[Lucky]

Has anyone run a DE with NASA? How do their events compare with the typical PCA DE? (e.g., is track time adequate? is the mixture of cars and drivers safe and fun?)

[CrewChief]

Yes. Yes. Yes and Yes.

Plus 'free' food saturday and of course the ever popular trophy persons as DayTony can attest.

The food is only 'free' disregarding the considerably higher price of the event of course. But that'a not a criticism of NASA; rather a compliment to the bargain PCA represents (for students).

[APKhaos]

Its a great experience to run with other organizations, and NASA is a good one. Marc A had a ball running with some big bore hardware, and doing well at it.

FWIW, Triangle Z club runs a great event at VIR in February, which is a perfect season opener. Again, well run and lots of fun [although a little chilly].

[Marc A]

JB:

NASA has a great group of people running the DEs, very easy going and a pleasure to deal with.

The mix of cars is unbelievable from GT-1R cars to vettes, camaros, and mustangs. Even a few Nissans and VWs. It was fun fending off (or spinning off as the case may be) those V-8 guys . . . though.

Passing is a little lax for those of us schooled the right way, but the NASA people were on top of it.

The cost is high as compared to Potomac events and run time is about the same I think.

[Lucky]

Thanks for the info guys!!! Sounds like they run a good event. I'm signed up for the 9/18 weekend -- it is about $100 more than a Potomac event, but I need a track fix and this fits my schedule.

I doubt I'll be running with the big dogs like Marc can, so I need to exercise my passing finger muscles over the next couple of weeks! This will be my first time running without mostly Porsches around me, so it should be interesting and educational.

Tony, will you be there racin' the 951? If so, I'd be happy to help you in the pits between my sessions.

[bettyc]

Triangle Z club runs a great event at VIR in February, which is a perfect season opener.

Tony, now that you're running PCA races your season opener will have to move up just a little. Sebring is usually Valentine's day weekend. You can always send roses from there....

[APKhaos]

John,
I'll be there, given that nothing dire happens at the Potomac VIR DE the week before. Its the next scheduled 944Cup race.

Thanks for the offer! Would be great if you want to lend a hand - all help much appreciated.

Betty,
I'm not sure how many PCA races I'll do in a given year. For the moment, the 944Cup schedule is first priority. We were certainly spoiled this season with RRII as an opening race. Have to see what 2005's schedule holds.

[jpinkert]

I've run with NASA a few times and I mostly agree with Marc's synopsis. But I have had a few close calls. For instance, I had someone try to pass me at the entrance to turn 6 at SP without a point by. We were both lucky that I saw him duck inside -- my car doesn't have a mirror on the right side. And another time, there was an old guy with a modded Audi S4 who took his time through the corners and then used the straights as a drag strip. Needless to say, he really wasn't watching his mirrors either. So I had to pull into the hot pits a couple of times.

But this goes hand in hand with their easy-going attitude. I was also running with their red run group (highest non-instructed). They also allowed me to take a passenger along for a ride along during the last session of the last day.

I found track time a little shorter than what we get with PCA -- particularly when you factor in the cost. Also, if the HPDE piggy backs a race weekend, pit space is crowded. A crash during a race can also cut into track time.