Hey,

I was researching up coming events at Pocono raceway and I see the PCA has a drivers Ed class in 2 weeks.

Here is the question.

Has any 500E/E500 owner ever tried to join the PCA on the back of Porsche's involvement with the 500E?

Just a thought for some upcoming track time! :-)

++db

I've inquired, and have been denied participation. Even brought it to a national level-answer still No.

PCA claims they have such high participation numbers at track events that they can't even handle all the Porsches that apply. I'm sure MBCA has the same problem

So, if you want to hang out with a car club, I suggest a BMW club-the people have always treated me well, and they drive their cars hard, like they were meant to be

__________________
"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo

we've tried as well. porsche is pretty sticky about their rules simply because of the vast number of members that they have.

in order to become a member of PCA, you need to submit a valid VIN with your registration. i'm told that they DO check these out.

I echo michael's suggestion of joining the bimmer boys. they've always welcomed me on their events and ask when i'm going to join them even though i haven't got a bimmer. besides, showing up at a bimmer meet in a 16V or a 500E ensures plenty of attention

__________________
'94 W124.036 249/040 leder; 8.25x17 EvoIIs
'93 W124.036 199/040 leder; 8.25x17 EvoIIs, up in flames...LITERALLY!
'93 W124.036 481/040 leder; euro delivery; 8.25x17 EvoIIs
'88 R107.048 441/409 leder; Euro lights
'87 W201.034 199/040 leder; Euro lights; EvoII brakes; 8x16 EvoIs - soon: 500E rear brakes
'70 R113.044 050/526; factory alloys; Euro lights

If you want to run your car there are other programs to enter and flog it. Some websites to find these are .drivingevents.com and trackschedule.com which show up to date listings, but not all.
This is because the clubs don't need the advertising to fill the limits of the event and some don't know of these sites!

Pocono will have an event on 5/11-12 by a group called Performance Drivers Association which can be found at:
www.imp-auto.com/pda This should be the closest to you and if you want to enter these, don't hesitate as they fill quickly and have waiting lists. PDA also will be at Watkins Glen on 5/13-14.

See you at the track....

TobiasMB
190/5.6

Depending on your local PCA chapter's focus, (some focus on autocross, time/distance rallies, or social events) you may/may not have more than enough cars to participate in DE events and the main reason they won't allow other makes.

In the chapter I belong to, we typically get 75-80 cars so that each run/session group is full. Suggest you check out other car clubs such as NASA (National Auto Sport Assoc), NSX Club, POC (Porsche Owner's Club, mainly in CA with some affiliation in the Southeast), these clubs I personally know, allow other makes.

Tracquest, owned by Todd Serota (tracquest.com) is popular with the Porsche and SoCal circle offers DE events. Here's a quote from his site:
"TracQuest events are not limited to one marque; all types of cars regularly attend, from Porsches, Ferraris, BMW's, Vipers, Corvettes, Camaros, Mustangs and Mitsubishis to Jaguars, Lexuses and Mercedes to Saturns, Volkswagen Beetles, Chevy Caprices and Eagle Visions. Instructors are experienced Club and SCCA racers". He offers track events around the country such as Laguna Seca, Watkins Glen, Mid-OH, etc.

Not affiliated with Todd, just know of him through my other car's forum (rennlist.com).

Willie

__________________
'92 500E Black Pearl
'86 Porsche 911 Track Car

Car Pics

Just got the word from the organization that there is still room at both the Pocono and Watkins Glen events in May. I plan to be at Pocono on May 11, use May 12 as a travel day and be at the Glen for May 12 & 13. I've driven at Pocono with IMSA in the past (1973) and they will use the short course so not interested to spend $$ for more than one day!! The Glen I've never driven, so will put the emphasis there for two days. Anyone else want to join me there??

Tobias MB
190/5.6

I REALLY want to run at the Glen-real good chance I'll be there, at least for 1 day.

__________________
"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo

At least there will be two Mercedes there some of the time and look forward to meeting you Michael. Now, how about a few more from the North since you're so close to all the activity. I'm the poor soul driving (well, towing) all the way from North Carolina
to partake in all this H/S driving.

AND, the weather should be more accomodating for the radiators and brakes....so bring it out!!

Tobias MB
190/5.6

"It sounds like you have a great car ... It was an interesting history of the car's production. Unfortunately membership requires that you own a car that is officially designated a Porsche and this one is not--its a Mercedes Benz. But Mercedes Benz has a great car club too--suggest you looking into joining their club. Their club web site is a www.mbca.org.

Merry Motoring!
PCA"

BUT, don't know how many others are. I ran at one event last year with the Atlanta chapter that was at Talladega but there are not too many road course excursions with MBCA. There is Starfest this August in Indianapolis if it happens as planned. It is better to just go on a track, run your own pace and not worry about others' times. In this manner you get to know all aspects and the idiosyncrasies of your Benz.

Tobias MB
190/5.6

Hey,

I was thinking about signing up for the event at Pocono on May 12th.

Do I need any type of certification?

I was looking into the SCCA and they have a process to get a license.

What about insurance? Does anyone cover your car at a track event?

I told my tech I was thinking about running at Pocono and he was concerned about Insurance.

Let me know what the FIRSt step is to joining a PDA event!

Thanks,

Dave

As they say, you bent it, you buy it!!
Seriously though it depends on the type of event you attend. Some are touted as being a 'drivers education' with NO emphasis on speed, but on safety. The Audi event at VIR on 4/15 is this type and they also have others. Read the particulars from each organization concerning their event to know for sure. Most have levels for beginners, some experience, lots of experience and advanced. The beginners and some exp. groups will have instructors guide and tutor them through the weekend. As you gain experience by attending some events, you will be checked off to the next higher group...if all goes OK!!

You only need a state drivers license, helmet and proper clothing to participate and this includes attending some classroom time before hitting the track. All the events have observers placed at some corners to watch for flagrant violators which will be sent home minus their entry fee!! This makes all watch their Ps & Qs.
Ask the organizations about their program you are thinking of attending.

Insurance is usually void at the tracks but if it is for education purposes, you may get by if you bend it and 'try' to claim. If it is small, I'd advoid it and pay out of pocket so the ins. is none to the wiser. What they don't know, well !! I've heard some who leave the track and wait for a rainy day and place it in a ditch far away and then call the police for a report to be made!! It's all in your conscience!! Very few cars do get bent.

Good luck and come on out and try it, you'll get hooked.

TobiasMB
4 MBs