Introduction
There are few thrills in life that rival those of driving at high speeds. Although enjoyable, the dangers and risks of driving much above the speed limit on American roads can have serious consequences. Modern technology has given us cars with capabilities far above those required for everyday driving and so most drivers never really get to test their car’s performance potential or their own for that matter.
The Porsche Club of America, Alabama Region, Inc. can give you the opportunity to drive at high speed while making you a better and safer driver. We will be using racetracks to provide a safe and structured environment for our Driver’s Education Programs. This is not a racing school.
Thus the first rules of our program are:
Rule 1: No RACING
Rule 2: No RACING
Rule 3: No RACING
Rule 4: SEE RULE #1
We will insist that all rules be followed to the letter for a safe, smooth event. We ask that you pay particular attention to the rules set forth under FLAGGING REGULATIONS. Deviation from any rule will not be permitted. All of the material in this packet should be reviewed before coming to the track, as there will no time to do so once the event starts. And there may be a Quiz!
We look forward to seeing you at our Driver’s Education Events, Rain or Shine…
Please Read Carefully
Safety should be your number one priority. Anyone deemed to be driving in an unsafe manner will be ejected. No Racing! If it starts to rain, slow down to a speed below that at which you know you can drive safely in the wet. Check the condition of your tires and brakes after every session. Check you oil level before every session. Keep an eye on your schedule and be on time!
Concentrate on being smooth and taking the correct line. Do not try for speed. Find accuracy and speed will follow.
Recommendations in case of trouble. If you are about to run off the track surface, drive off in a straight line. Do not make a futile attempt to hold the car on the track, this creates a more dangerous situation. If you err in judgment and lose control (i.e. spin), the best rule is both feet in (brake totally depressed, clutch totally depressed) until the car comes to a complete halt.
If you suspect mechanical problems while on the track: If serious, pull off the track slowly and await assistance. If you can continue, do so slowly and return to the pit area. Get off line and use hand signals and flashers to indicate that you have a problem while returning to the pits
Open Cars
Any make of car delivered with factory installed roll over protection meets the minimum standards for PCA DE events. In these cars the soft-top must be in the up position or the hard top installed.
If a car does not have factory installed roll over protection, a roll bar must be installed, which meets the “broomstick” rule (the driver’s helmeted head is below a bar placed on top of the roll bar and windshield). If installed, roll bars or cages and their installation must meet PCA Club Racing standards. All targa tops must be installed unless there is addition roll over protection. All sunroofs must be in the closed position. The windshield alone is not considered to be factory roll over protection.Pre-TechPre-Tech must be done prior to the event. This is your responsibility and it is for your safety! Please have your car totally prepared for the event on Saturday prior to the driver’s meeting. Remove all loose objects from the trunk and passenger compartment including the driver’s floor mat, have the proper amount of gas, properly inflated tires, lug nuts properly tightened and your car number affixed.Helmet
All drivers are required to have a SNELL 2010 approved or newer helmet for this event. You will not pass tech unless you have a helmet that meets this requirement. THIS IS A MUST!
Clothing
All drivers are required to have proper clothing as specified by the PCR’s. This means:Shirt will be of a non-synthetic fiberPants will be of a non-synthetic fiberLeather or natural fabric shoes with rubber/leather soles.Alternatively, approved driver’s suit and shoes/gloves.
Car Numbers
All cars are required to display numbers on both sides of the car and on the rear window in a color contrasting with the car color. These numbers must be easily readable from the tower. (No checkerboard numbers please.) The numbers must be at least 8 inches high and 1 inch wide. The numbers must be on the car at tech inspection. You will not be allowed on the track without numbers! If your numbers blow off, you must replace them. Numbers on the side windows or windshield are not acceptable.StagingStaging will be in the Hot Pits for the next run group to go on the track. All other cars will be on the track or in the paddock. Drivers only will be allowed into the Hot Pits with the approved clothing (See clothing).
Instructors
Instructors will be stationed in pit lane. Driver changes, instructor pickups, and discharges are to be made only in the pit lane, or as noted in the event supplemental regulations.
Windows
Drive with the driver’s side window down. We require that the passenger’s side window be down. Drive with sunroof closed. Drive with all of your and your passenger’s appendages inside the car.
Entering the Track
Pull your car up to the end of pit lane. Follow the instructions of the Pit Marshall and stay to the left of the track as you accelerate up to speed. Use your mirrors to see if you are being overtaken before you attempt to leave the left lane.Passing Rules
Passing will be allowed based upon the individual event supplemental regulations. All passing will be done with the car being overtaken remaining on line. Be sure that you have plenty of time, space and horsepower to complete your maneuver. Never pass another car until they signal you by!A) Overtaking Car: Be sure that you have plenty of time, space and horsepower to complete your maneuver. Never pass another car until they signal you by! Do not tailgate. Do not group together. If you find yourself in that situation, cool it for a lap and let them get away from you or come into the pits and rejoin at a less crowded position on the track.B) Overtaken Car: Watch your mirrors, as you must signal another car by you by pointing over the top of the car or out the window to the side they are to pass you on. Do not move off line. Do not try to out horsepower an overtaking car, let them by! Do not block faster cars. Do not group together. If you find yourself in that situation, cool it for a lap and let them get away from you or come into the pits and rejoin at a less crowded position on the track.Failure to comply with the passing rules will result in you being Black-Flagged.