Track Rules

National Website

Zone 4 Website

Annual Grand Prix of Grattan

Dear Grand Prix Entrant:
We are pleased that you will be joining us at the Western Michigan Region (WMR) Porsche Club of America (PCA) Grand Prix of Grattan. We are looking forward to your participation and hope you will have a safe, exciting and enjoyable weekend with us. Our goal is a safe driver's education event; this is not a racing school. The emphasis is on understanding the capabilities of car and driver in order to maximize safety in all situations, and while we are at it, to have a super time at an exciting and unique track.

About Safety
The sporting nature of the Porsche automobile attracts owners to PCA driving events where they can learn to drive their cars at speed on a race track under controlled conditions. There are certain rules established by the PCA, not WMR that help assure our Grand Prix of Grattan will be conducted safely. We have a responsibility to ourselves and each other to keep safety paramount in our conduct on the Grattan track and the Grattan grounds. So when we are preparing for the Grand Prix, make sure our car is ready and passed the tech inspection, we wear the proper clothing (long sleeve shirts and long pants of natural fiber, shoes with low or no heels (no sandals), and a helmet rated Snell 2000, 2005 or better. SA or M rated helmets are allowed. SA helmets are greatly preferred.

Let's make sure we keep safety in mind driving around the paddock area and Grattan grounds. Speed limit is 5 mph. People walk all over drooling and gawking at the neat hardware and sometimes walk right in to your path as you come in off the track.

A Word About Tech Inspection
If you show up the morning of the event and wish to have your car fully inspected, you place a significant burden on the Tech Inspection staff. They are in place to review your tech sheet that you should already have completed. Please don't make them deal with loose batteries, bad brake lights, low brake pads, bad tires, etc. Get it all done ahead of time!

Important Rules
1. There is a seatbelt requirement. All student cars (no exceptions) must have equivalent seat belts for driver and passenger. If the driver seat has a five-point harness, the passenger seat must have the same.
2. Any make of car delivered with factory installed roll over protection meets the minimum standard for PCA DE events. In these cars, the soft-top must be in the up position or the hard-top installed. If a car does not have factory installed roll over protection, a roll bar must be installed which meets the "broomstick" rule (the driver's helmeted head is below a bar placed across the windshield to the roll bar. Targa tops must be installed, unless there is additional roll over protection. Sunroofs must be in the closed position. The windshield is not considered factory roll over protection.
3. A helmet with a 2000 or 2005 Snell sticker is mandatory, either SA or M. SA is preferred.
4. Clothing: Driving suit, or long sleeves and long pants of natural fiber material, like cotton or wool, is required. Shoes must be leather or canvas. Socks must be cotton or Nomex.
5. Alcohol: Strictly forbidden, including going 'out' for lunch. No drugs at any time.
6. Bring your completed Tech Sheet with you.
7. ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!

Things to Do
1. You will receive your Registration Packet at the track.
2. You must make your own motel reservations and should do so ASAP.
3. Make arrangements to have your car tech inspected using our Tech Sheet . Registration and Tech will be held at Grattan Raceway prior to driving.

Technical Inspection
All Track-participants must have their cars inspected as described below prior to coming to the track. There will be no exceptions to this rule. Any car not pre-inspected will not be allowed to run! Have your tech form properly filled out and signed,
Please note:
1. All cars must have had their brake fluid changed within two months of the event.
2. If there are two drivers for one car, you must have had new brake pads installed within two months of the event.
3. All cars must pass final inspection before entering the track and are subject to further inspection at any time. Your signed inspection form is required before you can register.

At Registration
Secure a space in the paddock area, except by the garage area (unless you have rented a garage).

Bring your driver's license to Registration (behind the Tech Barn), and pick up your packet and wrist band.

Secure your Run Group & Car Number (from your packet) and apply them to the center of your windshield (Group A/B/C/D/or E followed by your Car Number).

Remove ALL loose objects from your car.

Have your helmet (Snell 2000 or newer) on the passenger side seat, ready for inspection.

Have your completed Tech Sheet (one in your packet if needed) placed on your windshield under your wiper blade.

Drive to the Tech Barn for inspection, and receive your sign off sticker.

Schedule

The schedule for meetings and run times will be provided at registration. BE ON TIME! We will adhere to the schedule! Tech inspection is required prior to your first run. Carry a copy of the schedule with you. If you are late, you lose run time.

Waiver
All persons entering the track must sign the insurance and liability waiver at the front gate for PCA/ Grattan.

Clean out the inside of your car
Immediately upon entering the track, go to the paddock area, find a spot, and remove all loose items from door pockets, glove box, under seats, trunk, etc. Bring a tarp to cover your things. Don't forget extra oil, brake fluid, Windex, etc.

Cameras
Many students wish to have a video camera in their car to tape track sessions. Any such device must be properly mounted. This means bolted or fastened to a permanent part of the car. NOT tied down with string or bungee cords. Tech inspection will make the final determination about whether your mount is sufficient.

Decibel Limits
Decibel limit is 104db. Participants will be black flagged if they exceed the limit, given the chance to correct the problem, and will be withdrawn from the event if they cannot meet the limit. See Rules List for more information.

Instructions for Classroom and On-Track Driving Sessions

Mandatory Driver's Meeting
Your attendance is required all days. This is critical to your safe enjoyment and understanding of the event. Please be on time! Attendance will be taken at the meeting.

Student Classification
Students are classed by the experience indicated on your registration form.

Instructors
Instructors are required for all students in the slower two run groups until signed off by the instructor. Students are encouraged to use more than one instructor, after being signed off by the original assigned instructor.

Passengers Are Not Allowed
Students are not allowed to take passengers on the track. Instructors may give rides to other registered participants. This is a strict insurance rule. Anyone violating this rule will be ejected from the event.

Guests
Bring the whole crew, but pets are not allowed.

Air
Air is available at the track for breathing and for inflating tires.

Driving Rules
No Racing. Anyone deemed to be driving in an unsafe manner is subject to ejection. Safety is the most important part of this fun weekend.

Rain
If it rains, slow down to a safe speed where you can maintain control.

Car Checkup
Check the condition of your brakes, brake fluid, tires, and lug nuts frequently. Check the oil level before each driving session. You should bring extra oil. Check the schedule and line up on the grid in time.

General Track Rules

1. Instructors
Instructors are to be picked up and discharged, and driver changes made only in the pit lane or paddock. Everyone is encouraged to use instructors, even after being 'signed off'. Instructors should make recommendations to the chief instructor concerning any student whose driving is unsafe. Students are encouraged to criticize instructors who are not teaching, just riding along.

2. Entering the track
When you want to enter the track, pull to the end of pit lane. Wait for a signal to proceed. Stay on the right side when entering the track. DO NOT CROSS THE YELLOW LINE! Use mirrors to see if you are being overtaken before you move over.

3. Passing
Pass only when signaled to do so by the lead car. Do not try to pass near the end of straights. Be sure you have plenty of space to complete your pass before the turn. If you signal someone by, don't drag race them down the straight. Let them in!

	Being Passed: Watch your mirrors! If a car is behind you that wasn't there before, it is faster and you should let it pass at the next allowed passing zone.
	Signals: A signal from the driver of the car in front must be given by extending the left arm straight out the window. Make sure it is a clear signal so that there is no misunderstanding between drivers. If there is more than one car wishing to pass, clearly indicate to each car that you wish to be passed. This requires the arm extended out the window individually for each car to pass.
	Slow down: If you are allowing a pass, slow down. This will make it easier for the gaining cars to pass, allowing you to resume your run without concern for a car too close in front of you. Don't force the passing car to make a quick cut back in front of you before a turn. Two abreast into turns is not permitted. Resume your normal speed when you are back on the driving line after being passed.

4. Grouping
Don't group together. If you find yourself running in a group, cool it for a lap or two and let the pack get away from you. Then you can concentrate on your own driving without worrying about the traffic. If you are signaled to disperse and fail to do so, you will be black flagged.

5. Flags
Pay careful attention to the flagging instructions you are given. Failure to comply with a flagging instruction may result in you being ejected. Pay special attention first time out and notice the location of the flag stations.

	Red Flag -If you see a red flag at any station, stop as quickly as you safely can, bearing in mind there may be cars right behind you. Pull to the edge of the track with the flag station in view. You may not move again until they signal you to go.
	Black Flag -If you get the black flag, acknowledge it with a wave. Proceed with caution around the circuit and enter the pits. You will be told what the problem is.
	Yellow Flag -Slow down. Do not pass. If the flag is being waved vigorously, slow way down. Be sure you could avoid a car stalled on the track in front of you. Proceed cautiously until you see a station not displaying the yellow.
	Yellow with Red Stripe -Slippery condition. Oil or debris on the track. Proceed cautiously until you see a station not showing the flag.
	Blue Flag -Check your mirrors. You are being overtaken and should let them by. Most likely the corner worker will look directly at you and show you the flag quickly so as not to confuse other cars.
	Green Flag -The track is clear and a session can begin. Usually shown only at the starter's tower.
	Checkered Flag -At the end of a session, the checkered flag is waved at the start/finish line. Slow down and take the 'cool down' lap, and enter the pits.

6. Leaving the Track
When you want to pull into the pits, put your left arm up high. Enter the pit lane slowly. We mean 5 mph in the pit lane. When your session is finished, drop your instructor at the requested spot, then proceed through pit lane, turn left into the paddock area, and slowly to your parking spot. If you have pulled in to get out of a pack, or because of being black flagged, proceed slowly down the pit lane. Watch for instructions from the pit-out man before re-entering the track.

7. Trouble
If you lose control of your car, the best rule is to lock up all four wheels and keep them locked until you stop. If you see you are going to run off the track, and you still have control, drive straight off. Do not make a futile attempt to keep it on the track, resulting in sliding off sideways. Your chances of escaping unscathed by driving off under control are much better going straight.

General Reminders

1. Be ready to go 15 minutes before your run time. Be sure to have removed all loose items from the interior and trunk. Do not proceed to the pit until your group is called. Always have doors and trunk unlocked for final inspection.

2. After the previous group has seen the checkered flag, your group will be called to the pit lane. Remember, cars will be coming in from their session. You will remain here until all the previous group is off the track and out of pit lane.

3. Be belted in your car, helmet on, and engine warm about five minutes. Make sure your passenger seat belt is ready for your instructor.

4. Your assigned instructor will tell you when you may run 'solo' by signing you off. Until then, you must have that instructor with you on the track.

5. In each session, run the first lap or two at reduced speed. Take the time to warm up your tires and wits.

6. Know the flags and watch the flag stations. Take their advice as it may save you a lot of grief around the next corner.

7. Drive your own line. Don't follow anyone else's mistakes.

8. If it rains, slow down to half speed. The oil and rubber on the road mix with water and make the surface very slippery until the track gets washed off. Speed can be increased as the track gets washed off and your "feel" for the new conditions is established. A wet track will show who is consistent and who is not. It's a great teacher; respect it and you will learn from it.

9. At the checkered flag, acknowledge the flagman, slow down for a cool down lap, and proceed to the pits.

10. When returning to the pits reduce speed. Stick your left arm out the window straight up, to signal you are leaving the track for the pits. Be on the outside of the track; don't decide at the last second and try to pull across into the pits - you may find out what T-boning is. Pit and paddock speed is 5 mph. Speeding and unsafe driving in the paddock area will result in expulsion. The Grattan people watch for this.

11. Keep in mind that track driving is very tough on brakes because you are constantly using them very hard and they have little time to cool. If you feel your pedal getting soft or spongy, slow down for a lap or two and check if the pedal firms up. You may need to bleed brakes for the second day.

"Porsche Club of America is a private, not-for-profit organization. It reserves the right to deny the acceptance of any Driver's Education application, or to revoke any application previously accepted, for any reason or no reason, except that it will not deny or revoke a Driver's Education application solely on the basis of race, creed, color, sex or national origin."