Ah ... :? ... er ....

(1) I had to drive into DC during the St. Patrick's Day parade

(2) I had to drive out of DC during the St. Patrick's Day parade

(3) When not driving in/out of DC I was inside and warm

:wink:

A great event, even if the weather was cold followed by colder.
My tires did not get up to full temp all weekend. :(

Notable Dorki achievements included:

- Doug E promoted to Blue run group
- Charlie S signed out for solo on his first weekend at Summit Point
- Bill W rode an entire run session in my car without turning green and survived a 90mph 720 rotation in turn 3 :shock:
- Different driving styles developing - Charlie locking up his rears into 5, Bill smoking the fronts into 5.
- Jason S gave Charlie, Bill and Doug a taste of what it really takes to be fast around Summit Point
- Everyone had a great time despite the temps!

A terrific start to the season!

Since I didn't drive the track my experiences are a bit subdued. I had a great time hanging with you all (those I have met and the new faces - to me).

The drive out was a lot of fun. Because I followed the whole way in, I missed the turn on the way back! :oops:

I realize from Charlie's brake fading experience, the importance of good brake maintenance. The full flush is scheduled for this weekend. TIA Chris and Pari!

After a lot of positive comments from you all about it, I have registered for the HPDC on April 18th. I'm really looking forward to it. After mentioning it to my wife she's like "can I take the BMW?" (I knew I was in :twisted: ).

The photos turned out pretty well. I tried to make sure all Dorki's were represented. I missed Tony's run group though and owe Jon (Lucky) an apology. Jon - you need a more distinct car!! :wink:

One of you all tell me about these right seat ride alongs. I'm interested in doing that!!

See you all Saturday!

Great time this weekend.

1) Actually Doug, the trooper's last words to us were "Every last one of you." What a prick!

2) Learned how badly my wheels and tires suck for track driving.

3) Finally learned how to throttle steer when rear end breaks loose.

4) Gained new appreciation for how durable and responsive my car is.

5) Why spend money on Big Reds? Stock 993 brakes are just amazing.

6) Great to hang with the gang again in the paddock.

7) Chez Summit will not be getting rated by Zagat's.

[instructor hat on]

If you are a green / blue student, you can ride in the right seat with an instructor from the black / red group IF:

1. you and the instructor (and your car) are entered in the event.

2. If u r green student (can ride in Blue)

3. If u r blue student (can ride in white)

4. If u r white student (can ride in black or red)

5. Instructors can ride w / each other in red and / or black)

There are exigent circumstances exceptions to this rule (for blue and green students to get a ride in red / black session) ONLY if EXTREMELY necessary.

[Instructor hat off]

Jase

Hmmm. So the instructor drives me (a green student) in the blue group? In who's car? Mine? :?:



[/i]

Steve:

[instructor hat back on]

The instructor takes you in their car in the next higher group. The instructor CAN drive you in your car in your group, with your permission of course :wink: , for the first couple of laps to:

1. get a feel for your car.

2. show you the "line"

[instructor hat back off]

Jase

One addition to Jason's explanation of how to get a ride with instructors.

Get permission from your current instructor, if you have one, before riding with anyone else. It's always a nasty surprise to get into the right seat and discover the driver just went for a ride with someone else and you didn't know about it. Can really screw up instructor teaching plans for that and future sessions. Most instructors are willing to take out their students, just ask.

Why is this important? Let's just say I don't really like spinning down the chute because my student tried to duplicate what someone else demonstrated in a ride-along in the previous session. Something the student had neither the skill nor judgement to execute safely. :x

Betty:

Yes, this has happened to me as well. Hey, did your tires ever come up to temp? I was thinking that wing / downforce might provide enough "gription" to heat them up on the frozen tarmac.

Jase

Not only did they heat up but I had the usual problem of them overheating about two thirds way thru a session. Looks like I'm definitely going to nitrogen this year. Heating up tires has never really been a problem. I don't know if it's because the "cold" pressures are always adjusted to the outside temps or if it's because I drive too much like Gary... 8)

I figure slicks have got to be as grippy as R tires when they're cold so I just slide them around from the first lap on and they get quite "toasty".

The teener loved the weather this weekend. Warm track and cool temperatures, it's a great combination. Same thing happens in November.

Now I have to learn how to patch fiberglass so I can repair the front end....&*^% trailer ramp!

Anyone out there know anything about fiberglass repair? I'm willing to set up the grill and break out the cooler if someone is willing to show me how to do this stuff. I priced out buying new front fenders and nose piece and it completely killed my paint job budget.