MJones

I love my 997 go anywhere Porsche

This past weekend I attended a DE at Spring Mountain, located in Pahrump, NV,
approx 240 mi east of Los Angeles. The drive out was about rain for 1/3 of the journey but uneventful for me, but not for at least 4 others who were facing the wrong direction on the opposite side of the 210 fwy.

Spent two days and approx 200 miles getting accustom to the new 3.1 mile circuit. Quite technical with many blind corners. Had a blast!

Decided to make a circle trip and drive thru Death Valley for the return. Here is where some fun begins. Starting at Bad Water, the lowest spot in the US, road work...signs saying loose gravel.. a pilot car escort for a mie or so, then your own for another 8 miles. Speed limit 25..driving 40-50..The sound in the car was like a hail storm on a tin roof..and in the rear view a shower of stones being kicked up. Car seems to be unscathed, but I havent really looked.
Proceeding along CA178 on the route I ploted on a CA map and the Nav was taking me...never looked at a park map tho...turn left on Emigrant Canyon Road towards Wildrose (vehicles over 25 ft not allowed). One of the twistyest roads I've ever been on. Get to Wildrose and turn right...oops, it's the forgotton road, there was asphalt at one time...undaunted I proceed at time at 5 mph threading myself thru a road being reclaimed by nature for about 6 miles. Looking at the NPS map today it shows it as a dirt road noted: Rough, narrow, winding road. Made it finally to pavement and home.
An adventure!!

Don't be afraid to drive your 997

Vancouver83LTD

looks like fun!
Me and my dad drove a rental Pontiac grand prix through that area at night, along some of those same roads, between pahrump and vegas
very cool area, great driving roads, especially around pahrump to stovepipe wells - very fast.

OCBen

Wow, Brian, that was a helluva trip you took taking the back roads - the dirt back roads. ... Those are great photos, btw, of those offroad trails. ... I wouldn't dare take my 997 through those roads. Kudos to you for being able to enjoy freely the many pleasures of driving your 997.

Vancouver83LTD

well it's good to see him ENJOYING his car. i mean the way i see it, a few stonechips are worth the pleasure and the memories he has of that trip




if you look at these cars, and think about tackling the terrain they've seen, and you behind the wheel...
gee, sure seems fun doesn't it?

996toomey

It just occurred to me that 2 of my favorite people here on this forum are at extreme opposites as to how they view and use their cars.

Kudos to both of you.

RAKLAW

I could not have said it better.. MJ, you are one brave and daring soul.

Vancouver83LTD

paint will come and go, but memories last a lifetime
a car can be repainted to brand new quite easily. A smile cannot just be applied.

icon

i'd never take my 997 off-road! that's insane!

i use the cgt for off roading and the enzo for the occasional beach patrol

synergy

...time for a clear bra :-)

waiting for PDK

Great story.

I was in Death Valley a year ago and drove the rental car up to the Charcoal Kilns, a 7 mile rough gravel (but not 4X4 only) road. It was a bit hairy in a Neon dodging potholes but at the end, surrounded by SUVs, was an NSX! That guy was a stud.

Way to enjoy the car in all its elements.

TT Surgeon

These cars are meant to be driven, kudos to MJ. I always say, the cars that have problems are the ones that barely get driven.
45k and counting ( and about a hundred tiny rock chips).

SrfCity

I can see it now: For sale, mint red 997, only driven on Sundays in perfect weather on smooth roads.

zumaron

After a trip to Ben's OC Detail, it would sell no questions asked.

Legalkix

all ya need is a c4 with about an 8" lift kit and you're ready for the rubicon http://www.rubicon-trail.com/

LVDell

MJ.....I saw you out at the track in your red 997. There is a great pic of you over on the Cayenne board where the guy in the Cayenne TurboS is in your rear view: https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-955-957-2003-2010/257911-cayenne-turbo-s-track-time.html

Good to see you putting that car to GOOD use

FYI......I was in the Arena Red 996 with the "924" number on the doors.