Here is my take on the day, I'll start with what I took.
In the small Husky tub I had:
1) bug spray and spray sun screen
2) Duct tape and blue painters tape plus a razor knife
3) Multi screw driver and needle nose pliers
4) Microfiber towels, blue shop towels, Griots quick detailer, and window cleaner
5) SHOULD HAVE had a tire pressure gauge...
I also took one of the wife's old yoga mats in case I needed to be on the ground, a folding chair, a folding pop up canopy(in the passenger seat), (2) Dewalt 20V cordless fans and extra batteries, and a cooler with water and snacks.
I got there and didn't really know where to set up, asked and I was told "anywhere over there". So I started setting up under some trees, it was a bit muddy. I started a conversation with another guy that was there with a '16 Cayman GT4. He said we would have to find another place to park as where we were had some small gravel that would stick to the hot tires. I noticed they had some 20x20 carports, that you could rent half of, I checked and it was only $60 so I did it, the GT4 guy split it with me so it ended up being $30 and was well worth it, will rent every time I go.
The local club does a great job of running the event, drivers meeting went well, newbie meeting did too. I had already looked around on the internet on what to expect so I was up to speed on what I thought would be expected. Also set in my mind that I was there to learn and develop my skills, not just flog the car around the track.
First time out with an instructor and I am nervous, and really struggling, not tracking out at the right time, not tracking in at the right time, and accelerating and braking too hard. Didn't come in very proud of that run. I came in and the guys in my cover started asking about my tire pressure, and if I had adjusted it. I had not, and once I did I could tell the difference on the second pass.
Second time out it started to click, the nerves were gone, some of the corners were starting to make sense, felt good through some of them, but some I just couldn't get the hang of. Even though my group was the newbie group there were some that were there because they were not qualified with the club, but had experience. They were not very patient with trying to get by, which got in my head, finally learned that I would let them go when I could(no passing in corners) and they would have to deal with it.
Refueled at this point with the 93 race gas on track.
Third round felt really good, things are clicking, I know most of the track now, and am feeling much more comfortable and relaxed. The car is doing what it is supposed to do, quite well, this is now fun. There is a lot going on, and this for me was mentally taxing.
Fourth round I am feeling mentally taxed. The run is going great, I am noticebly faster, I'm pushing harder. On one really tight corner I come in too fast, too early and end up sliding out on the exit, 2 off, instructor says keep going we are good. I get the black flag on the next round at that corner so go in. They thought I was 4 off, the instructor defended me and as we are starting to go back out the checker goes up so I am done.
In all it was a great day, I didn't really realize how important braking, and tires are to this whole experience. I think I will do better next time, so I am lookng forward to it.
