11/30/2022
Almost 8 years ago, former club members, Steve and Donna Jones, urged me to an event called Laps for Ladies held at the Arizona Motor Sports Park, near Luke Air Force Base. We spent a few hours in a classroom setting, then took our turn on the track putting to use what we learned in the classroom. We had an experienced driver with us in each car to help us with cornering, shifting and braking in real track driving. It helped me become a better driver and it was a lot of fun.
I tell you all about this because the PCA-Porsche Club of Arizona is hosting a Driver Education at Arizona Motorports Park February 11, 2023. This is a safe controlled environment where you can learn how to properly drive your Z at high speeds. They will be teaching car control, braking, turning etc.
I have contacted their club and asked if we would be welcome at this event. I am posting their answer word for word because I want to be sure you are aware of the limitations
"Hi Carol,
I am assuming the Z cars are comprised of both the coupes and convertibles, correct? PCA rules only allow convertibles to participate in track events if they have factory roll-over protection built in. I know that late model BMW convertibles have the pop-up bars in the event of a rollover, but I am not sure about the older Z cars from 2008 and prior. Do you have any information on that?
If they do have pop-up rollover bars, then the car meets the requirements. If the car does not, then it does not meet the minimum safety requirements to be used in the event. I am guessing the first gen Z cars probably dont have them. Also, if the roadster hoops are structural they still need to be taller than the driver's head by an inch while wearing a helmet.
I have yet to see a Z convertible at one of our events, but would love to have them if they meet the safety requirements!
-Dan"
I hope some of you will take up the invitation and take your Z to the track if you have any interest in learning how to drive on a track. I have asked for registration information and cost. I know you have to have an approved helmet. I don't know much about helmets, but did read that a Snell 2015 (good until December 31, 2026) or later helmet is required. If you are considering purchasing a helmet, they recommend going straight to a Snell 2020 since there is not much of a price difference.
This is an all day event starting at 8AM. Bring water, folding chairs etc. I don't remember any food trucks, but that was 8 years ago, think we brought our own sandwiches.
Any interest out there???? If you have a regular BMW you can learn to drive that on the track also. I learned about the event from reading the page of the Arizona RoadRunner chapter of the BMW Club. They suggested I contact the PCA directly.
For all of you that ever had the thought you would like to drive your own car on a track, this event is for you!!! Learn to do it the safe way.
