Issue link: https://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/1475784
33 Spiel – July 2022 then 3a and 3b appear before me, and, boy, they really drop in elevation with a quick right, then left. I'm at 20 mph and am very nervous, but I hold the line and follow the other cars around. I see the lap 3 green flag, and I push on the accelerator to get a little speed and keep up with the pack. I tell myself, "I can do this." Then, just like that, the session is over. I think: "Wow, that was 20 minutes? What if I want to keep going? I was just starting to relax and enjoy it." Session 2: There's a little less rain, a little more speed. I think back to the Don Kitch Jr. article that was sent to me about "racing in the rain" before this day: "I visualize my racecar as a bathtub full of water... I try to drive without spilling any water." It's so true and helps me with trying to be smooth and not overthinking everything. Find the line, hit the apexes, well, try to hit the apexes at least, and brake hard, left turn, back on the accelerator, and shift. "We're building muscle memory," Aaron tells me. "That's all we're trying to do. You're doing great." It seems so fast, but I don't think I broke 60 or 65 that time, maybe 70 on the front straight. And just like that, it's done. It's lunchtime, and I'm talking to a few new people. Scott Newbury, who drove down from Vancouver, BC and has a 996 as I do, sits with me, my friend, Matthew, and his friend, Cade. We chat about the day so far and our hope the rain holds off for the afternoon sessions. I hear a lot of people talking about the wet and how the track is slow. Aaron told me, "This is the first session of the year. Everyone is nervous," and it's true as that is the topic of many conversations I overhear. There's time to enjoy a little sun after eating, and then it's time for session 3. Session 3: The track is drying out, and we're becoming faster. I think I hit 95-105 mph on the front straight this time, and it's exhilarating. I'm really starting to get it: this thing we do with these machines we love. I'm working the line, trying to hit the apexes (still), and working on my braking – smooth is good. I have a way to go on that front, but my instructor sees some bright spots in my developing skill set. I learn: use the full width of the track, don't limit yourself to a line in your head, let the car drift a little; there is an entire track out there to use. And of course, 911s have their own special dynamic when it comes to this. Then it's done; back to the paddock. I meet Wolf Carson, who is in a Cayman GTS parked in front of me. He's in group B, running after my group C. He shares some wisdom with me. We talk about how this is my first time at the track, at least driving, and how it's getting better now that the sun is out. Scott then asks me about tire pressure and if I want to check it. I don't know, do I? "Yes," I say, and we take a measurement. They are a little high now that the sun is out and the cooling effect of the rain is gone. I let out a little out and ask Matthew, Scott, and Wolf what they think. All agree that a little more is warranted, so I listen and let a little more out. On to the track for session 4. Session 4: We start with a very dry track and much higher speeds. I feel pretty good now. I'm starting to really get it: the feel of the car as it wiggles and then settles, the heavy braking followed by a quick downshift and acceleration. I'm hitting maybe half of the apexes correctly, my braking is better, and my acceleration is smoother. My 996 is performing very well, and I feel the confidence building with each lap; my speed is building. I glance down one time on the front straight and see 122 mph. I'm in 5th gear and wide out. It's time to brake again, downshift, once, twice, hard on the brakes, then roll on the accelerator. I nailed that one. I could feel it. Aaron is very happy with my performance and lets me know that that one was perfect. "Keep doing My 996 is performing very well, and I feel the confidence building with each lap; my speed is building. My instructor is very happy with my performance and lets me know.