jb92563 wrote:I signed up today, looking forward to it.
Its my first driving training event so I wondered how I should prepare the car for the Qualcom track.
Top up the oil, check the coolant level, tire pressures are equal front pair and rear pair...anything else, should I use making tape on the body around the wheel wells to protect from debris?
Is the event insurance worth while, can a Boxster overturn at such an event? (With a 2000 deductible and no liability insurance it does not seem very useful unless another car hits you, you roll or hit a wall)
My rear tires have between 1/16 - 2/16" tread above the wear bars.
Should I replace them before the event with Hankook v12's or after?
Also, do I need a helmet or other protective gear for this event?
I have a couple Motorcycle Helmets DOT2 I think, if those might suffice?
Any other tips to get the most from the course?
I plan to use this as my intro to performance driving and a lead in to Autocross and other events.
Ray
You will probably get an email from the current Chief Driving Instructor before the event, but as past CDI, I can give you my opinions:
First, welcome, you should have a LOT of fun and learn a lot. Arrive on time, well rested and ready to learn - don't try to teach us how good you are - to get the most out of the class.
Top off the oil and bring extra, full tank of gas, check your brake pads and put in fresh brake fluid. If your car is absolutely perfect, you can use tape, the car will get very dirty, but should not get many more chips than normal driving. Most people don't bother with the tape and the cars are fine.
In the nearly 20 years I have been helping with these schools, I can't recall a significant incident at a school. You are probably safer during the school than driving to the events. As this is definitely a school, and NOT racing, your normal insurance may even cover you. Check with them and make your own decision, just because nothing has happened before, does not mean it is impossible.
You generally do not want to replace tires before the school as they will get significant wear and teach you more when nearly worn, BUT if they have cord showing or they fall apart, you will have to replace them or stop driving. Look very closely, and if they are truly above the wear bars clear across the tire, you should be fine. Check the inside of the rear tires, Porsches like to secretly wear out that part.
You can not use a helmet unless it is Snell certified from 2005 or 2010 (DOT certification is not sufficient). They will be provided, so you don't need one unless you don't want to share the clubs helmets.
These are just my opinions, hope they help.