PCGB - Worthwhile?
Discussion
I've just joined as now own my first Porsche. Main reason is to get on a few of their track days but they haven't revealed 2006 calendar as yet.
The Forum facility is a lot quieter than here (understandably) but they do seem well organised in all areas from looking around the web site. I've also received the December and January editions of Porsche Post which is an excellent magazine and has proven to be a good read so far.
Yex
The Forum facility is a lot quieter than here (understandably) but they do seem well organised in all areas from looking around the web site. I've also received the December and January editions of Porsche Post which is an excellent magazine and has proven to be a good read so far.
Yex
Yex said:
I've just joined as now own my first Porsche. Main reason is to get on a few of their track days but they haven't revealed 2006 calendar as yet.
The next Porsche post will have all the dates in it. When you go along to your first one make sure you sign up to get the Calendar by e-mail as you will then get the info a little earlier and also any changes.
See you at the track!
Don said:
The next Porsche post will have all the dates in it. When you go along to your first one make sure you sign up to get the Calendar by e-mail as you will then get the info a little earlier and also any changes.
See you at the track!
Cheers Don, have also registered by email at PCGB so am waiting to be contacted either way. I haven't been on a PCGB trackday as yet so would welcome any opinions on them - running style (open pit lane etc), number of attendees (probably limited by track), driver skills etc. I haven't done a track day for about 3 years now
and would like to register in a "novice" group on my first one with PCGB just to get back into the swing of things 
. I'm pretty confident in my track ability with regard to keeping an eye out for other drivers and making way for the quicker guys etc but would anyone be happy to "duck and drake" me for a few laps to get confident in the track and my new car. Looking forward to it,
Yex
PCGB membership is worth it, especially if you go on trackdays, as the prices are reduced by about £50 for members.
PCGB trackdays are run and organised by Porsche GB motorsport (Steve Kevlin) and are EXTREMELY well run. Sometimes open pit lane, but more often in small groups (as low as 5 or 6 cars at places like Castle Combe); good instructors available, plenty of like-minded Porsche people to chat to when you're not on track and a safe atmosphere. No-one's there in a £200 track special to write your 911 off.
PCGB trackdays are run and organised by Porsche GB motorsport (Steve Kevlin) and are EXTREMELY well run. Sometimes open pit lane, but more often in small groups (as low as 5 or 6 cars at places like Castle Combe); good instructors available, plenty of like-minded Porsche people to chat to when you're not on track and a safe atmosphere. No-one's there in a £200 track special to write your 911 off.
silver993tt said:
I couldn't be bothered to renew this year. I only ever joined for the magazine and that just got too boring, full of registers, regions, bla, bla, bla. Hardly any detailed articles about the cars themselves.
I take it you've read Total 911 magazine then? (vested interest here, as I'm the publisher)
membership is not worth it unless you want the discount of parts from Porsche which is 10% off and/or are prepared to get involved with events, etc.
I was a member for 3 years but then even though we were racing at Goodwood in the Soap Box for them they could hardly be bothered to show support so after that cancelled. Most members are over 50 years old so depends what you want.
The magazine is pants, still saves on bog roll ;-)
I was a member for 3 years but then even though we were racing at Goodwood in the Soap Box for them they could hardly be bothered to show support so after that cancelled. Most members are over 50 years old so depends what you want.
The magazine is pants, still saves on bog roll ;-)
robmug said:
I couldn't be bothered to renew this year. I only ever joined for the magazine and that just got too boring, full of registers, regions, bla, bla, bla. Hardly any detailed articles about the cars themselves.
I take it you've read Total 911 magazine then? (vested interest here, as I'm the publisher)
Interestingly enough, one of the reasons I didn't renew the PCGB membership is that I find the Total911 mag light years ahead compered to the PCGB mag. I've subcribed to the t911 instead since I didn't want my mailbox getting cluttered up with stuff that I wouldn't read anymore.
With regards to insurance discounts, I found that you can save far more by just contacting a few insurance companies that aren't listed in the PCGB mag. The ones in there seem to be more expensive to start with.
Yex said:
The next Porsche post will have all the dates in it. When you go along to your first one make sure you sign up to get the Calendar by e-mail as you will then get the info a little earlier and also any changes.
See you at the track!
Cheers Don, have also registered by email at PCGB so am waiting to be contacted either way. I haven't been on a PCGB trackday as yet so would welcome any opinions on them - running style (open pit lane etc), number of attendees (probably limited by track), driver skills etc. I haven't done a track day for about 3 years now
Looking forward to it,
Yex
Generally the PCGB do the first hour as sessions (Novice/Intermediate/Experienced) and then go Open Pit lane. As some tracks where the number of cars is higher and the track time has to be rationed out they operate a snake-like queueing system. I'm not so keen on this but its not always necessary.
Something I have found to be *really* useful is getting to know a few Track Dayers - and getting tips and critique from them. Clubsport helped me find the right line around Clearways by sitting in with me and providing suggestions for improving my line. It can also be helpful to blag a couple of passenger rides around a new circuit - as this helps enormously to learn the line...
You would be more than welcome to a passenger stint/critique if we're at the same day. Its all part of the fun!
Don said:
The next Porsche post will have all the dates in it. When you go along to your first one make sure you sign up to get the Calendar by e-mail as you will then get the info a little earlier and also any changes.
See you at the track!
Cheers Don, have also registered by email at PCGB so am waiting to be contacted either way. I haven't been on a PCGB trackday as yet so would welcome any opinions on them - running style (open pit lane etc), number of attendees (probably limited by track), driver skills etc. I haven't done a track day for about 3 years now
Looking forward to it,
Yex
Generally the PCGB do the first hour as sessions (Novice/Intermediate/Experienced) and then go Open Pit lane. As some tracks where the number of cars is higher and the track time has to be rationed out they operate a snake-like queueing system. I'm not so keen on this but its not always necessary.
Something I have found to be *really* useful is getting to know a few Track Dayers - and getting tips and critique from them. Clubsport helped me find the right line around Clearways by sitting in with me and providing suggestions for improving my line. It can also be helpful to blag a couple of passenger rides around a new circuit - as this helps enormously to learn the line...
You would be more than welcome to a passenger stint/critique if we're at the same day. Its all part of the fun!
Excellent, cheers for that
Will get back to you once I have dates etc and will take you up on the offer of a "sit in" from someone with more experience of these days then me. Much appreciated
Yex
PCGB in my experience tends to be made up of three groups, Treasure hunters (visits, tours etc) Polishers and Trackdayers. Members are not exclusively one group and generally are a pretty good bunch.
They do an awesome Le Mans visit and run good trackdays where as said earlier, you don't get a host of numbties.
If you assume that with the discounts from Porsche (although some will say they get the discount without flashing a card) a magazine and access to whatever takes your fancy from the three above it works out as a reasonable deal.
As for trackday novices I found Goldtrack's sessioned Novice/Experienced grouping format less intimidating than an open pitlane to start with. With everything going on it takes away the problems with cars on warm up/slow down laps till you are a bit more experienced.
Having said that the PCGB Trackday boys are a very friendly bunch and will offer as much help as you ask for.
They do an awesome Le Mans visit and run good trackdays where as said earlier, you don't get a host of numbties.
If you assume that with the discounts from Porsche (although some will say they get the discount without flashing a card) a magazine and access to whatever takes your fancy from the three above it works out as a reasonable deal.
As for trackday novices I found Goldtrack's sessioned Novice/Experienced grouping format less intimidating than an open pitlane to start with. With everything going on it takes away the problems with cars on warm up/slow down laps till you are a bit more experienced.
Having said that the PCGB Trackday boys are a very friendly bunch and will offer as much help as you ask for.
I've been a member for 2 years.The mag is good in parts but I didn't join for that.I went on a factory trip to Stuttgart last year, which was superbly organised and very enjoyable. I hope to visit the new Pork museum in Stuttgart with PCGB next year if they lay on another trip. Good bunch of people, mad about Porsche (even the tractors), and good fun in the bar too.
Whether PCGB is worthwhile or not depends totally on:
a. The region your reside in (levels of activity vary greatly depending on the energy of the regional secretary)
b. The amount of effort you are prepared to put in
Remember its a club so members participate, don't expect it all to be laid out on a plate for you, others work hard to organise events.
a. The region your reside in (levels of activity vary greatly depending on the energy of the regional secretary)
b. The amount of effort you are prepared to put in
Remember its a club so members participate, don't expect it all to be laid out on a plate for you, others work hard to organise events.
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