Brian_Innes
Member
Finally, a simple neck brace.
Brian
Brian
The "Cayman owners and track days" 2021 thread
- Thread starter Twinfan
- Start date
Brian_Innes
Member
To finish up on the safety equipment topic, a note on track day footwear. This is sometimes an overlooked subject with novice track day entrants turning up with footwear ranging from thick-soled trainers to stout walking shoes.
Thin-soled lightweight shoes are best, preferably with rounded heels extending upwards at the back of the shoe. Proper racing footwear and driving shoes are also ideal but by no means obligatory.
On a manual gearbox car, shoes which are heel-and-toe friendly are also good plan. These will have extended sole pieces on the outer edge of the sole to facilitate blipping the throttle while squeezing the brake pedal. It's amazing the difference such footwear can make to the driving experience.
Brian
Thin-soled lightweight shoes are best, preferably with rounded heels extending upwards at the back of the shoe. Proper racing footwear and driving shoes are also ideal but by no means obligatory.
On a manual gearbox car, shoes which are heel-and-toe friendly are also good plan. These will have extended sole pieces on the outer edge of the sole to facilitate blipping the throttle while squeezing the brake pedal. It's amazing the difference such footwear can make to the driving experience.
Brian
Brian_Innes
Member
David,
This is one area where some drivers lose out on an important element of track driving enjoyment. For me track driving is all about feel, being at one with the car. Man and machine in perfect harmony.
Hands and feet are two of the most sensory sensitive components of performance driving. Driving mitts are my personal preference due to the fact that the fingers are exposed for tactile sensations from the steering wheel rim. Likewise with the feet, with thin-soled footwear you are more connected to the feel of the brake pedal. This is particularly helpful in wet track conditions. Threshold braking for example is useful in the wet to apply maximum braking effort just before ABS activates. To attempt doing that when wearing wellies would be a challenge.
The electronic driver aids fitted to modern Porsches have the option with the Sport Chrono pack to reduce the threshold of intervention by selecting Sport PSM. This is attainable by pressing the PSM button briefly for less than 2 seconds. This allows the driver to maximise the human control element of performance driving.
In the end, it all depends on the skills level the driver is prepared to achieve.
Brian
This is one area where some drivers lose out on an important element of track driving enjoyment. For me track driving is all about feel, being at one with the car. Man and machine in perfect harmony.
Hands and feet are two of the most sensory sensitive components of performance driving. Driving mitts are my personal preference due to the fact that the fingers are exposed for tactile sensations from the steering wheel rim. Likewise with the feet, with thin-soled footwear you are more connected to the feel of the brake pedal. This is particularly helpful in wet track conditions. Threshold braking for example is useful in the wet to apply maximum braking effort just before ABS activates. To attempt doing that when wearing wellies would be a challenge.
The electronic driver aids fitted to modern Porsches have the option with the Sport Chrono pack to reduce the threshold of intervention by selecting Sport PSM. This is attainable by pressing the PSM button briefly for less than 2 seconds. This allows the driver to maximise the human control element of performance driving.
In the end, it all depends on the skills level the driver is prepared to achieve.
Brian
OliR
New member
The footwear one is an interesting one for me, I hate driving manual cars in anything other than thin soled shoes. Bigger trainers (that includes my Yeezys, don't judge 
) get stuck in the pedal box, especially on the clutch and I just find it really irritating/unsafe. Others say they have no problem with bigger shoes? I do have size 13 clown feet though...
) get stuck in the pedal box, especially on the clutch and I just find it really irritating/unsafe. Others say they have no problem with bigger shoes? I do have size 13 clown feet though... 
It's the heel profile I find that makes the biggest difference. I have a pair of Piloti boots that I always wear when driving my car, it was the same for my previous car too. Being so low, and with my leg at a more reclined angle than in say a 'normal' car, my foot pivots on the heel so I need a shoe where it's more rounded.
AndrewCS
Active member
Using racing boots means that I need to move slightly closer to the wheel, especially in a manual car. The manual car `feels` much better with a thicker sole on the left foot given the nature of the clutch ... if you notice a limping / staggering driver at a trackday it`ll be me with a pair of odd shoes
Also ... I avoid wearing jeans when driving, better not `go there` though []
Also ... I avoid wearing jeans when driving, better not `go there` though [
]
Ha ha!
To get back on track (see what I did there...?) since starting this thread, and after the excellent advice/tips on Saturday's Zoom chat, I've picked up a few extra bits and pieces to add to my stash, namely:
[ul][*]OMP karting gloves (so as not to mung up my alcantara steering wheel with sweat!): https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/omp-ks-4-kart-gloves-1433658/[*]Tinted OMP Circuit Evo visor: https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/omp-replacement-visor-for-circuit-evo-helmet-2011745/[*]OMP mechanics gloves: https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/omp-short-tech-mechanics-gloves-1233585/[*]Floor mat (to match the car, naturally...): https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/b-g-racing-mechanics-kneeling-work-mat-bgr401/[*]Wheel bolt sockets with plastic sleeves (I already have a suitable Draper torque wrench): https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01KG2E3NQ[*]Draper tyre pressure gauge: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0002GV286[/ul]I also forgot to mention another couple of useful items in my first post:
[ul][*]A fast-charge USB adaptor for anyone who wants to use a USB socket to charge phones or other devices: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00FA9GXKM[*]A couple of seat belt clips to staop the annoying 2 minute(?) warning beeps when using harnesses rather than the normal 3-point belt: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-Seat-Belt-Car-Alarm-Stopper-Eliminator-Clip-Warning-Light-Safety-Plug-Buckle/114153331321[*]Halfords tyre pump with auto cut off when desired pressure is reached: https://www.halfords.com/tools/garage-equipment/tyre-inflators-and-pressure-gauges/halfords-rapid-digital-tyre-inflator-239074.html[/ul]Just some long-sleeved T-shirts to sort out now and I'm pretty much done I think!
To get back on track (see what I did there...?) since starting this thread, and after the excellent advice/tips on Saturday's Zoom chat, I've picked up a few extra bits and pieces to add to my stash, namely:
[ul][*]OMP karting gloves (so as not to mung up my alcantara steering wheel with sweat!): https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/omp-ks-4-kart-gloves-1433658/[*]Tinted OMP Circuit Evo visor: https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/omp-replacement-visor-for-circuit-evo-helmet-2011745/[*]OMP mechanics gloves: https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/omp-short-tech-mechanics-gloves-1233585/[*]Floor mat (to match the car, naturally...): https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/b-g-racing-mechanics-kneeling-work-mat-bgr401/[*]Wheel bolt sockets with plastic sleeves (I already have a suitable Draper torque wrench): https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01KG2E3NQ[*]Draper tyre pressure gauge: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0002GV286[/ul]I also forgot to mention another couple of useful items in my first post:
[ul][*]A fast-charge USB adaptor for anyone who wants to use a USB socket to charge phones or other devices: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00FA9GXKM[*]A couple of seat belt clips to staop the annoying 2 minute(?) warning beeps when using harnesses rather than the normal 3-point belt: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-Seat-Belt-Car-Alarm-Stopper-Eliminator-Clip-Warning-Light-Safety-Plug-Buckle/114153331321[*]Halfords tyre pump with auto cut off when desired pressure is reached: https://www.halfords.com/tools/garage-equipment/tyre-inflators-and-pressure-gauges/halfords-rapid-digital-tyre-inflator-239074.html[/ul]Just some long-sleeved T-shirts to sort out now and I'm pretty much done I think!
whinbush
Member
Great advice,
especially the items needed for those that haven't yet tried the fun of a Track day.
Just do it, you won't regret it!!
Any pointers in terms of track day insurance?
Although not a Cayman I have a PDK Spyder due in April May so might not venture on to a track this year but next year for sure.
Fully plan a trip to Spa, ays an amazing track and not as vicious and some would have you believe.
I went with a mate in his tuned MX5 in 2019 and despite losing all brakes while I was at the wheel heading into Les Fagnes at about 90 due to a calliper O ring failure, we got round and I bloody loved it.
So watch out for an under-talented Scotsman in a Crayon Spyder hooning around in 2022
ATB
James
especially the items needed for those that haven't yet tried the fun of a Track day.
Just do it, you won't regret it!!
Any pointers in terms of track day insurance?
Although not a Cayman I have a PDK Spyder due in April May so might not venture on to a track this year but next year for sure.
Fully plan a trip to Spa, ays an amazing track and not as vicious and some would have you believe.
I went with a mate in his tuned MX5 in 2019 and despite losing all brakes while I was at the wheel heading into Les Fagnes at about 90 due to a calliper O ring failure, we got round and I bloody loved it.
So watch out for an under-talented Scotsman in a Crayon Spyder hooning around in 2022
ATB
James
Who are you insured with, James? I'm with the club's Lockton policy and I'm insured for PCGB days with a 10% excess. Mannings and Classicline also cover track days as part of a road policy, again with 10-15% excess.
Single event cover can be obtained but it's expensive at around £100-150 a time. www.reis.co.uk do this, as do others.
I'm hoping to do the PCGB Knockhill day at some point, maybe next year, if the dates fall right. You have a great circuit up there []
Single event cover can be obtained but it's expensive at around £100-150 a time. www.reis.co.uk do this, as do others.
I'm hoping to do the PCGB Knockhill day at some point, maybe next year, if the dates fall right. You have a great circuit up there [
]
Windy_Miller
Guest of the Club
Lots of good suggestions coming in here 
re ‘mechanics gloves’ I find a £1.99 pair of ‘site’ brand gloves from screwfix are pretty good to keep hands clean and mildly protect knuckles from scuffs / scrapes when accessing tight / grubby areas on the car.
On shoes, I’d love some recommendations on ‘trainer style’ trackday driving shoes. I don’t really want a full sparco race boot, and I’ve tried some puma ‘driving’ shoes (that weren’t wide enough for heel toe / Rev matching.
The pilotis look suitable and have a spherical heel - but their soles look thick and I wonder if they don’t provide sufficient pedal feel through them? Ie sensing where the foot is placed on the pedal (eg left / middle / right), and also sufficient grip on the pedal, but equally allowing the sole to ‘dance’ over the pedals without ‘sticking’ on them (I don’t want much from a pair of track shoes...).
would welcome people’s feedback. to date ive found an old pair of NB trainers provide the best compromise, but do find their sole a bit to spongy.
re ‘mechanics gloves’ I find a £1.99 pair of ‘site’ brand gloves from screwfix are pretty good to keep hands clean and mildly protect knuckles from scuffs / scrapes when accessing tight / grubby areas on the car.
On shoes, I’d love some recommendations on ‘trainer style’ trackday driving shoes. I don’t really want a full sparco race boot, and I’ve tried some puma ‘driving’ shoes (that weren’t wide enough for heel toe / Rev matching.
The pilotis look suitable and have a spherical heel - but their soles look thick and I wonder if they don’t provide sufficient pedal feel through them? Ie sensing where the foot is placed on the pedal (eg left / middle / right), and also sufficient grip on the pedal, but equally allowing the sole to ‘dance’ over the pedals without ‘sticking’ on them (I don’t want much from a pair of track shoes...).
would welcome people’s feedback. to date ive found an old pair of NB trainers provide the best compromise, but do find their sole a bit to spongy.
AndrewCS
Active member
I don`t dance / heel & toe ... too much complication hence happy with the auto blip
The Piloti race boots sole is not `that thin`, not as thin as my old AWS items. The Piloti boots like most others are quite narrow, not sure on their driving shoes but they do look similar soles with a wider fitting ?
I also use an old pair of Timberland `deck shoes`, no tassles though [:'(] ... they are a good compromise
Occasionally use old Merrell walking shoes, the well used more robust sole (not spongy like trainers) works OK ... especially for my clutch foot
The Piloti race boots sole is not `that thin`, not as thin as my old AWS items. The Piloti boots like most others are quite narrow, not sure on their driving shoes but they do look similar soles with a wider fitting ?
I also use an old pair of Timberland `deck shoes`, no tassles though [:'(]
... they are a good compromise Occasionally use old Merrell walking shoes, the well used more robust sole (not spongy like trainers) works OK ... especially for my clutch foot
This thread is building up as a great reference source. If anyone who was on the Zoom call would like a Pdf copy of the presentation slides, please mail me Cayman@porscheclubgb.com
Windy_Miller
Guest of the Club
Interesting that you found the Puma shoes not good for heel & toe, I found the Puma (Drift Cat) to be ideal in my 987.2. Do you have very small feet? (I'm a 43)
[/quote]
I’m an 8/42. I just found the puma shoes (though they weren’t speedcat / drift cat) a little narrow for reaching across from brake to accelerator.
it seems piloti no longer do the spyder / prototipo, and their current offerings look more like fashion shoes, which I dont want to pay £150 for.
perhaps the puma sparco speedcat?
or the puma Porsche911 legacy?
both around £80
[/quote]
I’m an 8/42. I just found the puma shoes (though they weren’t speedcat / drift cat) a little narrow for reaching across from brake to accelerator.
it seems piloti no longer do the spyder / prototipo, and their current offerings look more like fashion shoes, which I dont want to pay £150 for.
perhaps the puma sparco speedcat?
or the puma Porsche911 legacy?
both around £80
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