So long as you do not have a Convertible or Cabriolet, there is nothing special you have to do to your car (open cars such as Convertibles and Cabriolets are REQUIRED to have roll bars installed for driver and passenger protection, Targas must run with the roof panels in place, and sunroofs on Coupes must be closed). However, there are some items that are required to be done before you get onto the track. First, you are required to perform a safety inspection of your vehicle before coming to the track. This should be a check of tire condition, adequate brake pad thickness, fresh brake fluid (should be almost clear; a complete brake flushing and bleeding is highly recommended) and assurance that the suspension has no unusual play. An inspection form telling you what you or your mechanic need to check is sent out before the event so that you can come prepared. A spot check is made at the track; flunk the inspection and you will not be allowed on the track.

The second item is to ensure you have a racing helmet with a 2000 or newer SNELL rating (note: there are two ratings applied to helmets SNELL SA, or "Special Applications" rating; to be differentiated between a SNELL "M" or "Motorcycle" Rating. You should look for the SA rating). If you are shopping at the local discount department store for a helmet, forget it. They are usually available only at high-performance mail order houses or race specialty shops. If you are coming to your first event, you can usually borrow or share one with someone else; if you expect problems let someone on the DE Committee know and they will try to help. Beyond that, the only clothing requirement is long sleeve cotton shirt, long cotton pants, and leather or canvas shoes (key thing is NO SYNTHETICS).

Your best source of information for notices on upcoming drivers events is the Rundschau; there will usually be at least one listed each month during the summer when the driving season is in full swing. Also, "Panorama" has a large listing of all of the Porsche Club driving events. Your local Allegheny Region sponsors drivers events at BeaveRun, Nelsons Ledges, Watkins Glen and Mid-Ohio at least once or twice a year. Besides Allegheny Region, Mid-Ohio and Northern Ohio Regions have been sponsoring events at Nelsons Ledges and Mid-Ohio for years, and always put on a first-class school. You probably won't go wrong with any school put on by a Porsche Club region.

Please make sure that you register for the events in advance, because they sell outt relatively quickly. Again, please contact one of the DE Committee members if you have any questions.