03-26-2014, 11:05 AM
I'm not Marty, but I've done lots of DEs. No need for different tires, brake pads or anything for the Intro to DE. I did a number of DEs with a brand new car on the OEM tires and pads and had no issues. Race tracks, including WGI, are less likely to have stones or other debris on their surface than the highways you drive to get there. Tracks are carefully inspected and the flaggers watch for debris. That said, if you care about your paint a clear bra makes sense for ALL the driving you do. That dump truck two cars ahead of you on the highway is more likely to drop some stones that will chip your paint than a car you are following on the track will kick up a stone, but either could happen. Some DE drivers put "racer's tape," a kind of masking tape all over the nose of their car, but a clear bra looks better and will protect your paint on the street, too. Your dealer or other shops can help you with a clear bra.
Just FYI, common wisdom (to which I subscribe) encourage use of street tires for DEs for at least the first year. Those tires give more notice to the driver before they lose grip which they do slower and more predictably than R-compound tires. As long as you pay attention to wear of your brake pads you will be find with the street compound, too. For a one-day Intro experience I predict no issues at all.
What you should note is that WGI, as one of the older tracks we run, has less runoff in a number of places than more modern tracks. Your instructor will help you drive within your ability and you should not get the chance to meet any Armco. It is there, but if you keep your head straight it is not any closer than it is on many highways you drive without thinking about it. Just keep within your skills and you'll do fine. Your instructor and your VERY capable car will help with that!
Just FYI, common wisdom (to which I subscribe) encourage use of street tires for DEs for at least the first year. Those tires give more notice to the driver before they lose grip which they do slower and more predictably than R-compound tires. As long as you pay attention to wear of your brake pads you will be find with the street compound, too. For a one-day Intro experience I predict no issues at all.
What you should note is that WGI, as one of the older tracks we run, has less runoff in a number of places than more modern tracks. Your instructor will help you drive within your ability and you should not get the chance to meet any Armco. It is there, but if you keep your head straight it is not any closer than it is on many highways you drive without thinking about it. Just keep within your skills and you'll do fine. Your instructor and your VERY capable car will help with that!
Chris
981 GT4
996 GT3 Cup
911 Carrera Sport Coupe
PCA Nationally Trained DE Instructor #200810247
Genesee Valley BMW CCA Instructor
981 GT4
996 GT3 Cup
911 Carrera Sport Coupe
PCA Nationally Trained DE Instructor #200810247
Genesee Valley BMW CCA Instructor