PIR Track Day Report
02-25-2008, 10:25 AM
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PIR Track Day Report
So as many of you guys know, this weekend was the Grand Reopening of PIR. The track was fully repaved, with new curbs and a reconfigured T6-7 complex. The day was hosted by Friends of PIR, Oregon PCA, and Cascade Tracktime. There is still a bit of work going on around the track. The tower is still getting some work done. And a big thing to watch for is the fact that in many spots around the track, if you go off the pavement there is a 6-8 INCH dropoff. We were all warned at the driver's meeting that if you put 2 off, DO NOT attempt to rejoin or you will likely lose a tire or wheel. The preferred method is to go all the way off and then rejoin the track at a more perpendicular angle when traffic is clear. It was a bit slick the first session while the track was damp and no rubber was laid down. No real accidents though we did have a few spins and a few mechanical issues. Nothing major though... great way to start the year.
The Boxster performed admirably given only street pads (Pagid Sport) and Bridgestone Pole Position all season tires. No festival curves this time out so with the full main straight I'd hit a touch over 130. Street pads can only stop from that speed so many times before they fade. I wasn't pushing it that hard as I simply can't afford to write off the Boxster. It didn't use any oil at all, didn't break anything, or make any funky noises.
The track is pretty nice... the curbing is brutal if you go too far in but you can still lightly touch it without too much unsettling to the car. Still will be useful in T10 to make 10 & 11 as straight as possible. The back straight still has some pavement undulation so you can feel the suspension working as you push around the sweeper. Obviously the main change is in 7. VERY wide entry will make it very interesting during races. Taking the proper outside line leaves the inside door wide open for someone to try and squeeze you out. Also the elevation change pushes cars to the outside of the turn so for optimum line you really have to nail your turnin.
So that's my review. It was a good first day with a very wide variety of cars and motorcycles showing up. Everyone behaved well, and we had a great day. The line through 7 is definitely more challenging than before... I really look forward to getting my REAL track car out there in a few weeks. Below are a couple pictures of the 986S taken by my fellow 944 buddy Darren. To see his whole gallery from the day, <a href="http://www.dlloyd.net/photos/main.php/v/pir022408/">CLICK HERE</a>
<img src="http://www.dlloyd.net/photos/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=54516 &g2_serialNumber=1" />
<img src="http://www.dlloyd.net/photos/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=54991 &g2_serialNumber=1" />
<img src="http://www.dlloyd.net/photos/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=54720 &g2_serialNumber=1" />
The Boxster performed admirably given only street pads (Pagid Sport) and Bridgestone Pole Position all season tires. No festival curves this time out so with the full main straight I'd hit a touch over 130. Street pads can only stop from that speed so many times before they fade. I wasn't pushing it that hard as I simply can't afford to write off the Boxster. It didn't use any oil at all, didn't break anything, or make any funky noises.
The track is pretty nice... the curbing is brutal if you go too far in but you can still lightly touch it without too much unsettling to the car. Still will be useful in T10 to make 10 & 11 as straight as possible. The back straight still has some pavement undulation so you can feel the suspension working as you push around the sweeper. Obviously the main change is in 7. VERY wide entry will make it very interesting during races. Taking the proper outside line leaves the inside door wide open for someone to try and squeeze you out. Also the elevation change pushes cars to the outside of the turn so for optimum line you really have to nail your turnin.
So that's my review. It was a good first day with a very wide variety of cars and motorcycles showing up. Everyone behaved well, and we had a great day. The line through 7 is definitely more challenging than before... I really look forward to getting my REAL track car out there in a few weeks. Below are a couple pictures of the 986S taken by my fellow 944 buddy Darren. To see his whole gallery from the day, <a href="http://www.dlloyd.net/photos/main.php/v/pir022408/">CLICK HERE</a>
<img src="http://www.dlloyd.net/photos/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=54516 &g2_serialNumber=1" />
<img src="http://www.dlloyd.net/photos/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=54991 &g2_serialNumber=1" />
<img src="http://www.dlloyd.net/photos/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=54720 &g2_serialNumber=1" />
02-25-2008, 01:01 PM
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Sent cancellation to Pat and John this a.m.
Tomorrow midnight is the cancellation cutoff anyway. Pat asked for "earlier" if possible and the NOAA/weather.com forecasts continue to look wet for Saturday. I'm leaving the door open for Sunday's Alfa event, but that would be a pay at the gate scenario. I have a question into Tami, but the probability for me is very low for that one as well. Just not an early season guy. IRDC might be dry up here the following weekend. We'll see.
02-25-2008, 01:14 PM
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Another fun pic
Just got this one from my other friend James. Session 1, first green flag lap of the season after 3 full yellow recon laps. Come out of 7, and in the rearview I just watch the rear end of this Vette continue to rotate after apexing... rotated him right off the track.
The mud really messed up his wheel balance too... he had to come in twice with vibrations at speed.
In the wet, it is imperative to modulate the throttle smoothly and not get too hard on the power too early. Especially in a vette!
<img src="http://www.schwanks.com/images/forumposts/986s/pir_20080224_0367.jpg" />
The mud really messed up his wheel balance too... he had to come in twice with vibrations at speed.
In the wet, it is imperative to modulate the throttle smoothly and not get too hard on the power too early. Especially in a vette!
<img src="http://www.schwanks.com/images/forumposts/986s/pir_20080224_0367.jpg" />
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02-25-2008, 02:50 PM
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There ya' go. It's all good.
Not worth the $350+ for me to come down there, overnight, get race gas, eat, do the event, etc. when it could be a slop parade. Even worse on a day when it's mostly Porsches.
Anyway, to each driver, his/her own enjoyment parameters.
Anyway, to each driver, his/her own enjoyment parameters.