Schattenbaum Region, PCA January/February 2018January ...
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Schatten Rappen’ Schatten Rappen’ Schattenbaum Region, PCA January/February 2018 Schattenbaum Region, PCA January/February 2018 Winners, Slide Night 2017 Winners, Slide Night 2017
Transcript of Schattenbaum Region, PCA January/February 2018January ...
Schatt
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January/February 2018
Schattenbaum Region, PCA January/February 2018
Winners, Slide Night 2017Winners, Slide Night 2017
Leadership Directory
President
Jack Fowler [email protected]
Vice President
Mike Bono [email protected]
Treasurer
Rob Lerman [email protected]
Secretary
Steve Rice [email protected]
Section Chairs
Autocross
Robbie Provost [email protected]
Concours
Arnie Cohen [email protected]
Drivers Education/Chief Instructor
Pete Tremper [email protected]
Drivers Education Registrar
Jon Schepps [email protected]
Dealer Relations
Dan Petchel [email protected]
Goodie Store
John Beidler [email protected]
Membership
Scott G. Crawford [email protected]
Newsletter Editor
Dan Merton [email protected]
Byron Veale (Associate Editor)
Programs
Mike Bono [email protected]
Social Events
Claudia Debusmann [email protected]
Tech Support
Robbie Provost [email protected]
Tourmaster
Andres Kriete [email protected]
Track Chair
Dan Petchel [email protected]
Track Safety
Cliff Goldsmith [email protected]
Webmaster
Bill Coulter [email protected]
Schatten Rappen’ is the official newsletter of Schattenbaum Region, Porsche Club of America (“the Club”). Articles published
herein are the opinions of the authors and not necessarily shared
by the Club or its officers. The Editor reserves the right to edit all materials prior to publication. The Club, its officers, contributors
and the Editor do not accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions that may be made in this publication. Porsche®, the
Porsche Crest®, CARRERA® and TARGA® are trademarks of
Porsche AG. Contact the Editor for advertising rates and information or visit the website: www.schattenbaum.org.
Advertisements in this newsletter do not constitute an
endorsement by the Club or its officers.
©2018 Copyright Schattenbaum Region, PCA.
On the Cover
Bob Helm’s action shot of Porsche’s mid-engined RSR
brought home “Best Overall”
at our November monthly meeting.
Articles and photos are always welcome — send to:
Current and past issues of Schatten Rappen’ are
available on the website:
www.schattenbaum.org
Schatten Rappen’ January 2018
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In this Issue
Events Calendar 3 .........................................................
New Members 4 ...........................................................
Member Milestones 4 ...................................................
Drivers’ Ed Calendar 5 ..................................................
From the President 6 ....................................................
Meet Our New Safety Chair 7 ......................................
Meet Our New Secretary 8 ..........................................
Update from the Treasurer 9 .......................................
Slide Night 2017 10 ......................................................
View from the Rail 15 ...................................................
Models Wanted 17 ........................................................
Petch Sez 18 ..................................................................
Pack at the Track 19 .....................................................
Parting Shots 22...........................................................
Schatten Rappen’ January 2018
Monthly Meetings
February Meeting: Trivia night
When: Wednesday, February 21 at 7 pm.Where: Bung’s Tavern.
Trivia night at Schattenbaum means plenty of quirky facts about Porsches, PCA and Schattenbaum Region. You can
count on some good-hearted differences of opinion, and always lots of fun.
We will break up into teams and compete for prizes.
We’ll have complementary pizza, wings, beer and wine!
March Meeting: Porsche Tech Night
When: Wednesday, March 21 at 7 pm.Where: Bung’s Tavern.
In March we will have a discussion and film on the infamous IMS bearings and our very own “Targa Dan” will
discuss Targa tops. Dan will share his vast knowledge of restoration techniques, and the difference between Targa
tops on various model year Porsches, as well as what to look for when buying a Targa. He also will display targa
tops in various stages of restoration.
We’ll have complementary hoagies and beer!
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Schatten Rappen’ January 2018
Please be sure your email and
mailing addresses are up to
date! Just visit www.pca.org
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Schattenbaum relies on the data
that you provide to PCA National
to keep in contact.
Are You Up to Date?
New Members for October & NovemberName Date Joined Town Porsche Year & Model
Michael Veres October 5th Washington Crossing, PA 2018 911 Targa 4 GTS
Steven Magaziner October 17th Voorhees, NJ 2015 Panamera
Harsh Singh October 19th Princeton, NJ 2003 911 Carrera 4S
Jon O'Neal November 19th Williamstown, NJ 2016 Cayman
Member MilestonesName Anniversary Town Porsche Year & Model
Joe Needham 35th (Dec. ’82) Hopewell, NJ 1972 911S
Scott Needham 35th (Dec. ’82) Hopewell, NJ 1972 911S
Marc Sandford 30th (Nov. ’87) Lambertville, NJ 1983 911SC
Konni Sandford 30th (Nov. ’87) Lambertville, NJ 1983 911SC
Rosalind Westlake 20th (Nov. ’97) Stockton, NJ 1985 911 Carrera
William Berna 20th (Nov. ’97) Mount Laurel, NJ 1999 944 S2
Tamara Lacouture 20th (Nov. ’97) Mount Laurel, NJ 1999 944 S2
Andres Leon 10th (Nov. ’07) Hopewell, NJ 2007 Cayman S
John Epstein 10th (Dec. ’07) Princeton Junction, NJ
David Tilton 10th (Dec. ’07) Absecon, NJ 1995 911 Carerra
Judy Tilton 10th (Dec. ’07) Absecon, NJ 1995 911 Carerra
Tom Hurley 5th (Nov. ’12) Medford, NJ 2006 911 Carerra
Sandra Hurley 5th (Nov. ’12) Medford, NJ 2006 911 Carerra
Andres Kriete 5th (Dec. ’12) Cherry Hill, NJ 2008 Cayman
Susanne Kriete 5th (Dec. ’12) Cherry Hill, NJ 2008 Cayman
Schatten Rappen’ January 2018
Join us…
Our Monthly Meetings are held at
Bung’s Tavern, 2031 Rt. 130 S,
Burlington, NJ. We usually gather
for snacks and cocktails at 6:30 pm,
and the meetings start at 7:00 pm.
For driving directions, go to: bungstavern.net/
Contact VP and Program Chair
Mike Bono if you have an idea for a
Monthly Meeting or other event:[email protected]
Photographers Wanted Seen any cool cars lately? If you have recent Porsche-related pictures, from a recent Schattenbaum event or not, please consider submitting them with descriptions for our website and our Facebook page.
Send full size photos as attachments to [email protected]
Schattenbaum’s 2018 Drivers Ed Events
Date: Track:
March 17-18 NJMP: Saturday @ Lightning, Sunday @ Thunderbolt
May 5-6 Summit Point Motorsports Park: Main Course
June 28-29 NJMP: Thunderbolt
July 26-27 NJMP: Thursday @ Lightning, Friday @ Thunderbolt
August 17-19 (Club Race weekend) NJMP: Thunderbolt (Advanced DE run group only)
October 11-12 NJMP: Thursday @ Thunderbolt, Friday @ Lightning
November 3-4 NJMP: Thunderbolt
Registration is open for all events. For more details, visit www.schattenbaum.org.
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Schatten Rappen’ January 2018
Happy New Year 2018!
Hello Schattenbaum members, the New Year is upon us! But before we look at 2018, we should take a moment to remember all the great memories we made in 2017.
Schattenbaum continues to be a great region for track events due to a combination of all our members and our ability to attract members from other regions to attend our DE and Club Race events. 2017 marked our 10th annual Club Race, and whether you attend our Club Race as a driver or volunteer, or if you just come as a spectator to meet up with other Porsche enthusiasts that enjoy the Club track events, memories are made that last a lifetime. The camaraderie and friendships developed over the years in Schattenbaum are also easy to identify during the many social gatherings throughout the year, or seen in one member helping a fellow driver fix their car in-between races.
As you will read from our Treasurer Rob Lerman, 2017 was a good year financially for the Club due to our track events. Our 2017 social events including the Spring Social, and Holiday Party made for some very memorable times too. Our Programs included a trip to Fab Speed, a car detailing clinic, the Princeton Porsche 718 unveiling, the Princeton Porsche Cars & Coffee and a Covered Bridge Tour in Bucks County, just to name a few.
For 2018, we are working on some great events. The Porsche 356 registry East Coast Holiday has contacted us to support them with their East coast gathering in Ocean City, NJ that takes place in October. We are also planning another car detailing clinic, more Cars & Coffee, multiple tours, concours and Monthly Meetings. We are always looking for new ideas, so please feel free to contact me if you have an idea for an event or would like to get involved in events we have planned.
From the President Jack Fowler
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I also have to give a shout out to my fellow board and chair members that support our track events. Many of our positions require constant monitoring and oversight. The success I mentioned regarding our track events is largely the result of our track events team. We have some dedicated members such Dan Petchel, Jon Schepps, Pete Debussman, Pete Tremper, John Biedler, Robbie Provost, Mike Bono, Bob Carrington and Betty Tremper. There is constant communication about those events to make sure we keep them safe and successful. Thank You for your dedication.
Schattenbaum had a great year in 2017, and we are working hard to make 2018 one of our best years yet. Please continue to participate in all the great events our club has to offer. Without all of you, Schattenbaum would not be the great club that it is, so thank you for your enthusiasm and continued interest as we move into 2018!
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Meet our new Safety Chair Cliff GoldsmithCliff Goldsmith
Most my life I have had sports cars and sport motorcycles. About four years ago I purchased a Porsche 911 (996) Twin Turbo and decided to join the Porsche Club to maximize my enjoyment with my new Porsche. Luckily for me Schattenbaum was my local region. I attended my first meeting in May 2015 and was introduced to HPDE. It took me a year but on June 2016 I rented a Spec Boxster racecar from Club member and Track Chair, Dan Petchel. After one DE event (like most of you), I became “addicted”. Within six months I ended up purchasing a pickup truck, an enclosed trailer and a racecar, not necessarily in that order. (In fact, I now have two race cars; one is for sale if anybody’s interested — I’ll make you a good deal!) And just as important, I met numerous Club members who I now considered to be my friends. When asked to be the Safety Chair I was honored, and I look forward
to contributing and helping all of our members at our DE events, and to ensure everybody has a safe and memorable experience.
Happy Holidays to you and your family, and a very Happy New Year’s 2018!
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Meet our new Secretary Steve RiceMeet our new Secretary Steve Rice
Steve Rice
Like most guys, I’ve always been attracted to sports cars. When I was going off to college in 1969, I wanted to buy a 1963 Corvette, but I was $200 short and my dad convinced me not to go into debt to buy a car when I'd still have to pay for insurance and gas. Instead, my first car was a 1966 Mustang GT with a 289 V8 engine, a four barrel carburetor and posi-traction. That car was a blast and I quickly learned how easy it was to go through tires while burning rubber in the parking lot.
I sold that Mustang the summer before my senior year in college as I was going off to the University of Hawaii as an exchange student. After graduation, I decided to stay in Hawaii and wound up living out there for eight years. The first few years I didn't have a car, but I eventually bought a 1976 Triumph TR6. After all, it was Hawaii — I HAD to have a convertible. I used to love driving the TR6 around Diamond head and out to Makapu along the cliffs of the Kalanianole highway — that was living!
After a while, the tiny island of Oahu began to close in on me (rock fever) and I decided to sell the TR6 and move back to the mainland. I had seen an ad for a Porsche 924 that was in great shape and within my price range, but by the time I got down to the dealer, it was already gone. My next sports car turned out to be a
1980 Mazda RX7. I had the RX7 for quite a number of years, until it started falling apart. But, by this time, my life had changed dramatically — I got married, started a family and (car wise) entered the dark (SUV) ages.
Fast forward to December 2016: With only about 18 mortgage payments left on my house, I started planning for my next sports car. This time, I would finally buy a brand new car with the colors and all the options I wanted. My heart was set on a new Porsche Cayman. I had all the options picked out and ready to go, just had to pay off that mortgage. At the end of January 2017, I was on Ebay looking at Porsches just for fun, when I stumbled across this 2007 Carrera 4 in this beautiful midnight blue metallic paint and a Luxor beige interior. It had all the options I would have ordered (if I could afford a new one) and the dealer was only 20 miles away. I HAD to go see it. It was love at first sight and I bought the car on the spot. The guy I bought the car from told me about the Porsche Club of America encouraged me to join. I'm so glad I did.
I only had the car for a few weeks when I went to my first DE. I was totally blown away by the way the C4 can blast through the turns — I never experienced anything like that before. Now I'm totally hooked and I'm saving my money for a spec Boxster so I can learn to race (just don't tell my wife!).
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Schatten Rappen’ January 2018
Robert Lerman
Happy New Year Schattenbaum members! I hope you all had a nice holiday season and were able to spend time with your families. I am very happy to report that the Club’s finances remain in good standing and have continued to grow, which I think partly reflects the strong work that is done by the Club’s board in helping keep expenses under control while also seeking to grow participation at all of our events.
The financial stability of the Club enables us to give back to the members in the form of relatively low track entrance fees (I believe our track rates may be the lowest in the region!), significant member subsidies for social events and increasing
Update from the Treasurer
use of giveaways, such as event T-shirts, coffee and beer mugs and other things. Importantly, we also continue to make significant charitable donations with this year’s donations to the Millville Rescue Squad, Coats for Kids and the Pancreatic Cancer Fund (see an upcoming Charitable Donations article for more details on this.)
As a result of the Club’s strong financial standing, I am very happy to report that for 2018, the Board approved keeping track fees for Club members and attendance fees for all social event unchanged!
If only we received the same news about our NJ property taxes.
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On November 15th, 2017, Schattenbaumers once again gathered at our favorite watering hole for an evening of perusing pretty pixels, affectionately known as “Slide Night”.
The name gives you an idea of how long we’ve been doing this, and the images on these pages give you an idea of why the event is so popular…
Top to bottom: prize-winning photos from Bob Helm, Joan Leder, and Kevin Aberant.
SLIDE NIGHT
2017
Schatten Rappen’ January 2018
All winners were sent Amazon Gift Cards, in the amounts of $50 for 1st place, $35 for 2nd.
Without further ado, here are the winners:
Porsches in Motion • 1st place tie Bob Helm and
Joan Leder • 2nd place Kevin Aberant
Porsche at Rest • 1st place Kevin Aberant • 2nd place Bob Carrington
Pieces of Porsches • 1st Place Bob Helm • 2nd place Chuck Kuski
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SLIDE NIGHT 2017 (CONTINUED)
Clockwise from top left: prize-winning photos
from Kevin Aberant, Bob Carrington, Chuck
Kuski, and Bob Helm.
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Digitally enhanced • 1st place Marina Bleimaier
General Photographs • 1st Place Bob Helm (which, although it looks
like another “Porsche in Motion”, was awarded for the technique involved in overcoming the lighting and motion challenges presented)
• 2nd place Joan Leder
Overall winner • Bob Helm (on the cover)
Top to bottom: prize-winning photos from
Marina Bleimaier, Joan Leder, and Bob Helm.
SLIDE NIGHT 2017 (CONTINUED)
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Above: It’s Boxsters galore and improvised lines in this track photo from Joan Leder; Sean Gallagher submitted this shot from the Tail of the Dragon. Below: John Bleimaier managed to get two Speedsters in this photo (check out the hubcap a little more closely!).
Left: Kevin Aberant got really lucky to snag this silhouette of his car while on the move. Above: Chuck Kuski managed to make everyone’s
favorite headlamps even more appealing with this shot at dusk.
While not everyone would take home a prize, everyone who contributed took some really great pictures. Featured here are some of the “best of the rest”. Be sure to join us for 2018’s installment of Digital Slide Night!
SLIDE NIGHT 2017 (CONTINUED)
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SLIDE NIGHT 2017 (CONTINUED)
Left: Bob Carrington framed this mechanical fuel pump, located on a flat-eight engine in
the tail of a 908.
Below left: Bob Helm’s detail shot of a 911 RSR gives a big hint as to where the engine
is located in these cars (note the size and
position of the diffuser).
Below: Marina Bleimaier’s detail shot of a
906 recalls the simpler beauty of racecars
from before advanced aerodynamics.
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Text and photos by Bob Helm
The last four years Porsche has been focused on the return to the top class at LeMans and on claiming the top stop on the podium. Very expensive and time consuming task but one that saw success. Less successful was their GT efforts in the age of Balance of Performance.
When Porsche first started racing the goal was to build the best car, assemble a good team and beat the competition. It worked well in the early years and the 917,935 and 962/956 eras but BOP is changing the formula to one of having a good car and the best team. Doug Fehan, head of GM Corvette Racing Team from its start, often pointed out this year they often did not have the fastest car but their team was very consistent in executing their plan and not making mistakes. Like Porsche they have a team of factory drivers but unlike Porsche they have just one simple goal of two cars winning races and championships.
Before the merger Porsche had a great team in Patrick Long and Jorg Bergmeister driving the factory backed Flying Lizards #45 to victory. After the merger the duo was part of the Factory team of
Ten Drivers pursuing multiple championships in both the US and worldwide, now expanded to eighteen drivers. The Flying Lizards years were characterized by error free racing other than an occasional flat tire. The driver team was very experienced on the US tracks and knew their competitors. The last couple of years we have seen greater use of international drivers less familiar with US tracks and competing drivers. And while a pro driver can learn a new track in a few laps, we did see an increase in mistakes leading to DNFs,
VIEW FROM THE RAILVIEW FROM THE RAIL
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VIEW FROM THE RAIL (continued)
including taking out both team entries at Daytona one year, and an impossible line into Turn 1 at Sebring taking out one Porsche and a Corvette. Porsche drivers were getting a reputation of being overly aggressive.
This year’s lineup, while not final at time of this writing, appears to reunite pairings of drivers formerly in the 919 program. The two IMSA GTLM entries will be: Nick Tandy and Patrick Pilet sharing #911; Earl Bamber and Laurens Vanhoor (recent acquisition from Audi) sharing #912. They will be joined by Frederic Makowiecki and former Ferrari driver Gianmaria Bruni in the four-round North American Endurance Series (Daytona, Sebring, Watkins Glen and Petite Le Mans). Porsche will field four 911s at LeMans. Should be a good lineup, and with consistency should bring back a title.
The GTD class started as an all-Porsche class, but last year had nine manufacturers competing, expanding to ten or eleven manufactures in 2018. Porsche came in third behind Ferrari and Mercedes in 2017. Plans for 2018 are still tentative for many teams but Porsche will be updating the 911 GT3 RS for 2018 and will see the return of Wright Motorsports teaming 2017 PWC champion Patrick Long with 2016/17 GTD champion Christina Nielson. But the number of full-season 911 entries is uncertain. Christina, whose most recent success have been in a Ferrari, has a long history of success in Porsches in the GT3 Cup Challenge,
The Carrera Cup Challenge, The ADAC Masters, The GT3 Challenge Middle East, and several IMSA races in 2014 teamed with Patrick. They are the team to beat. With the Lexus joining the number of manufacturers on the grid this year, and the reduced number of full-season Porsches in the class expect a difficult but interesting season. Of course, with BOP you never know who may switch brands mid season, or only enter selected races.
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Wanted: Models, Four-Wheel, Two or Four Legs Text and photos by Bob Helm
My main photographic interest since colleges has always been action and sports. But they are not my only interest, and lately I have found that unless I make specific plans, I just never get to do the other things I want to do more of. So while I don’t believe in New Years resolutions, with the New Year I am resolving to broaden my photography. Specifically, to non-racing automobiles, including “lifestyle” and what might best be called “car portraits”.
Last year I really enjoyed the series I did on Tum Kuser’s 904. I would like to do more like that to be used as basis of articles here in Schatten Rappen’, possibly as cover shots or filler. Of course that means I need some car models to shoot, and some good locations to shoot them in, and lifestyle shoots often include people and animals. I’m looking for interesting cars but they do not have to be rare, just in good condition, Vintage models are a plus, and any 917/962 goes to the
top of the list. Outdoor locations work best, such as large lawns, country clubs, restaurants, small airports, business properties, tracks, and the like, as they have the necessary room and good lighting. But indoor locations can work too, such as large garages or warehouse space.
Anyone who would like to volunteer a car or location for a shoot anytime during the year can just email me at [email protected] so we can plan it out. Some shots from the 904 shoot give an example of what we are looking for. And of course, the owner gets copies of the photos!
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Petch Sez Dan Petchel
My First 911*
I was introduced to my first 911 a long time ago — waaaay back in 1972. I had several 356’s in my “shop” with rusted out bottoms that I made feeble attempts at fixing. We will go into details at a later date, otherwise we’d need to change the name of this article. The car was a ’68 Irish Green soft-window Targa I found listed in a local newspaper, and it was only five miles away. I made arrangements to look at the car the next Saturday morning with great anticipation.
Truth be told, I knew nothing about Porsche’s replacement for the 356, nothing about the engine, nothing about a short wheel base, and nothing about Targas. This was the first year in America for the Targa, and with the top off and the back window zipped out it was a dazzling looking car. Different than the popular coupe — but in many ways it was better looking. This Targa I went to see was now four years old, but the paint looked like new, the interior was perfect and it purred like a kitten. After a discussion with the owner who pointed out the virtues of the Targa, a deal was struck and I drove it home.
I LOVED the car, and my boys grew up in the back of that Targa. We drove it to soccer games, Porsche picnics, Watkins Glen — oh the memories! My kid’s favorite memory was when the back end caught on fire one cold winter morning while I was spraying some ‘boy scout juice’ into the carbs to help get it started. My aim was a little off, boom, backfire, poof, flames. I can still see the look on the boys faces. There’s just something about the smell of burning gas and flames on a cold morning that gets your heart pumping.
After 10 years or so of ownership and pure driving enjoyment, with a period of time as my track car, I ended up selling it to a very close friend with buy back rights for life. He drove it for a few years and it’s been in storage for the past 25 years or so. I think it’s time for the ’68 soft-window Targa to purr in my garage again. Who sez you can’t go home?
* One important thing I didn’t mention about the engine: the reason it purred like a kitten instead of roared like a lion was because this Targa was a four-cylinder 912, not a six-cylinder 911. To learn about my first “real” 911, you will need to stay tuned for a future article.
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Regular readers will hopefully indulge me again for re-running a slightly updated 2-part series of columns devoted to first-time and novice track drivers. Plus, it’s the off-season and there isn’t much action to report…
Since you’re reading this in Schatten Rappen’ it’s a pretty good bet that you have a Porsche. Many of Schattenbaum’s members participate in our DE (Driver Education) track events but many more don’t. Schattenbaum has about 500 members, and mostly the same 100 or so people attend our DEs — along with 15-25 first-timers. This means that many (most?) members have never participated in track days. You guys are missing out! You should join the fun at a Schattenbaum DE day.
I have been writing this “Pack at the Track” column for many years and mostly I concentrate
PACK AT
THE TRACK
Fred PackI’ll see you at the track in
2018. You can always contact me at [email protected].
You Really Should Try a Track Day With Your Porsche
on track driving technique so that track-interested readers can learn how to go faster safely on the track. This column focuses on the neglected, much larger group — those who haven’t taken themselves and their Porsche to a DE day. I want to start by proselytizing: You own a Porsche. You probably love it dearly. If you haven’t had it out on a race track you have been missing one of life’s great joys — the fun, excitement and thrill of driving on a track in your wonderful Porsche. I can’t properly convey in words all the sensations you’ll experience so I can only hope that my enthusiasm will cause readers who haven’t attended a track day to sign-up for one or more of Schattenbaum’s many DE events in 2018. The rest of this article discusses Things You Should Know.
It is now the off-season — track driving is finished for 2017. It’s the perfect time to be thinking about 2018. Now is the time to be getting ready to drive your Porsche on a race track.
Things You Should Know
DE events are non-competitiveYou go at your own pace; no one will pass you unless you give them a signal that you are comfortable being passed at that moment.
You will not be aloneYou will have a qualified instructor in the car with you to guide you throughout the event.
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When are the DE events and how do I sign-up?The full 2018 track schedule is in this issue of the newsletter and on the website (schattenbaum.org/driver-ed/driver-education). Register online at MotorsportReg.com.
Your CarYour Porsche is ready to hit the track if it has been properly maintained, with one possible exception (see below). You will not harm your Porsche in any way by driving it on the track! PCA requires that all DE entrants get their cars “teched” before each event. This is a no-cost technical inspection provided by some of Schattenbaum’s approved local Porsche dealers; or you can have it done by independent mechanics. Bring a blank copy of the Schattenbaum Tech Form (available on the Schattenbaum website in the DE section) to the inspection and be sure to have the shop fill it out and put their stamp on it. If you haven’t had your car recently serviced I suggest that you take it to your regular shop for a going-over before taking it to the tech procedure. It is strongly recommended to have the brake fluid flushed at least annually. Have the shop also check the wheel bearings, tire tread and brake pad adequacy, and whatever else they suggest. In this way you’ll sail through the official tech with no problems — this is important because there isn’t much time between the tech-day and the DE event in case your car does need any work. Your Porsche does not need any special parts or alignment or anything to give you a wonderful track experience. If it’s in good shape it is ready to go. Remove the driver’s side floor mat — this is a requirement: it might get tangled up with the gas pedal.
The one exception to your Porsche being track-ready relates to convertibles: 911 Cabriolets must
have a rollbar installed; Boxsters of the 986-type (2004 and older) need a rollbar extender (available at bkauto.com and other suppliers) unless you are pretty short (learn about the ‘broomstick’ rule).
What to bringYou will need a helmet. Helmets must be “Snell approved” and the sticker must say 2010 or 2015. I recommend the full-face type, but it is not required. Other than the helmet, you don’t need anything special. You’ll have to wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt. (Sometimes if it is very hot, short sleeves are permitted.) I strongly suggest sunglasses because it can get very bright on track. A folding chair is very useful. Bring water. Depending upon the season it may get very hot or very cold, or even both. Be sure to bring coats, sweatshirts, etc if it seems like it might be cold. Track events start early each day — usually 7:00 am — so it may be quite cold. Be prepared for rain with suitable hats, coats, etc. I always have a few towels with me, just in case.
PACK AT THE TRACK (CONTINUED)
Schatten Rappen’ January 2018
PACK AT THE TRACK (CONTINUED)
Some of the tracks, such as Lime Rock and NJMP, have food stands. Others, such as Watkins Glen, do not, but there are lunch places in town nearby.
How the day unfoldsA few days before the event you’ll get a confirmation email from Schattenbaum telling you important information and what time the track gate opens. (Each event has a registration closing day: you must register by that date. Sometimes events are sold-out so don’t wait too long.) It’s a good idea to be there when the gates open since there’s quite a lot to do before the event begins and you’ll want to be ready to go when it’s your session. At the gate you’ll have to sign the track’s liability waiver (accidents do happen and the track assumes no responsibility). After you have made your way to the paddock area, you must go to Registration, where you’ll sign Schattenbaum’s liability waiver (yes, you have to sign both of them) and be assigned to a “run group” — run groups are assigned based on your amount of track experience, and you’ll be given a colored wrist band corresponding to your group. As a beginner, you’ll be in the “green” group. You may be given a work assignment as well. Next, go back to your car and empty out everything from the cabin and trunk. Then take your car, helmet and pre-event
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inspection tech form to the Tech Line whose location will have been announced on the PA, where your car will get a quick safety going-over by Schattenbaum people. If you’ve been told the name of your instructor, try to find him/her and introduce yourself. If not, your instructor will find you at some point before your first track session.
Learn more at Schattenbaum’s Beginner’s Guide to Drivers Education.
The most important thingThe most important thing is to relax and let yourself have fun. There is a lot going on at a track day and the track experience is very intense, so it’s easy to get stressed. Concentrate on being relaxed so that you can soak it all in and enjoy your day. Your instructor and the class sessions you’ll attend will tell you what you need to know out on the track in order to have a safe and fun time. My next column will discuss some track driving basics to get you ready for your exciting First Day at the Track.
Feel free to contact me at [email protected] with any questions.
Schatten Rappen’ January 2018
Parting Shots Photos by Bob Helm
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Schattenbaumers had a fine time at our annual Holiday Party, held December 2nd, at The Stone Terrace in Hamilton, NJ. Dinner, drinks, and dancing, as well as lively attendees, made for a fun night. Bob Helm was gracious enough to bring along his camera and capture the festivities for the rest of us to enjoy.
If, like me, you missed this event, be sure to come out next year…!
Schatten Rappen’ January 2018
Parting Shots (continued)
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Schatten Rappen’ January 2018
Parting Shots (continued)
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Schatten Rappen’ January 2018
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Parting Shots (continued)
