Slipstream - August 2008

At lunchtime, there are “Parade Laps” for charity. For a
donation, you can drive (and take a guest) around the track
at lower speeds. I STRONGLY recommend this for beginners!
Take some trail mix or an energy bar for refueling,
and circle the course at low speed. Without the demands
of high speed, you can review the turns, apexes, entry and
exit positions of the car, and get a great visual sense of the
course burned into your memory. All this, and your donation
helps a great charity, too!
After lunch, there are more driving sessions. After the
last session, the drivers gather for beer, snacks, and discussion
of the day’s events. It is a great way to let down a bit,
and then head back to your hotel. I would not schedule
much in the way of activities for the evening, because you
WILL be exhausted.
The next day, you will continue with a classroom session,
then four more driving sessions. You will improve
your speed, smoothness, and comfort at driving fast.
At some time late the first day, or early the second day,
see if you can get a ride with your (or another’s) instructor
during THEIR driving time. This is often possible, and will
really help you see all that you are being taught put into action.
A few caveats: You (or your instructor) may want to
plan to do just a couple of laps, then drop you off back at the
pits. You may also want to agree on a signal to indicate that
you are ready to be dropped off in the pits. It is not uncommon
for passengers to get motion sickness, so setting up
good communication is worthwhile.
You should also be prepared to initially be outside your
comfort zone. The instructors are very good, with lots of
experience and track prepped cars. They will be cornering
at rates that seem crazy to you at first, but try to hang
in there. After the initial shock, you will see that they are
driving the line that they taught you, using the entire width
of the track, maintaining speed in the corners – showing
you the practical effects of doing it the right way. It is very
impressive, and will help you improve your driving as you
slowly expand your limits.
Your last run session of the second day, you will be much
faster, smoother, and more comfortable at high speeds. You
will be beginning to explore the real abilities of your car.
Whether you go on to spending every weekend at the track
(as many there do), or just making a “once a year” track
weekend to keep your skills up, you will forever be a better,
safer driver. The next time some idiot stops in the middle of
the freeway, or drops a box off the back of their truck, you
will KNOW that you can snap around them, or decelerate in
an instant, then whip through any opening. The confidence
you will gain in your abilities and your Porsche’s would be
worth enduring some hardship. The fact that you can make
these gains while having a fun and memorable weekend,
make this a deal you cannot afford to miss!
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Newkirk
Crown Rd.
Cindy Lane Lane
IXXI
Royal Lane
Emerald
Joe Field Field Rd. Rd.
I-35
Nine-Eleven Enterprises, Inc.
Service, Accessories & Parts for BMW,
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2120 Cindy Lane, Dallas, Texas 75229
972-241-2002 www.nine-eleven.
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Convenience.
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7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, or call for a service appointment.
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