Potomac PCA at Summit Point 7/14-15 open NOW

[smankow]

Chris, was that car facing toward you?  what happened to him?

You should be fine with your Black evaluation.  If I was able to pass ..... 

[Phokaioglaukos]

Facing right at me in the middle of the track, hidden by the cloud of dust.

[JIMK]

Potomac certainly tries to use ALL the real -estate that they rent for a weekend!

I forget which meeting I was in, where I was told of the 14 offs, 12 spins and 3 toasted cars during their previous weekend.  Hmmmm

I KNOW I was in the Blue "safety briefing" where I was the only student not to raise their hand during the "Has anyone been off here?" period going around the track corner by corner.   Seems like everyone stays ON at 4& 6 otherwise multiple people can tell you about dropping wheels (4) virtually anywhere on the track.

Chris, I'm glad your Guardian Angel was riding with you.  That could have been TRULY UGLY.

Personally, I had a ring side seat on three occasions during session 3 Saturday.  Thankfully nothing as much of a "Close call" as you had in that video.

Anyway.  I'm posting this earlier that I'd expected due to what appears to be a sheared mounting stud for the Power Steering pump.  The Pump is now hanging from some quick fix SS wire and I decided to limp home instead of trying for additional sessions.  I can see fluid in the pan and in the wheel well and losing power steering fluid onto a track surface was not going to be by my choice.  I haven't gotten to look at it as I would like to yet, to see if the pump is seized / cracked or what happened. 

I just know, I like to keep my fluids in the car and off the track.  Also, why try to get familiar with the car w/o power steering since next time it is on the track it will have power steering.

HOWEVER

WOW

When I met Tony Kelly, my instructor and great guy, I told him this would be a low key w/e just trying to figure out what I had with this car vs the 944.  Half way through session two he says "Put out your pit in signal and let me out."  I was a bit surprised.  He let that hang out there a bit before saying, "You're soloed. I'll have stickers for you later." 

Some cars I reel in easily and got to drive in a bit of traffic.  There are the folks in compatible cars that have a better driver and there are still the big-boys in big-cars I might never real in but it is a world of difference between this car and a 944NA with seats & a roll-bar.

I REALLY like my new car.  It does not lean over like the 44, it stops unbelievably and predictably, the torque is truly wonderful and I never heard my instructor say "throttle throttle throttle" - so far very big Odie smile all the time. 

"A pleasure to have in school" 


Jim


PS I got to take passes from cars going UP HILL!

[Brian Minkin]

Jim,

Sorry to hear the power steering pump ended your weekend early.  However it sounds like the car is every thing you wanted and you are having a great time with it.  You will get it sorted out and then it should provide a dependable ride.  Looking forward to seeing the new car at the Glen.

[Tony356993]

Jim,

I real glad the new car was a blast for you. Get 'er fixed and see you at the track.

 

[catchacab]

Jim

Sorry to hear about the power steering pump.  Glad your enjoying the 968.  You will see the benefits of learning driving in a low powered car.  Before you had to do everything better just to not look like you were standing still.  Now you actually have some power.  Take everything you learned in your 944,  (true threshold braking, good lines, application of throttle, smoothness and momentum) apply them to your new ride and every thing will come up roses. 

-Eric

another 944NA  alum

[Phokaioglaukos]

JIMK wrote:

Anyway. I'm posting this earlier that I'd expected due to what appears to be a sheared mounting stud for the Power Steering pump.

Sorry to hear, Jim. I guess that's why I could not find you yesterday to do tire temperatures. It was HOT out there, and the last session was 35 mintues long.

[AMoore]

Chirs,

The cloud of dust you encountered must have been really scary.  I'm guessing the guy went two wheels off and tried to get back on too quickly.  I would appreciate if one or two of the advanced drivers could suggest the best way to deal with a situation where there is a sudden cloud of dust right in front of you and you don't know whats in it or on the other side.  The "Days of Thunder" drive right through it philosophy does not appear to be a good option.

[Tony356993]

The "Days of Thunder" drive right through it philosophy does not appear to be a good option.

I've been thinking about this situation all night after I watched Chris's video. I want to be able to follow a rule and teach this rule to my students. That situation was a near disaster!

Here is my take and I'd like to know others thoughts.

#1 Check mirrors and brake before the dust field if you can. After stopping, drive off track into an area that is visible to you (away from the dust)

OR

If you cannot slow in time or if there is a car behind you, AVOID the dust at all cost. If you have to drive off track (wheel straight) then do it.

Chris - thanks for posting and I will bring it up with Jack that it should be something we teach our students.

[smankow]

Tony, I agree that this is something that needs to be addressed.  However, after watching videos where someone drops a wheel and puts up dirt (Todd Reid comes to mind), unless you've seen the car spin, you really can't stop every time.