A Perfect Trackday at the Nürburgring GP Circuit with the Cayman 987.1 S
On Monday, March 24, it was time: a day full of adrenaline, speed, and precision at the legendary Nürburgring GP Circuit. Organized by Circuit Days, this trackday promised everything an automotive enthusiast could wish for. With a diverse group of drivers, an open pitlane format, and perfect weather in the German Eifel, all the ingredients were present for a fantastic experience.
The day started early with a drive in the morning twilight. As the sun slowly crept above the horizon, we rolled towards the circuit in our Porsche Cayman 987.1 S. This trackday was a perfect opportunity to test some recent upgrades to our car.
Our team was not alone that day; together with some friendly customers and partners from Co-ordSport, we experienced this trackday as a shared passion. Among them, Bram's Midnight Purple Yaris GR stood out. With its striking color and impressive performance, he managed to make the most of his track time, resulting in spectacular laps and great moments on the track. A detailed blog about this project will follow! Because we can't stop talking about it!
But we ourselves have not been idle in recent weeks either. First of all, there were the new Winmax W6 brake pads all around, a compound known for its excellent heat resistance and consistency, essential for a long day on the track. This gave us more confidence when braking hard for corners like the Veedol Chicane and Dunlop Kehre. We temporarily switched to Winmax after a season using Endless brake pads. Testing compounds on different circuits was our goal last season, and it was time to try out one of our other house brands, Winmax brakes!
In addition, our brand new Rays Volk Racing TE37 wheels were shining in the sunlight. Lightweight, strong, and iconic, these wheels are not only a visual upgrade but also contribute to performance and handling. And let's be honest, TE37 is simply the answer to your wheel dilemma!
But one of the most impactful changes was the recently adjusted Moton 3-way suspension. After the necessary testing and adjustments, the setup was now perfectly tuned, resulting in phenomenal handling. The car felt tight and predictable, leading to better balance and shorter lap times.
Finally, the new GT Wing made its debut on the track. This lightweight carbon rear wing, derived from the Porsche Cayman Cup, provided extra downforce and improved stability at high speeds. Especially in sections like the Michael Schumacher S and the Warsteiner Curve, the difference was noticeable; the rear felt much more solid, allowing us to take fast corners with more confidence.
The German Eifel is known for its unpredictable weather conditions, and the Nordschleife is rightly called the Green Hell. But on this day, we were lucky. The sun shone through a changing cloud cover, and the track stayed dry all day. Ideal conditions to fully enjoy the driving time without compromising on grip and safety.
One of the biggest advantages of this Circuit Days track day was the open pit lane format. This meant there were no fixed sessions, so you could decide for yourself when to go on track. This provided the freedom to optimally plan our stints, manage tires and brakes well, take enough rest between runs, and regularly switch drivers.
The organization was also excellent. Circuit Days managed to attract a nice mix of participants from all over Europe. A wide variety of serious track cars (competition and amateur) to sporty street cars. The level was high, but the atmosphere remained relaxed and respectful. This ensured that we could drive without interruptions, and there was not a single red flag all day. A track day is not a race, but the flag rules still apply!
During the sessions, we tracked our lap times and driving performance with the Garmin Catalyst. This handy device is the ultimate track coach. The Garmin provided immediate insights into areas for improvement and helped us optimize our lines and braking points further. Especially in challenging sections like the Ravenol Curve and NGK Chicane, we were able to navigate the corners slightly faster and smoother thanks to the feedback from the Catalyst. Considering the traffic around you, it’s not always possible to drive a perfect lap without delays or deviating from your ideal line. But the Garmin excels at analyzing your line per sector and indicates whether you are on track! More about this in an extensive blog coming soon!
At the end of the day, we could conclude that all the recent upgrades had paid off. The Winmax W6 brake pads gave the confidence to brake late, the Moton suspension provided razor-sharp handling, and the GT Wing improved stability at high speeds. Add to that the beautiful weather and flawless organization, and you have a track day to remember.
With a satisfied team and a good feeling, we left the Nürburgring GP-Strecke to return to the shop to be ready for our customers the next day. The Cayman had proven that it is ready for the new season, and we can't wait to hit the track again. On to the next track day! Suggestions?
