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Before posting our season in review update, we were curious to see how our season in SRO GT Sports Club GT2 Class looked “by the numbers”. It was a season of firsts for the team, so we added up the numbers to find out how it all came to be. 

  • Cars: 1 – 2019 Porche 911 GT2RS Clubsport #85/200
  • Tracks: 4 – VIR, Sonoma, Road America, COTA
  • Races: 8
  • Pole positions: 8 (100%)
  • Avg. gap to P2 – Qualifying: 1.49 sec
  • Wins: 8 (100%)
  • Avg. gap to P2 – Race: 31.63 sec
  • Laps led: 158/159 (99.4%)
  • Fastest laps: 8 (100%)
  • Points: 200 (100%)
  • Avg. race pace: 95.91mph / 154.35kph
  • Race mileage: 518.67 miles / 834.71 kilometers
  • On-track mileage: 2,152 miles / 3,463.31 kilometers
  • Pirelli tires used – 72 tires, split equally 36 front & 36 rear
  • Total race fuel used: 491 gallons / 1,858.64 liters
  • Brembo brake rotor & pad sets used: 2
  • Motul 300V 0W-40 oil changes: 6 / 51qts total
  • Pro-Tint windshield tear offs – 1 of 4
  • Miles driven to & from races: 9,352 miles / 15,050.59 kilometers
  • Hours on the road: 154 hours
  • States driven through: 24
  • GT2 Class Championships: 1 (100%)

311RS Porsche 911 991 GT2RS Clubsport by Peter Lapinski

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). 

311RS Porsche 911 GT2RS Clubsport and 991 GT3 Cup at BIR by Peter Lapinski

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

311RS Porsche 911 GT2RS Clubsport and 991 GT3 Cup at BIR by Peter Lapinski

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

311RS Porsche 911 GT2RS Clubsport and 991 GT3 Cup at BIR by Peter Lapinski

311RS Porsche 911 GT2RS Clubsport and 991 GT3 Cup at BIR by Peter Lapinski

311RS Porsche 911 GT2RS Clubsport and 991 GT3 Cup at BIR by Peter Lapinski

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. 

311RS Porsche 911 GT2RS Clubsport and 991 GT3 Cup at BIR by Peter Lapinski

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. 

311RS Porsche 911 GT2RS Clubsport and 991 GT3 Cup at BIR by Peter Lapinski

311RS Porsche 911 GT2RS Clubsport and 991 GT3 Cup at BIR by Peter Lapinski

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

311RS Porsche 911 991 GT3 Cup at BIR by Peter Lapinski

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.

311RS Porsche 911 991 GT3 Cup at BIR by Peter Lapinski

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.

311RS Porsche 911 997 GT3 at BIR by Peter Lapinski

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

311RS Porsche 911 GT3RS at BIR by Peter Lapinski

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.

311RS Porsche 911 991 GT3 at BIR by Peter Lapinski

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. 

311RS Porsche 911 GT2RS Clubsport and 991 GT3 Cup at BIR by Peter Lapinski

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

As delivered, the GT2RS Clubsport is one of the most aggressive and imposing things to ever come out of Stuttgart. Part of that look comes from the exposed carbon fiber throughout the car.

This is where we come in – with the aim to “complete” the look of the car. 

311RS Porsche 911 GT2RS Clubsport

As delivered to 311RS. Factory fresh. Exposed carbon fiber all around.

311RS Porsche 911 991 GT2RS Clubsport Motive Artworks

Wes from Motive Artworks rendered our vision and brought it to life. Here is a comparison between as delivered and 311RS. To us, the 311RS Porsche GT2RS Clubsport looks as though it could have came like that from the factory, which was ultimately the goal. 

311RS Porsche 911 GT2RS Clubsport

The first thing that needed changing were the wheels. Porsche created GT2RS Gold specifically for the 997 GT2RS in 2011, and continued it for the 991 GT2RS in 2018. We absolutely love the color and wanted to bring that aspect of the GT2RS to the GT2RS Clubsport. 

311RS Porsche 911 GT2RS Clubsport BBS Satin White Gold Metallic

There we go. A GT2RS, in our opinion, should always have GT2RS Gold wheels. 

311RS Porsche 911 GT2RS Clubsport BBS Satin White Gold Metallic

We’ll be running the car in PCA Club Racing and SRO GT Sports Club, both of which are officially partnered with Pirelli. On the road cars we exclusively run Michelin tires, however for the race cars, at least for the current series we operate in, Pirelli is the tire. 

Fun fact: the GT2RS Clubsport runs the same size tire front and rear as the 991 GT3 Cup.

311RS Porsche 911 GT2RS Clubsport BBS Satin White Gold Metallic

First test fit. We were feeling good about the combination!

311RS Porsche 911 GT2RS Clubsport BBS Satin White Gold Metallic

311RS Porsche 911 991 GT2RS Clubsport Color X Labs

On the ground and pure class. The Satin White Gold metallic gives the car life, and allows the BBS wheel design to be fully appreciated. 

However, something had to be done about that exposed carbon fiber. More on that later.

311RS Porsche 911 GT2RS Clubsport ClearPlex

With the wheels and tires sorted, we began to focus on preserving the car. Cory from Lifestyle Tint is our go to for ClearPlex install. These semi-permanent window films do a great job protecting the glass from debris. 

We tend to go through 1 or 2 of these films per season, depending on driver. With the GT2RS Clubsport we aim to use just this one this season. 

311RS Porsche 911 991 GT2RS Clubsport Color X Labs

Onto the fun part – we partnered with Color X Labs to create a vinyl wrap that would match the exact color of our GT2RS Clubsport. They use the OEM Porsche paint code (Carrara White – B9A) to match the color, and further “tune” the color using a piece of the body work, in our case we sent them the fuel door. 

311RS Porsche 911 991 GT2RS Clubsport Color X Labs

And so it begins. 

311RS Porsche 911 991 GT2RS Clubsport Color X Labs

While we set out to “complete” the look of the car, that did not mean we cover all of the exposed carbon fiber. Instead, by covering a large portion of it and exposing portions of the carbon fiber, the result was accentuation of the ducting on the hood. 

311RS Porsche 911 991 GT2RS Clubsport Color X Labs

We love the look – adding aggression while simultaneously completing the hood. Note the beautiful color match of the vinyl to the factory painted bumper and fenders. 

311RS Porsche 911 991 GT2RS Clubsport Color X Labs

The idea to add white to the wing end plates was to give that rear wing a place on the car. It’s so large and so far back, with black end plates it can get visually lost from certain angles. 

Along with a Porsche logo across the wing, the end plates completed our work back there and again looks as though it could have came that way from the factory.

311RS Porsche 911 991 GT2RS Clubsport Color X Labs

Here we see the removable carbon decklid getting it’s helping of Carrara White vinyl wrap. We chose to leave the air intakes exposed (as is on the GT2RS road car) along with the backside of the duckbill – this gives some nice contrast in the rear while highlighting how much the piece acts as an aero device. 

Also seen here is Elliott from Glisten Detailing –  he worked through night to complete the car and did an amazing job executing all of the minute details we had for him. We cannot thank him enough for the dedication he showed to the project. Beers on us for the foreseeable future!!

311RS Porsche 911 991 GT2RS Clubsport Color X Labs

311RS Porsche 911 991 GT2RS Clubsport Color X Labs

Take a look at the amount of material used to cover the rear bumper. The GT2RS Clubsport is especially girthy back there. 

311RS Porsche 911 991 GT2RS Clubsport Color X Labs

Fear The Cheese – a hat tip to the legends at Matt’s Bar. We are proud to be from Minnesota and love the Jucy Lucy, so we felt it was a fitting tribute to where we come from and what we love.

And as such, the car will affectionately be known as Lucy to us here at 311RS. There is no doubt she will be a jucy one!

311RS Porsche 911 991 GT2RS Clubsport Color X Labs

The roof would be the final portion we wrap in an effort to “complete” the car. Doing so required removing the emergency hatch – 8 quarter turn allen bolts and it was off. Very cool.

311RS Porsche 911 991 GT2RS Clubsport Color X Labs

And the result is seen above. The car looks gorgeous, and every bit aggressive as when it was delivered. To us, the car is now visually “complete”. 

311RS Porsche 911 991 GT2RS Clubsport

The moment the car was finished (5:15a) it was loaded up. We had a 5:30a meeting time to head up to BIR for our first test with the car. Talk about just in time!! 

“Win on Sunday, sell on Monday.” The saying that has driven race programs since the 1950s still drives us today.

311RS Porsche 997 GT3 Cup by Ryan Gates BBS E88 50mm

We race using components from the same technical partners we offer to our customers. Below are a few examples on the 311RS Porsche 997 GT3 Cup.

We’ve ran with Girodisc since 2006 and proud to continue this with a set of their lightweight two-piece brake rotors, seen here though a set of our gold BBS Motorsport E88s.

We’ve ran JRZ Suspension single, 2-way, and 3-way adjustable dampers throughout our 11 year partnership with JRZ. For the first time however, we’re running a set of 4-way JRZ Motorsports on our 997 GT3 Cup.

We’ve got them dialed in with support from Goldcrest Motorsports and engineer Bryan Hise.

There are no words to describe how proud we are to see the 311RS logo inside a factory Porsche 911 race car.

311RS Porsche 997 GT3 Cup by Ryan Gates Black Watch Tartan Recaro Pro Racer Hans

Look further inside the 311RS Porsche 997 GT3 Cup and you’ll find our signature Black Watch Tartan covering the cushions of the driver’s seat.

311RS Porsche 997 GT3 Cup by Ryan Gates Black Watch Tartan Recaro Pro Racer Hans

We took delivery of the 2008 GT3 Cup earlier last year, with the original 2008-dated seat still intact.

To comply with PCA Club Racing rules, we installed a 2019-dated Recaro Pro Racer HANS – an affordable option from Recaro to get us going before upgrading to their 1300 GT seat in 2021.

311RS Porsche 997 GT3 Cup by Ryan Gates Schroth Profi II harnesses

Schroth Racing provides every factory Porsche 911 race car that leaves the factory with 6 point harnesses. And it’s easy to see why, they are lightweight, durable, and easy to operate.

We upgraded to 2019-dated Profi II harnesses in black with custom silver patches for a clean look.

Overseeing day to day operations, Lucia continues to run a tight ship for us here at 311RS. Below are a list of products featured in this week’s round up.

BBS E88 wheels

Girodisc brake rotors

JRZ Suspension dampers

Recaro seats

Schroth Racing harnesses

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

2008 311RS 997 GT3 Cup with Lucia by Ryan Gates HQ 50mm 50mm18 GSP German Shorthair Pointer

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

2008 311RS 997 GT3 Cup brake caliper by Ryan Gates 50mm 50mm18 Girodisc brake rotor

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

2008 311RS 997 GT3 Cup brake caliper by Ryan Gates 50mm 50mm18

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.

2008 311RS 997 GT3 Cup brake caliper by Ryan Gates 50mm 50mm18

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.

2018 Porsche 911 GT2RS roll bar at 311RS HQ by Ryan Gates

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.

2018 Porsche 911 GT2RS underbody aero at 311RS HQ by Ryan Gates 50mm 50mm18

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).

2018 Porsche 911 GT2RS underbody aero at 311RS HQ by Ryan Gates 50mm 50mm18

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

2008 311RS 997 GT3 Cup by Ryan Gates BBS E88

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

311RS GT3 Cup at BIR Porsche Club Race by Peter Lapinski 997 GT3 Cup GT3Cup Poleposition

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.

311RS GT3 Cup at BIR Porsche Club Race by Peter Lapinski 997 GT3 Cup GT3Cup Poleposition

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.

311RS GT3 Cup at BIR Porsche Club Race by Peter Lapinski 997 GT3 Cup GT3Cup Poleposition

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

Porsche season has officially arrived in Minnesota.

311RS Porsche 911 997 993 930 GT3 C2 Turbo BIR Brainerd International Raceway Peter Lapinski Nord Stern PCA 2017

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.

311RS Porsche 911 997 993 930 GT3 C2 Turbo BIR Brainerd International Raceway Peter Lapinski Nord Stern PCA 2017

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.

311RS Porsche 911 997 993 930 GT3 C2 Turbo BIR Brainerd International Raceway Peter Lapinski Nord Stern PCA 2017 BBS E50

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.

311RS Porsche 911 997 993 930 GT3 C2 Turbo BIR Brainerd International Raceway Peter Lapinski Nord Stern PCA 2017 Speedlines

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.

311RS Porsche 911 997 993 930 GT3 C2 Turbo BIR Brainerd International Raceway Peter Lapinski Nord Stern PCA 2017

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.

311RS Porsche 911 997 993 930 GT3 C2 Turbo BIR Brainerd International Raceway Peter Lapinski Nord Stern PCA 2017

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!

311RS Porsche 911 997 993 930 GT3 C2 Turbo BIR Brainerd International Raceway Peter Lapinski Nord Stern PCA 2017

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.

311RS Porsche 911 997 993 930 GT3 C2 Turbo BIR Brainerd International Raceway Peter Lapinski Nord Stern PCA 2017

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

311RS Porsche 911 997 993 930 GT3 C2 Turbo BIR Brainerd International Raceway Peter Lapinski Nord Stern PCA 2017

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

311RS Porsche 911 997 993 930 GT3 C2 Turbo BIR Brainerd International Raceway Peter Lapinski Nord Stern PCA 2017

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.

311RS Porsche 911 997 993 930 GT3 C2 Turbo BIR Brainerd International Raceway Peter Lapinski Nord Stern PCA 2017

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.

311RS Porsche 911 997 993 930 GT3 C2 Turbo BIR Brainerd International Raceway Peter Lapinski Nord Stern PCA 2017

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.

311RS Porsche 911 997 993 930 GT3 C2 Turbo BIR Brainerd International Raceway Peter Lapinski Nord Stern PCA 2017 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 PSC2

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

311RS Porsche 911 997 993 930 GT3 C2 Turbo BIR Brainerd International Raceway Peter Lapinski Nord Stern PCA 2017

Lots of arms crossed fellas…

311RS Porsche 911 997 993 930 GT3 C2 Turbo BIR Brainerd International Raceway Peter Lapinski Nord Stern PCA 2017

Sundays at the track, nothing else like it.

311RS Porsche 911 997 993 930 GT3 C2 Turbo BIR Brainerd International Raceway Peter Lapinski Nord Stern PCA 2017

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.

311RS Porsche 911 997 993 930 GT3 C2 Turbo BIR Brainerd International Raceway Peter Lapinski Nord Stern PCA 2017

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.

311RS Porsche 911 997 993 930 GT3 C2 Turbo BIR Brainerd International Raceway Peter Lapinski Nord Stern PCA 2017

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.

311RS Porsche 911 997 993 930 GT3 C2 Turbo BIR Brainerd International Raceway Peter Lapinski Nord Stern PCA 2017 Ryan Gates Tom Kileen

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.

311RS Porsche 911 997 993 930 GT3 C2 Turbo BIR Brainerd International Raceway Peter Lapinski Nord Stern PCA 2017

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.

311RS Porsche 911 997 993 930 GT3 C2 Turbo BIR Brainerd International Raceway Peter Lapinski Nord Stern PCA 2017

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.

311RS Porsche 911 997 993 930 GT3 C2 Turbo BIR Brainerd International Raceway Peter Lapinski Nord Stern PCA 2017

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.