GT3

Ride onboard with Ryan Gates for a lap around Road Atlanta in the 2008 311RS Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 Cup #underthelights.

For the third year in a row, Driving Club RA has hosted track time for their members following the annual 10hr Petit LeMans race at Road Atlanta, complete with all the lighting equipment to allow for night lapping.

Adam and the rest of the crew at Driving Club RA put on an amazing event. This would be our second time attending but first time participating, and my goodness we could not have been happier to be there. A huge thank you to member Leh Keen for the invite.

With us for this trip was our 2008 997.1 GT3 Cup. Prior to heading on track, we made a pit stop with our partners at Goldcrest Motorsports. The car was due for a fluid flush and a once over after our test at BIR the weekend prior.

The stock rubber bushings in the suspension were found to be past their prime, which meant we had an opportunity to replace them with factory Porsche Motorsport solid mounts throughout. A significant upgrade that improves driver+car connection thus reducing lap times.

Fresh from service at Goldcrest, we arrived at Road Atlanta and were greeted by glorious Georgia fall weather, a welcome reprieve from the snow that was falling up north in MN when we left.

A pair of 997.1 GT3 cars – it doesn’t get much prettier than that for us. Leh Keen brought out his modified 2008 997.1 GT3RS for the event. The car is sick.

We were very much looking forward to seeing the Frog.0 light up the evening sessions.

It’d been years since we last run dry laps around Road Atlanta. In fact it was 2008, we were in town with the new Evo X running with NASA in the TT-A class. Good times!

With newfound sharpness to the car, it was only a few laps before we were up to speed. The car felt amazing, alive, and very quick. Lap times during the first day time sessions averaged in the mid-1:26s with traffic.

We’ll have to come back another time to make a run at a fast lap.

Before we knew it the sun had begun to set. The “modern classic” beauty of the 997.1 was on full display during golden hour. It seems 997.1s are hardly aging, still looking contemporary nearly 12 years on.

The purity of the 997.1 GT3 Cup is something special.

Leh’s 997.1 GT3RS takes it a step further. The widebody shell of the GT3RS becomes especially evident during golden hour. Look at how those GT2RS side skirts are soaking up every last bit of sun light.

We don’t have much in the form of photos from our time #underthelights, however this image does a nice job of conveying the serene nature of driving on track at night.

The headlights essentially force the driver to focus solely on what’s happening immediately in front of the car and nowhere else. With nothing more than a narrow path visible to the driver, it makes for an intense yet peaceful driving session.

We’ll have more footage from our time at Road Atlanta up on YouTube here soon. For now, turn down the lights and ride along for a lap around Road Atlanta #underthelights.

Ride along with Ryan Gates as he and his father, Bruce Gates, spend the final session of 2020 lapping BIR together.

Ryan is driving the 311RS Motorsport Porsche 997.1 GT3 Cup and Bruce is driving the 311RS Motorsport Porsche 991 GT2RS Clubsport.

Neither car was running fresh tires so this was all about having fun together and enjoying the gorgeous fall weather at BIR. By the 4th lap you’ll see Bruce fly past down the front straight in the GT2RS Clubsport. You can almost feel the power.

-Drivers: Ryan Gates & Bruce Gates

-Cars: Porsche 997.1 GT3 Cup & Porsche 991 GT2RS Clubsport – both prepared by 311RS Motorsport

-Track: Brainerd International Raceway

-Fastest Lap: 1:35.3 (997.1 GT3 Cup)

In cooperation with Brainerd International Raceway, we hosted a private test for our GT2RS Clubsport & 991.2 GT3 Cup. In addition, we invited a small group of our road car clients to join us for some much-needed high speed therapy.

Participants were limited to a total of 10 as part of our agreement with the track and the local county attorney. Strict social-distance guidelines were adhered to and we are happy to report, nearly four weeks since the event, each one of us who attended remain free of COVID-19 symptoms.

Peter Lapinski was on hand to capture the scenes of our first test for 2020. We thank him for being there as we rolled out our GT2RS Clubsport for the first time, a huge milestone for our team. Please enjoy the following selection images from Peter and accompanying notes from the team.

The line up included: GT2RS Clubsport, 991.2 GT3 Cup, GT2RS, 991.2 GT3RS (x2) 991.2 GT3, 997.1 GT3, and a 996.2 GT3 (did not run).

The sun was hitting the GT2RS Gold BBS wheels just right.

The 311RS Porsche 911 GT2RS Clubsport followed by the 311RS Porsche 911 GT3 Cup on track together for the first time.

Our partners at Goldcrest Motorsports sent Blake White up for the test. He helped us get up to speed and ensured the test went smoothly. Thank you Blake & Goldcrest!

The GT2RS Clubsport absolutely ate up the track. Even during shakedown, the car was running faster laps than we had ever ran around BIR. A beast, as they say.

With nothing more than fuel & distilled water (for the intercooler sprayer system), the GT2RS Clubsport ran like clockwork. Here we see Ryan giving the underside of the car an ocular pat down after a session in the car.

It was a treat running the GT2RS road car and the GT2RS Clubsport together on track. While the road car is quite a bit faster in a straight line (it is tuned by M-Engineering making over 700whp), the Clubsport handily walked away from it over the course of a lap.

Two different vantage points through T9 – a turn that requires much respect from the driver.

Elsewhere on track, Jeff was up to speed out of the box in his 991.2 GT3 Cup. He’s tested the car at Sebring & COTA already this season, so on familiar territory at BIR he was very quick.

We look forward to working with this driver and car as the season progresses. The 991.2 GT3 Cup provides us an opportunity to understand and develop with Porsche’s latest Cup car platform. This experience will pay dividends for years to come.

Dan was pushing his 311RS-prepared 991.2 GT3RS to new limits during the test. He is picking up speed, and quickly. We are looking forward to seeing his development this season.

Tom was on hand in his gorgeous 311RS-prepared 997.1 GT3 consistent as usual. It’s always a pleasure seeing this car run.

A new driver for 311RS, John, was testing out his new 311RS-prepared 991.2 GT3RS for the first time. Fresh from an initial chassis setup, he was quick to improve, lopping multiple seconds from his lap times each session.

He’s due back into 311RS HQ for further upgrades along with our track aero & chassis setup. We are looking forward to seeing this & driver car develop.

Brandon was up to speed right away in his 311RS-prepared 991.2 GT3. We’ve been working with him for a season now, his progression in both speed and feedback have been great to see.

He’s now equipped with our safety package (roll bar, harnesses, and HANS device) and faster than ever while also being safer than ever.

Bruce was pounding laps in his GT2RS road car in between sessions in his GT2RS Clubsport. Hearing his feedback in back to back sessions was awesome, suddenly that GT2RS road car felt very much like a road car in comparison.

That’s it for now. Lots learned, with even more yet to learn. Until next time, Fear The Cheese!

Photos courtesy of Peter Lapinski

A look at the week thus far here at 311RS, as seen through the 50mm 1.8 lens of Ryan Gates.

Lucia, our nearly 2 year old German Shorthair Pointer, continues to run the show on a daily basis.

Development continues on the 2008 311RS GT3 Cup as we look to further improve the braking system.

Mid-summer upgrades to the brake system included a set of lightweight Girodisc rotors. For winter, we’re digging deeper to refresh the rest of the system starting with a four corner caliper rebuild.

These puppies appear to be original to the car and untouched, for better or worse. They’ll be getting factory Porsche Motorsport rebuild components along with a fresh coat of 311RS Red paint.

Across the way, sunlight was treating us to a feast for the eyes inside the GT2RS. Patience Metal Fab has really nailed the factory look and feel of the roll bar for Imola Motorsports. We’ve painted ours in factory Satin White Gold metallic.

Out back you’ll see we’ve test fit our carbon underbody aero package from NextRev. We cannot wait to get on track in March to put the system to the test.

The package is designed to compliment the factory GT2RS aero components and allow them to function at their peak while reducing drag. This is done by collecting the rear tire wake along managing overall airflow with an additional device positioned upstream (at the front axle line).

For those located in warmer climates, we are seeking beta testers for this system. If you may be interested, we’d be happy to discuss the system and your options – please give us a call at (612) 547-9311 or email info@311RS.com

And with that, we bid farewell until next week. For more information on the components mentioned this week, please see below for links to each component individually.

–Girodisc lightweight brake rotors

–Imola Motorsports GT2RS harness bar

–NextRev GT2RS underbody aero

First off, cheers and thank you to all those who have played a role in making our 2019 season one to remember. Teamwork was the theme for 2019, it was all hands on deck as we took our 311RS Porsche team PCA Club Racing with a 2008 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.

Please enjoy a look back at our 2019 season as seen through the lens of Minnesota’s-own Peter Lapinski.

Winter Testing

-Location: Roebling Road, Road Atlanta, Virginia International Raceway

Winter in MN meant we head south for track time – three tracks in four days. This trip saw the launch of our 997 GT3 Cup program and the first time our GT2RS saw the track on US soil.

Having been to Road Atlanta previously, Roebling Road and VIR provided us a taste of what else the south has to offer. VIR in particular was amazing with it’s natural layout and organic flow – our new favorite US track.

Rain or shine, we drove hard and had an amazing time with some of our best friends – cannot wait for the 2nd Annual in 2020!

Brainerd International Raceway

-Events: PCA First Fling, PCA Club Race, PCA Fall Fling

-PCA Club Race Results in GTC4: Qualified – 1st, Sprint Race 1 – 1st, Sprint Race 2 – 1st, Qualifying and Sprint Race GTC4 class records for Ryan Gates

Our home track. Nothing like it! The mile-long front straightaway at Brainerd International Raceway in MN is home to a few events each year for us. Beginning with First Fling in April, followed by the PCA Club Race in July and Fall Fling in October.

It was a pleasure to run our first PCA Club Race at home and with the support of the entire team – thank you all. We look forward to some of you joining in the Club Race for 2020!

Road America

-Events: PCA Cheese Fling, PCA Road America Challenge Club Race

-PCA Club Race Results in GTC4: Qualified – 1st, Sprint Race 1 – 1st, Sprint Race 2 – 2nd

Our other home track, Road America is just 5hrs from us and is typically the highlight(s) of our summers. This year we attended the PCA Road America Challenge for the first time – an event hosted by the Chicago-region PCA club and featured more than 180 Porsche Club Racers and 60 more HPDE drivers.

And a challenge it was, as we experienced our first on-track contact during the start of Sprint Race 2 into Turn 1. Ryan fought back from an off-track move to avoid cars in front to finish 2nd in GTC4 class – cheers to the GTC4 guys for the great battles out there and a well-deserved win for TJ Larson.

A special highlight from Road America in 2019 was the opportunity to run our 311RS-prepared GT2RS for a few private laps before the weekend. Leh Keen was on hand and had the track to himself running with a feature with Panorama. He took our GT2RS out and set a record laptime on his first lap. Thank you Leh!

Random

Peter paid us a few visits at 311RS HQ throughout the season. When we were not on track, we were here. Some interesting projects this season included exhaust and aero development of Porsche’s latest 911 GT2RS and production of the 311RS Porsche 993 CupSport.

While we are still working on the 993 CupSport, it is shaping up to make 2020 very special for us. Until then, cheers to 2019 and thank you once again to all those who have made it a year we will never forget.

Photos courtesy of Peter Lapinski

With the first PCA Club Race weekend under our belts, it was time we begin developing this stock 2008 997 GT3 Cup into a 311RS unit.

The plan was to introduce two of our long term partners, JRZ Suspension & Girodisc, into the program before heading to the PCA Road America Challenge over Labor Day weekend.

First up, the chassis was in desperate need of attention – the OEM Sachs dampers appear to be original to the car with no record of rebuild that we can find. Rules for GTC4 (the class we race in with PCA) allow for the dampers to be upgraded, without restriction.

The answer for us came in the form of a set of freshly rebuilt JRZ Motorsport 4-way dampers tuned to our driving style by Bryan Hise. We’ll be utilizing the factory Cup springs to baseline the setup.

We’ve ran JRZs on each 311RS platform dating back to 2009. The quality of control JRZ dampers provide has always treated us well.

With these motorsport 4-ways, control comes in the form of low-speed & high-speed Rebound and Compression adjustments, as well as gas pressure control on each corner.

Our next area of focus was to increase capability of the braking system. Heading into Road America, this was particularly important.

Partners since 2006, Girodisc knows how we like our brakes – lightweight and fast. The combination of their lightweight, two-piece rotors along with a set of Raybestos ST43s, creates a consistently quick braking package for the Cup.

We wrapped up the setup with a visit to Imola Motorsports to make use of their state of the art Hunter alignment rack.

The chassis setup was geared towards the fast corners and extreme braking zones of Road America – a bit conservative to keep the rear in order.

And here’s a look at the finished product.

We’re proud to see the car performing well in it’s first season with us. Good bones, as they say.

Here’s a quick walk around video of the car before we packed up for Road America. It may or may not be clear, but we love this car.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the program thus far, we are looking forward to bringing home even more victories together in 2020.

The 2019 season came to a close for us at Nord Stern PCA Last Fling on October 4th-5th. Enjoy a few laps around BIR with Ryan during a race simulation in the 2008 311RS Porsche 997 GT3 Cup.

Driver: Ryan Gates

Car: 2008 311RS Porsche 997.1 GT3 Cup

Class: GTC4

Lap times: 1:36.7, 1:36.9, & 1:36.2

On July 27th, 2019, Ryan Gates drove the 2008 311RS Porsche GT3 Cup to Overall victory in both Sprint races of the PCA Club Race at BIR, setting two GTC4 class records in the process.

A huge thank you is in order to all who played a role in the team during our first outing together, great teamwork everyone!

-GTC4 Qualifying Record – 1:40.0

-GT4 Sprint Race Record – 1:39.3

Our next race is in four weeks at Road America for another PCA Club Race. With over 150 drivers already registered, we are not taking any chances in preparation of the car – we are working on an upgrade package leading up to the event.

Thank you once more to all those who have helped us make this weekend a reality, here’s to many more just like it.

Photos courtesy of Peter Lapinski

We have some in-car footage from our final track event of 2018 – Road America with MVP track days. Ryan drove Luis’ 996 GT3 for a session with him onboard. The car loves Road America. It is such a blast to drive.

Here is the video:

We’ve been preparing the car for Luis since he bought it in 2015. It’s progressed quite nicely with Luis focused on improving it’s performance for road and track use.

His GT3 is setup with components we’ve developed specifically for the 996 GT3 platform. Thing is a beast.

The highlights:
1) Suspension – 311RS-spec JRZ RS Pros, ERP arms & solid bushings
2) Wheels & tires – 311RS-spec BBS E88 18×9″ & 18×11.5″, Michelin Sport Cup 2s – 235 & 295
3) Brakes – Girodisc rotors with Pagid Yellows & stainless lines
4) Engine – Cup exhaust, BMC filters, IPD plenum, tune
5) Interior – Euro GT3 seats, Techquipment bar, removed airbags, sun visors, glove box, front console, & head unit.
6) Exterior – RS front bumper (not pictured, used older photos for the post), carbon hood, RS wing, RS mirrors

Photos & video courtesy of Ryan Gates/311RS, LLC.

Porsche season has officially arrived in Minnesota.

For 2017, Nord Stern hosted it’s annual Spring Fling event on April 28-30th at Brainerd International Raceway. PCA wisely runs the 3.1 mile Donnybrooke layout – nearly 50 years after the facility opened in 1968, “Donnybrooke Speedway” still makes for a great proving ground.

A 1 mile straightaway to start the season? We’ll take it.

We have a few fresh faces in the crew for 2017 – including Tom’s 2008 997.1 GT3. This weekend would be it’s first outing after our preparation during winter break – click to see before & after. These GT3s in particular (2007-2008) have a special place in our hearts, so it was a real treat to see it through the process and onto the track.

Ryan’s 1987 930 was on hand to start the year. Sadly, no track time for this one – it’s been relegated to cheerleading duty for 2017. It does a great job of looking pretty, however. So all is not lost.

The #69 311RS makes a return for 2017, this time on a Polar Silver 1996 993 C2. John sent his Forest Green metallic 964 packing just before winter and emerged with this 3.8L beauty. What a stud.

Rich added a 2009 997 Turbo to his garage late-summer 2016. It’s a great driver for him, and and as he would soon find out, real quick on track. The car received a full set of two-piece Girodisc rotors along with fresh pads all around prior being introduced to BIR.

Friday’s schedule is built around PCA’s Driver Education course – a must for any new member to PCA who plans to enjoy their Porsche on track. We introduced two new members to the club for 2017 and it’s safe to say they are hooked. Sorry guys!

Each driver is assigned a PCA-certified instructor to guide them through the process. The day’s schedule begins in the class, then moves to the skidpad for cone drills. The part everyone is here for, track time, runs for the rest of the day with the instructor by the driver’s side. It’s an awesome experience for new drivers.

Those drivers that have taken the course previously enjoy a relaxing Friday.

Saturday is a different story. We hit it hard and get to work sorting the cars.

The 3.8lL engine in John’s 993 is a gem. It’s built using 993 RS engine & drivetrain components, which in combination with a gearing change, makes for one hell of a drive.

The 993 RS trend continues with brakes, wheels, and aero pieces each from the European-market 993. This setup is bound to evolve in time, however it’s in a great place to begin the season. It’s so fun.

Saturday ends with some good old fashioned team work. Turn 1 at BIR is really tough on the left hand tires, it’s nearly flat out at 150mph+. A quick swap side to side and the tires wear very nicely.

A close up look at tire wear of a fresh Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2.

Lots of arms crossed fellas…

Sundays at the track, nothing else like it.

Rich was crushing it during his first weekend at the track. The 997 Turbo ate up BIR’s long, flowing Donnybrooke layout with Rich attacking out of the box. It was awesome to watch.

Tom and his 311RS-prepared 997 GT3 ran smoothly all weekend. The car is nicely setup for a mix of street & track use – not too much, and not too little of anything. I think we all fell for the car during the course of the weekend.

Our initial setup for the car produced nice, flat cornering and took advantage of the extra grip of the meaty Sport Cup 2s all around.

Part of the fun is getting to know the car. Here, Ryan explains to Tom how to properly engage 6th gear before entering Turn 1.

993s are just perfect – they are just the right balance between vintage and modern. They feel good, sound good, and they’re fast. John’s especially.

Heading into May it looks we’ve got a bunch more driving to look forward to. A thank you to the folks at Nord Stern for hosting the event. We had a great time, see you at Road America.

Summer is around the corner, is your Porsche ready? Make it a point to get it right, contact us to book your time with 311RS. Imported from Stuttgart, refined in Minneapolis.

Photos courtesy of Peter Lapinski.