too..

Would love too but clashes with Le Mans and even the great Nurburgring couldn't drag me away from the annual Le Mans run. Last years highlight was being overtaken by a F40, who with a bit of encouragement from my passanger and I gave it full bore - on the overrun was crackling, popping and banging like you wouldn't believe. I'd still take a Carrera GT with my imaginery lottery win but even that can't beat the F40 for sheer noise drama.