DE, Why Bother?

[Dell]

My journey from DE student all the way to racing seemed to be the logical path. I'll explain the "seemed" part of that statement in the following paragraphs

I started my DE career and was immediately hooked. I had no idea such a thing existed where you could take your car to a race track (like the pro racers do) and legally participate in such a dopamine and adrenaline rush.

I quickly moved from student to Red solo within a year and was told constantly by every instructor and peer that I should really try racing with the skillset I had. The problem is I had no idea what the skillset was. The analogy (and pardon the faux NASCAR one) I would offer is I drove like Cole Trickle from Days of Thunder. I was quick, but I had no idea why or how I could be fast. So, I began trying to find out exactly what it was.

Being the pragmatic thinker in the way I approach a situation, I started creeping baby step after baby step to find out exactly what the car does with various inputs. Then when I fully felt I understand the physics of a car I started to take the car into situations that were abnormal (i.e., offline, bailout, braking too soon/late, throttle too soon/late, etc, etc, etc). I wanted to be able to fully understand so that EVERYTHING on track became 100% unconscious.

After heading to the slippery slope of making the car "better" with suspension, brakes, etc., I realized the envelope edge became smaller and smaller with the margin for error almost nill. This created a style of driving in me where my respect for speed and the danger that comes with it is one that is very healthy. Meaning what exactly? I do NOT take risks outside my ability for fear of wadding up a 6-figure car. This (taking risks outside your ability level) is the one thing I see in new solo drivers all the time as well as advanced students. Their brain seems to think they can do something that their true ability will not allow.

Scroll forward from the transition from DE to racing. I actually regret this more than anything but feel it is a learning experience that will benefit others.

When I decided to go racing I sold my GT3 to buy a purpose built race car. I decided that I wanted to buy a car based on class rather than a car I really want. I found a class that routinely had some of the largest participation. I bought the car that fit in that class and one that somebody else had prepped.

My first race weekend was a little overwhelming. I had no idea how much talent and fast drivers there were. My first practice session was baptism by fire. I had no idea that practice was more intense that the most intense red session a DE could throw at you. Now I'm hooked.

Won a race and did very well in the others that first race weekend. Next race was the 6 hour haul to Road Atlanta for my next race weekend. Once again, did very well and won both in the rain and the dry.

Then I had several months before the VIR race to sit down and plot a course where I wanted to go in my racing career. That was the downfall. I started thinking about all the money I was spending on racing and worse yet, what I could have done with all that money. I was never putting my family finances in jeopardy but that money spent was quite the reality check. Over the next year of building a race car, dealing with a race shop that seemed to always over promise and under deliver, spending money that you just can't get back and I made the decision to stop racing. When you ask yourself what all that money got for you, if you truly listen to your gut, you realize that got you very little. Don't get me wrong, the rush of racing WTW is amazing and nothing in DE will get you that feeling. But what are we racing for? Bragging rights on Rennlist? Seriously? I already proved myself and my ability. I know I have a high level of ability. I know I am well respected by my peers on track. When you realize that you do not need to be at the top of the time sheets to garner that respect, your life will be much more stress free.

I truly love instructing and decided that I was going to get back into DE's once again. I had no idea how much I missed DE's until I went back. I have a new outlook on DE's. Going to a DE is almost like going on vacation where racing is like going to work. The stress level at the DE is almost non existent. The money spent is just a fraction of a race weekend. I have learned how to give point-by's .

I now drive my weekend car (996 Turbo) at track days. It is virtually stock in every way. I run 3 point belts! I don't feel the need to push it to the limit and I will NEVER mod it like my past cars. That is a refreshing feeling. And the best part? I have just as much fun in a virtually stock Turbo that I did in a very well sorted GT3. The moral to that story is that you don't have to dump tons of $$$ into your car to have the same level of fun.

At the end of the day, I now enjoy track weekends more than I thought was possibly and the cost compared to my race habit has flushed my bank account in the black

Sorry for the long winded reply but the journey was one that I hope somebody can get value from.

[Trackrat]

Originally Posted by Dell

My journey from DE student all the way to racing seemed to be the logical path. I'll explain the "seemed" part of that statement in the following paragraphs

At the end of the day, I now enjoy track weekends more than I thought was possibly and the cost compared to my race habit has flushed my bank account in the black

Sorry for the long winded reply but the journey was one that I hope somebody can get value from.

Wow! That is one of the best posts I have read anywhere in a very long time. Thanks Dell for taking the time and making the effort to create it. Very interesting and helpful to walk alongside one man's journey and experience the thought process. Certainly valuable perspective for me as I explore and chart my own path.

To each his own I say and whatever makes you happy is what you should do. "Know thyself"

[Dell]

Originally Posted by Trackrat

Wow! That is one of the best posts I have read anywhere in a very long time. Thanks Dell for taking the time and making the effort to create it. Very interesting and helpful to walk alongside one man's journey and experience the thought process. Certainly valuable perspective for me as I explore and chart my own path.

To each his own I say and whatever makes you happy is what you should do. "Know thyself"

Very welcome. I was afraid that maybe it was a bit long winded. But then again, those that really want the input and want hear others experience will read it.

I'm hoping at no point did I come across in a way that I felt I was "all that and a bag of chips" and that I was too good for racing. I know there are plenty of drivers that would blow my doors off but I just felt that being brutally honest was the best way to get my point across. It's just hard to know how others will interpret your words. At least I know here I won't be attacked like those that frequently do on Rennlist.

GT2GT3CUP.org is truly a place I feel like we can be honest and nobody will take joy in insulting you. What a great community!

Originally Posted by TRAKCAR

But racing is work and I already have a job.
Let's say I go racing; Must have coaching, must analyse data, must practice, must setup car, must have newest and best. Everything must be perfect. Other cheat. Should you??

If you don't do all the above you're a loser and are getting lapped. So next time you do it ALL. Get t-boned off the track in T1 and go home. I have seen enough racing and the trauma is creates to stay away from it all.

DE; I must only show up and refill tank and drink beer. Yes, I'm a bit hung over or a lot, car is a bit pushy and I should change tire pressure and sway bar but I am to laze to bend down, just drive around the problem. Have fun. It gets to hot, you skip a session, etc. etc.

Bingo! That sums it up perfectly and a point I agree with 100%. I said in my writeup as well that racing just felt like work and DE feels like vacation. If you want to do well in racing you have to really work at it (as you said). If you don't then why are you even racing?

I much prefer to just fill up the tank, drink beer, and not give a damn if you forgot to adjust your pressures.

Besides, I have nobody to impress anymore except my 1 and 3 year old boys.....my future racers

[FTS]

The answers to this thread has been surprising to me, I was expecting a lot more in favor of racing, getting ready for racing, etc. I think we are probably a little too small of a community just yet.

Dell, really eloquently put. And I am so much like Peter, I just want to drive and want the car to be reliable not to mess with it. The social aspect of a DE as well as instructing makes my weekend every single time.

Originally Posted by Dell

GT2GT3CUP.org is truly a place I feel like we can be honest and nobody will take joy in insulting you. What a great community!

I, on behalf of all the people that put their sweat into this, truly appreciate the words and so glad you feel that way. Thank you, it means a lot to us.

[NickW]

Originally Posted by Dell

... Going to a DE is almost like going on vacation where racing is like going to work. The stress level at the DE is almost non existent. The money spent is just a fraction of a race weekend. I have learned how to give point-by's .

Probably the most important point of the post in my opinion.

I race karts- situps and a bit of laydown, in the WKA NRRS (National Road Race Series). At the speeds we go in that series we are very serious about the prep level and driver ability. DE is a vacation compared to racing.

My progression went from DE, to open wheel, to road racing karts, and now probably back to DE in the long term.

In DE there is no stress, there is no competition, the only thing pushing you is yourself. I liken a DE day to a ski resort day- you can have as much fun as you want- you can rip the backcountry black diamonds if you have the ability and equipment, or play on the groomer greens if you're so inclined. I am not going to be the next MSC so I don't worry about racing at the sharp end of the grid anymore, so I race for fun (karts are way cheaper than open wheel cars).

DE is very different from racing. Racing is about competing within a very defined set of rules- DE is about learning how to drive better.

In the end, life is too short to worry about what the next guy thinks as long as you're keeping to yourself.

[Crazy Canuck]

Originally Posted by Dell

I started my DE career and was immediately hooked. I had no idea such a thing existed where you could take your car to a race track (like the pro racers do) and legally participate in such a dopamine and adrenaline rush.

Going to a DE is almost like going on vacation where racing is like going to work. The stress level at the DE is almost non existent.

Feel the same way.

I like hanging out with my buddies. BBQing at lunch. Drinking beer at the end of the day and I like that I can go out and blast for a session or just pass and repass my friends for fun. It's amazing what can be learned by constantly driving offline.

I've thought about racing but I don't think I'm all that committed to perfecting setup. I can drive around almost anything. That is why a Lemons type race appeals to me. Minimal $$$ outlay and loads of fun. What's not to like? It is very doubtful you will see me in a CupCar anytime soon. If I took the $$$ from better places I could find a way but I just don't see the point for me. I'm too busy at work and I like to do other things as well. Racing at a high level is another job. A job I have to pay big $$$ to do. Something I really don't need right now although a part of me does see the appeal. Unlimited budget? Different story.

My GT3 is modded. Not because I wanted to go faster. More that I got bored and wanted to try something new. I figured it was cheaper than buying a new car. And it was. And Mooty was a bad influence. I'm like him though I typically use all my tires until they cord. Then I can't believe how much stick a new set of tires has.

I like that I can blow off a session at a DE if I'm not into it or ride with another instructor. At an open day I like arriving mid morning and going until I'm tired and think I've had enough.

I enjoy DEs.