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mY FIRsT AuToCRoss eXPeRIeNCe By Tom Kirk What started as encouragement from Rita Bracket and David O’Neal at the Club dinner at the Eau Gallie Yacht Club back in July, resulted in finally getting to my first autocross on November 22nd. This Lady’s Day event was sponsored by the Florida Citrus Region PCA and was held at the Lake County Public Safety Training Facility in Tavares. The activities were scheduled to start at 8:00, necessitating an early rise and departure from Satellite Beach. With a full tank of gas and a big cup of coffee, I was on my way. Upon arrival at the facilities it was great to see the Porsches lined up in the cool morning air, like thoroughbreds ready for a romp around the track. This serenity was soon punctured by the sharp sound of gun shots as the road course is surrounded by shooting ranges used by law enforcement officers improving their aim. I eventually got used to it, but definitely did not want to stray too far off course. Unlike pictures I had seen of cones on parking lots, this was a sinuous road course that looked more like a small race track. David and Ginny O’Neal graciously lead me on a walk around the track, explaining how to best execute turns, braking zones and areas to avoid. David and others suggested that I might benefit from having an instructor ride with me, especially since this was my first autocross. There were several instructors available and I was directed to George with the Florida Citrus Region PCA. George rode with me for each of my first sessions and helped me learn to trust the performance and handling that lies inside these remarkable automobiles. Lunch was provided and awards were presented. Based on the cars with the winning times, horsepower was not the determining factor. Smoothness and control were the keys to success. That was it for the official event, but thank goodness they opened the track for some fun runs after lunch. The time clock was still in use, but no one was keeping score. Most of the participants left after lunch. This allowed me to put in some laps in quick succession, experimenting with the controls (sport mode on / off and PSM enabled / disabled), seeing the effect varying combinations had on my car’s handing and resultant lap times. I learned more about my car’s handling in those thirty minutes that I have owning it for two years! Fittingly, Kevin and Rita Bracket (my original encouragers) escorted me home at a volume 4, Issue 1 rather adult pace, making quick business of the long straight stretches of smooth tarmac between Orlando and the coast. I had a wonderful time in Tavares and thank the Florida Citrus Region for organizing such a great event. This was so much fun that I am watching the calendar for the next one I can attend and am considering a DE event in the near future. If you want to play with your car in a safe, fun, supportive environment with other Porsche enthusiasts, I strongly encourage your participation in an autocross event. Maybe I’ll see you there. 2
TECH CORNER By Mike Steele, Porsche of Melbourne Welcome to a new year and a new focus for the Space Coast Region. Currently many members enjoy participating in Driver’s Education events and autocross events. I am hoping more members will join in the fun and experience what your Porsches offer. When talking with some of you about participating in such events, some have asked about the wear and tear on your car. This article will address some of the stresses driving events place on you and your car. First, I should discuss the differences between a Driver Education (DE) event and an autocross event. DEs are usually held at a professional racing facility, such as Sebring International Raceway or at Roebling Road. They are organized for an emphasis on learning how to drive your car at speed on a race track. They are NOT competitive, with instructors mandatory for new drivers. Auto cross events can be held in smaller facilities, including large parking lots. They are often shorter driving distances, with much lower speeds than DEs. They are competitive events, and the level of instruction for new drivers is not as intensive as a DE. This being said, the stress each of these events places on your car is different. Auto cross events, while competitive, put much less stress on your car in a stock class than a DE does. Speeds typically do not exceed 100mph, and each session usually lasts under two minutes. Although cornering forces are high in these events, braking forces do not build up enough heat to warrant concern. As long as street tires are used, the cornering forces remain well within a range your Porsche is designed to handle. In Auto crossing, upgrading parts of your vehicle will change the classification in which you compete. Typically as you go up in class, the level of competition goes up as well. Driver Education events can increase the level of stress on a car dramatically. However, the actual level of stress is directly related to the driver’s skill. A new driver will not be able to confidently drive a car in such a manner as to increase the stress on the car. Good driving is a skill that requires many hours of practice. However, put a professional driver in a stock car at a DE, and the car could be driven past its limits in a few short minutes. Larger racetracks can see cars pushing 140mph and beyond on long straights. Braking from these speeds repetitively for a 30 minute session introduces a huge heat load on the brake system. Porsches delivered right from the factory are very capable for light driving at the track (read: beginner driver, not professional driver). The engine, suspension, and brakes are well engineered for durability. For new drivers, the likely outcome is the car will be able to drive harder than the driver is willing or capable of driving. For those who have several sessions under 24 volume 4, Issue 1 their belt, some upgrades are forth coming. Contrary to what one may think, more power or engine upgrades are not the solution for better track performance. The first upgrade most everyone does is the brake fluid. Porsche DOT 4 brake fluid has a dry boiling point of 500°F. A common DOT 4 replacement fluid allows for 600°F boiling points. This allows the brakes to take more heat before the fluid begins to boil in the calipers. Porsche has designed the brake pads to be a good compromise between comfort and sportiness. For those who are willing to sacrifice some comfort, upgraded pads will resist heat and fade more. Another trade-off of track compound pads is the rate at which they wear into rotors. Of course, improved rotors are available to match the track pads. While discussing brake fluid, I must touch upon the required 2 year maintenance of flushing ones brake system. Brake fluid is hygroscopic. It readily absorbs moisture, and the boiling point is thus affected. Porsche brake fluid has a wet boiling point of 356°F. Not flushing the fluid can severely limit a track day. In fact, PCA events require a yearly service interval on brake fluid instead of the Porsche required 2 year interval.
Page 1 and 2: Published Quarterly By The Space Co
Page 3 and 4: welcome President: Ralph Fritsche W
Page 5 and 6: what we do...by the numbers By Tom
Page 7 and 8: Typically BRBS starts with some opt
Page 9 and 10: First place session one at salzburg
Page 11 and 12: David and Kathy Kelly, south Region
Page 13 and 14: Porsche design, the basic layout re
Page 15 and 16: THe ResulTs ARe IN AGAIN By Dave O
Page 17 and 18: 2010 Porsche Panamera 800.719.6713
Page 19 and 20: Holiday Party By Jack Roberts The p
Page 21: 22 volume 4, Issue 1
Page 25 and 26: CLEAR BRA By Ralph Fritsche Several
Page 27 and 28: CoRNeR performance By Dave O’Neal
Page 29 and 30: coming attractions Watch our websit
Page 31: ��

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