Zoom call with track day discussion - 27th February

[JohnCRS]

Twinfan has started a great thread on track days - please go and have a look as I think these will be one of the earliest events given back to us as lockdown is eased. If spectators are allowed, they also provide us with meeting opportunities.

I have exchanged mails with a number of people about track days, and have been discussing them with Ralph over on the modified register. We are setting up a Zoom call for the register on Saturday 27th February (a mail will go out next week) and the topic of conversation will be a 'how to' for track days. It is aimed at those who are thinking about having a go, but need to know what is involved before committing. Even for those not intending to go on track this year I hope they will find it interesting from a 'things to do with a Cayman' point of view, and we will try to include other topics as well!

I am hoping to get a few experienced folk to come along so that they can share their stories, enthusiasm and answer questions, as well as look at what lies ahead in 2021. We can discuss:
-which events
-different organisers / classes
-basic car preparation
-safety equipment and requirements
-insurance / how to avoid needing it / warranty
-signing on and briefing
-what to expect
-instruction
The idea is to encourage members and show that track days need not be car destroying events to steer clear of, but an opportunity to drive our cars in the manner for which they are designed, at a moderate cost.

I am sure we will touch on car modifications, but Ralph and I agreed that it would be better if we quickly follow up this first Zoom call with another focussed specifically for those who have, or are planning, to invest in this area.

Please let me have any feedback on this proposal, things you would like to cover etc. on here or by email.

 

[Twinfan]

Awesome stuff, as you might expect I'm up for this and also the follow up on mods []

There was a regional chat recently with David Hamer, Senior VP of Lockton, who provide the club's insurance and track days were mentioned there as a segment. You may want to reach out to him for an informal chat beforehand? Failing that, I'll see what I can remember about what he said and chip in on the call.

Let me know if there's anything I can help out with, John. Having just gone through the process of deciding to start track days and doing some research/prep I'm happy to help out if I can. I suspect I'm going to get heavily bitten by the bug...

 

[Motorhead]

+1 John, and like Dave very happy to chip-in if I can.

I think your post covers most, if not all the bases.

Jeff

 

[Kaiser981]

I'd like to listen in to the zoom chat.

 

[AndrewCS]

Will not be on the call, interested in the topic though ... thank you

 

[alex]

An interesting topic. I'd suggest including in the discussion:

- driving styles / techniques which suit the mid-engined layout of the Cayman

- PSM on vs off

- tyre pressures

- things to bring with you to a trackday

- recommended brake fluid if not OE (ATE Typ 200, Motul RBF 600, Castrol SRF, etc.) - dry / wet boiling points and change intervals

- what to do if you boil your brake fluid(!)

- noise limits

 

[Motorhead]

How about:

Fire extinguisher or firestick recommendations. An engine fire in a mid-engine car could be challenging!

Dress code - covered arms and legs are a minimum requirement.

Fuel and air availability at circuits. I’ve never thought to ask but are basic tools and trolley jacks available?

Jeff

PS: Alex if you’re boiling the brake fluid - SLOW DOWN; you’re driving the car much too hard (and probably beyond your capabilities too! []).

 

[alex]

I take your point Jeff about driving a car hard (enthusiastically!) but it's recognised that the brakes can be a bit of a weak spot on the Cayman (987 at least) - the discs are small, it is common to install GT3 air ducts / change to track pads and fluid, and PSM cannot be fully turned off (even in Sport+ mode unless some wiring work is done) so the rear brakes can heat up too if one is too early on the throttle. I suppose these topics can come in the modifications discussion to follow the first video call.

There's also the question of braking technique, e.g. trail braking vs. longer and gentler application before turning in. The latter wouldn't necessarily mean over-driving the car but could give higher brake temperatures.

Great car though the 987.2!

 

[JohnCRS]

Thanks everyone. We will try and touch on as much as possible in the first call on 27th, but then decide how we want to proceed with others on specific subjects. I am taking notes on all these suggestions!

Everyone should receive a mailchimp invitation early next week. I will try to contact Locktons and also Phil Grainger at the club.

 

[mok924lux]

Count me in

 

[Wollemi]

Although I drive a Boxster I would be very interested in joining the zoom call. I’ve done about 20 trackdays so have some experience but keen to learn more. Will you let a roofless one in?

 

[JohnCRS]

Happy to have guests from other registers. The Cayman members will get their invitation via mailchimp, so please email me and I will send you the link directly.

 

[JohnCRS]

Hello everyone. Zoom call is this evening at 6:00. You should have received your invitations with the link so do come along and participate. We will focus on everything to do with using our cars on track, but there will be time and opportunity for other topics. The discussion often wanders a bit if something particularly interesting crops up.

I hope to see you there

John

 

[Motorhead]

John,

One other thing you may want to add to the list of topics for discussion is getting a comfortable driving position, something we’ve touched on on here before but even more important for the track.

Jeff

 

[JohnCRS]

Agreed Jeff. I think there will be a good range of topics and experiences to share.

 

[JohnCRS]

Wollemi

I have PM'd you with the link.

Cheers, John

 

[Twinfan]

Thanks all, that was really useful!

Roll on Snetterton...

 

[Motorhead]

Yes Dave, it was a great session, and thanks to John for organising and to Ralph as well for an excellent introduction to track days. I’m sure that it covered all the bases for those planning to participate for the first time as well as acting as a useful reminder for those who have previous track day experience.

Jeff

 

[JohnCRS]

Thanks to all who attended and made it such an interesting discussion. Particular thanks to Ralph for leading the presentation. If anyone would like a Pdf copy of the slide pack used on the Zoom call, please send me a mail at the address below.