Why Would I…..?

Alpine Mountain Region has always prided itself being a diverse club.  We offer a little bit of everything to everyone –which is what makes our region so popular.  We are mostly known for our tours, but we also do Rallies, Drivers Ed Events, Autocrosses, as well as a variety of Tech Sessions and Social events throughout the year.

Here are some of the events that you can look forward to:

Why Would I…Participate in Rallies?

What is it? Similar in some ways to a tour, but our Gimmick Rallies add some sort of challenge along the way. It’s always fun, and usually held in the Colorado Springs area, concluding with a fun gathering for lunch.

Typical cost: Normally less than $50.

Special equipment needed: A divorce attorney (kidding!). You will need to decide on who will drive and who will navigate, as one person can’t do both.

Why Would I…Participate in Tours?

What is it? A laid back opportunity to drive some of the great roads we have in the area. Enjoy the scenery, fun twisty sections, and the camaraderie of your fellow PCA members. The sight of a line of Porsche’s navigating local byways is always a great one. You will be provided with detailed driving directions, so if the group becomes a little spread out, you’ll have no trouble finding your way. Frequent rest stops are typically included, as well as interesting scenic overlooks, meal/snack stops, etc. Many tours include the opportunity to stay overnight in an interesting location.

Typical cost: Variable, but always good value for the money!

Special equipment needed: None. A camera is always a good idea. Sunscreen and a hat (especially if you are driving a cabriolet) don’t hurt, either.

When you arrive: Check in and get your route instructions. Get to know your fellow participants, and pay attention to the drivers’ meeting, where an overview of the tour will be given.

More information: Contact the event chair with any questions you may have.

Why Would I…Participate in an AutoCross?

What is it? Porsches have capabilities that are far beyond most of our abilities to fully exploit. Wouldn’t it be fun to have a safe, fun environment in which to learn the capabilities of the car? It doesn’t get much safer than an autocross. The skills you learn here translate directly to the street, making you a better, safer driver. A coned course is set up in a parking lot. Competitors navigate the course as quickly and safely as possible. Each cone you hit adds two seconds to your time, so precision driving is the key. It’s also a great chance to see how others drive. The nice thing is that you can learn the behavior of your car near its limits, with little risk of damage if you lose control. Normally, the worst that can happen is hitting some cones. Cars are separated by significant distance on the course, and other obstructions are typically quite a ways off the course.

Typical cost: Normally less than $50 for a full day of fun.

Special equipment needed: You’ll need a helmet with an SA (Special Application) or M (Motorcycle) Snell rating of 2010 or 2015. Otherwise, your car must be in good operating condition (it will be inspected at the event). Look at the Challenge Series Rules (on the website) to determine what class your car belongs in. You will need this information for registration.

When you arrive: You’ll have to empty your car of all loose items, for safety. It’s always an excellent idea to arrive early and walk the course at least once. This gives you an idea of what to expect (although things will come at you much faster in the car!).

More information: An excellent section on autocross can be found here: PCA Autocross Guide Contact the event chairs for more information.

Why Would I…Participate in a DE?

What is it? A chance to drive on an actual race track in your own car. Safety is the priority, and instruction is the focus. Learn from someone who knows their way around the track, and can help you understand the dynamics of your specific car. Passing is done only when the car being passed permits it. Cars and drivers are split into run groups, ensuring that cars/drivers in each group are circulating at similar speeds. The weekend generally concludes with timed runs (for those so inclined), where you will get two laps in which you try to set the quickest time you and your car are capable of.

Typical cost: Normally less than $250 for a full weekend of fun.

Special equipment needed: You will need a helmet with an SA (Special Application) or M (Motorcycle) Snell rating of 2010 or 2015. You must wear a long-sleeved cotton shirt and long pants. Otherwise, your car must be in good operating condition (it must be inspected – for free – at a designated location prior to the event). Brake fluid with a high boiling point is a good idea. Cabriolets without rollover protection (e.g. Boxster hoops, later 911 pop-up protection, or roll bars) can not participate for safety reasons. Coupes and Targas are fine with no roll-over protection. Look at the Challenge Series Rules (on the website) to determine what class your car belongs in. You will need this information to register.

When you arrive: You’ll have to empty your car of all loose items, for safety. Let the organizers know that you’re new, and you’ll be introduced to an instructor. Also, be sure to read the information in your registration packet (which you’ll get when you check in) in detail. Keep your sunroof in place, and lower your windows.

More information:  Be sure to also check out our “Rookie Page”, information on Pikes Peak International Raceway,  Pueblo Motorsports Park and La Junta Raceway and the PCA Drivers Education Minimum Standards and the AMR HPDE Information Page including track videos.