TRACK CARS
In our view, track driving is the home of the Porsche 911. It is what the company stands for, and across the decades drivers have been able to drive their 911 to a track, spend the day enjoying the howl of that flat six, the aroma of hot oil and brakes, and drive home again. Peel the rubber from the flanks and you’re ready for work the following day. Many cars claim this, but very few marques actually deliver on that ethos.
We have driven several Porsche 911s that have been modified and created with track driving in mind by their owners. All have been utterly reliable. For track driving, huge power outputs are not always what is needed. In fact, one of our favourite Porsche 911 drives to this day was a handful of laps around Spa-francorchamps in a simple, 3.0-litre air-cooled car with sensible modifications. Driving a car like that, with only around 200bhp but light in weight, while endeavouring to use every last bit of it, is what many Porsche 911 track drivers seek. And, best of all, if you’re starting out with a track driving car as an objective, the very last thing you want is an expensive, collectable, low-mileage, matching-numbers Porsche that has been loved and barely used its entire life. Instead, search out the cheaper, average-mileage, but well-maintained car. Perhaps even one with a less than stellar history – the occasional light collision will be fine too.
Preparation can range from sensible brake upgrades, through mild engine modifications, all the way through to roll cages, five-point harnesses and intercoms. One thing that the overwhelming majority of Porsche 911 track drivers still enjoy is the ability to be able to drive there, enjoy a day’s speed and then drive home without the assistance of a recovery company.
If a track Porsche is for you, then start upon your journey of creating the perfect track-driving Porsche 911. Most track-prepared Porsche 911s are a work in progress. Talk to an owner and you will always find them talking about the next incremental improvement – the work is never done!