Pulled the trigger last week on a 2011 GT3. I don't think I have to go into any further detail how big my smile is driving that thing around but what I really need is a recommendation for a good playground in the Northeast. I have some tracking experience from Europe and I've done a few of those driving schools / track days but all in all 100% in the rookie camp.

I'm willing to drive up to 3 hours each way from NYC metro area. Definitely want to have my set up ready when spring comes around.

Would love to hear where you track and what you like about the location. Does it require membership, how busy does it get, etc.

Also - is separate insurance required for track use?

Really looking forward to this..

 

Checkout rennlist. Massive amount of track info. For NYC ship and store car down in florida or come play in California.

 

Or Texas! You haven't lived until you've driven the best track in America - COTA! First track event for the year in the middle of Winter, the third weekend of Feb!

 

Touche!

 

First join the pca club. The nyc chapter is
http://www.metronypca.org/





Limerock
Pocono raceway
Monticello motor club ( private)



Watkins glen is awesome but its far.

Good luck

 

I will second COTA. I drove it a few weeks ago.

 

Thx - yes been a PCA member since 2011 but not very active. Going to attend one of these "ground schools" that prep for every thing DE related and then sign up for events beginning April.

I don't plan on modding out the car for the time being but rather spend my money on track days / DE. That said, anything I can do to preserve the car? I guess getting a clear bra installed probably helps to protect from road debris. Are fire extinguishers required? Anything else that people typically consider standard equipment when prepping their cars for the track?

 

NJMP is also around 3 hours from NYC and there are two tracks there.

Definitely make it to Watkins Glen either with Metro PCA or any other org, I've only been once and it's a top 3 track for me already. Lots of fun, I'll be making it back as much as possible next season.

 

Brake fluid.

If you have sport bucket seats, then 6 pt harness and Hans.

 

Yep - car came with bucket seats. For the harness, I need to have a roll cage no? While on that topic, are bolt on solutions any good? To my knowledge the club sport package comes with the roll cage welded in.

On the fire extinguisher, is this mount good?

http://www.rennline.com/newssection.asp?dept=1068

 

You can use a harness bar but it's not as safe and doesn't look as cool. Bolt in bar is fine.

I have an OEm teqiupment bar I am selling. If your interested let me know.

 

You can get a harness bar but it's not as safe as a rollbar. Bolt in is fine

I have a tequipment bar for sale if you're interested.

 

since you said "rookie class" dont worry so much about the harnesses and such.
Get some nice pedals to help you rev match and spend the money on lessons, etc.
Yes definately clear bra as MUCH of the car as you can- (entire front half of car, A pillars, rocker panels, hips, and behind the rear wheel). Also consider clearplex.

 

Can I throw in a philosophical question regarding track use of GT3s in general. I've had a C2S earlier and then a TT cabriolet. Latter became obvious to me not being the right fit for my intended future use a part time track car. I was then deciding between buying a C2S again or the GT3 and it was my impression the GT3 would be just that much more track ready from the get go. I understand from other posts that heavy track use eventually makes the CL annoying (run to dealer every time and supposedly not the most reliable solution) and my car came with PCCB, which I hear becomes a costly replacement over time.

Now I think Porsche advertises GT3s as track cars but how realistic is that really? What does tracking mean for the warranty/CPO and how reliable is the car in a racing environment after all? Curious to hear from GT3 owners about their experiences.

Now happy holidays to everybody.

 

GT3's take a licking and keep on ticking. Mine has been a wonderful trackcar.
The centerlocks are not something to prevent buying a GT3 or prevent taking it to the track. They are more trouble than five lugs though. Just buy the proper tools, learn the procedure and stick to it faithfully. That way you don't have to wonder if someone else did it right...you know whether you did or not. Never forget that the lock splines in the center always need to be fully engaged.
If you're an advanced driver running really sticky tires follow the suggested parts replacement schedule. If you're just running street tires the timeout schedule is not so relevant according to the shop I use.
When the ceramics wear out just replace them with OEM 997.2 iron rotors or any number of aftermarket options out there(pfc, brembo, etc). I have run oem iron on my PCCB car and I have used brembo type lll. Both are fine alternatives to ceramic. PFC pads are nice too.
If you want insurance you will need a track policy. Ontrackinsurance.com or Locktonmotorsports.com I have used both and they are both good. Their offerings and prices change from time to time and I am not sure which has the best right now. Last time I bought I bought a multiple pack so I haven't needed to look in a while.
Have fun!