Porsche 911 Track Instructor: Teaching HPDE & Living the Air-Cooled Dream
About this episode
Dirk Decker, a passionate Porsche enthusiast and high-performance driving instructor, shares his journey through the world of motorsports. From his early experiences driving unique cars like the Barclay B95 to instructing at prestigious tracks like Watkins Glen, Dirk emphasizes the importance of safety and education in high-performance driving events. The conversation dives into the nuances of owning air-cooled Porsches, the thrill of racing, and the camaraderie among car lovers. Listeners will appreciate Dirk's insights into the challenges and joys of track driving, as well as his nostalgic stories from his automotive past.
Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!
What happens when a kid rebuilds a rare British Berkeley B.95 for £15 and grows up in the shadow of Silverstone Circuit?
Dirk Dekker's childhood was unlike most—living near the legendary Silverstone meant rubbing shoulders with F1 royalty. But the story of how a teenage Dirk actually met Jim Clark? That's something you need to hear in his own words.
From that £15 Berkeley to becoming a Porsche 911 track instructor at Watkins Glen, Dirk's automotive journey spans continents, careers, and some of the most iconic racetracks in the world.
In this episode, Dirk reveals:
- The truth about rebuilding a rare 1958 Berkeley B.95 as a teenager
- What Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, and Graham Hill were really like in person
- How growing up at Silverstone shapes your relationship with cars forever
- The unexpected path from helicopter pilot to professional driving instructor
- Why teaching at Watkins Glen for over 25 years never gets old
- What it takes to master the Porsche 911 on track
But there's one story Dirk tells about meeting his heroes that might make you rethink everything about the "good old days" of racing. Listen to find out what happened when legend met reality.
🎧 If you loved this episode, check out:
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https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17461644-windshield-wiper-invention-story-timothy-kearns-dr-robert-kearns-patent-battle-legacy
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Renault Latitudes
"...nd a wide variety of marine life situated between latitudes, four and 11, I think, minutes in longitudes of ..."
The Renault Latitude is a car that is designed to be comfortable and has a lot of space inside. It wasn't very popular, so not many people know about it compared to other cars.
The Renault Latitude is a mid-size sedan that was produced from 2010 to 2015, primarily for markets outside of Europe. It is known for its spacious interior and comfort features, but it did not achieve significant popularity, making it a lesser-known model in Renault's lineup.
Porsche 911
"I've actually went to one about 15 years ago in my 911. And let's just say it rained all day, and it was not fun for me."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car known for its speed and unique design. It's been popular for many years and is often used in racing.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car that has become an icon in the automotive world. Known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout, it has a strong motorsport heritage.
Porsche Club
"...I started instructing back in 1998 with a Porsche Club. And the Potomac region is my region, Northern Virginia, Central Maryland, and so on..."
The Porsche Club is a group for people who love Porsche cars. They hold events where members can drive their cars on tracks and meet other Porsche fans.
The Porsche Club is a community of Porsche enthusiasts that organizes events, track days, and social gatherings for members. It provides opportunities for drivers to improve their skills and connect with other Porsche owners.
Summit Point
"...Summit Point is our home track. We do go to Watkins Glen. We go to VIR..."
Summit Point is a racetrack in West Virginia where people can drive their cars fast and learn how to race. It's a popular place for car clubs to hold events.
Summit Point Motorsports Park is a road racing track located in West Virginia, popular for various motorsport events and driver training sessions. It is known for its challenging layout and is frequently used by car clubs for track days.
VIR
"...We do go to Watkins Glen. We go to VIR. We used to go to Mid-Ohio..."
VIR stands for Virginia International Raceway, a racetrack in Virginia where many car races and driving events take place. It's a great spot for learning to drive fast.
Virginia International Raceway (VIR) is a road course located in Virginia, known for its scenic layout and variety of racing events. It is a popular destination for both professional and amateur racing, as well as driving schools.
Mid-Ohio
"...We do go to Watkins Glen. We go to VIR. We used to go to Mid-Ohio..."
Mid-Ohio is a racetrack in Ohio where car races happen. It's a place where drivers can practice and compete in different types of races.
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is a road course located in Ohio, known for hosting various motorsport events, including IndyCar and sports car racing. It is also used for driver education and club racing events.
Watkins Glen
"...We do go to Watkins Glen. We go to VIR. We used to go to Mid-Ohio..."
Watkins Glen is a famous racetrack in New York where many car races happen. It's a place where both professional and amateur drivers can race their cars.
Watkins Glen International is a renowned road course located in New York, famous for hosting various motorsport events, including NASCAR and sports car racing. It is also a popular venue for amateur racing and driving schools.
tire pressure
"...they were pretty serious about that. Number one thing, tire pressure and making sure the bolts, lug nuts were tight was the first thing..."
Tire pressure is how much air is inside your car's tires. Keeping it at the right level is important for safe driving and helps your tires last longer.
Tire pressure refers to the amount of air in a vehicle's tires, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Proper tire pressure is crucial for safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity.
lug nuts
"...making sure the bolts, lug nuts were tight was the first thing. Battery is tight. We do a fire attack two weeks or so beforehand..."
Lug nuts are the bolts that hold your car's wheels on. If they're not tight, the wheels can come off while driving, which is very dangerous.
Lug nuts are fasteners that secure a wheel to a vehicle's axle. They must be properly tightened to ensure that the wheel remains securely attached during driving.
Porsche Cayenne
"but I noticed you do have a Cayenne, which could be used for towing."
The Porsche Cayenne is a high-end SUV that can be used for towing and has good performance features.
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury SUV that offers a combination of performance and utility, making it suitable for towing and off-road capabilities.
Porsche 914
"I used to tow my 914. Okay. And my 911."
The Porsche 914 is a small sports car that was made a long time ago and is known for being fun to drive.
The Porsche 914 is a mid-engine sports car produced from 1969 to 1976, known for its lightweight design and agile handling.
octane fuel
"And then if you're ever have 110 octane fuel. Okay. Now, sadly, something around 15, 16 bucks a gallon."
Octane fuel is a type of gasoline that helps high-performance cars run better and prevents engine knocking.
Octane rating measures a fuel's ability to resist knocking during combustion. Higher octane fuels, like 110 octane, are often used in high-performance engines to prevent pre-ignition.
Chevrolet Corvettes
"...ctors. And no, it is a Porsche club, but we have Corvettes, we have Alfa Romeo, sometimes we have virtually..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car that many people love. It's known for being powerful and fun to drive, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its performance, sleek design, and affordability compared to other high-performance vehicles. Since its introduction in 1953, the Corvette has become a symbol of American automotive engineering and is often discussed for its racing heritage and innovations.
Alfa Romeo
"...we have Corvettes, we have Alfa Romeo, sometimes we have virtually anything, VWs, GTIs, Hondas, anything except SUVs."
Alfa Romeo is a car brand from Italy that makes stylish and sporty cars. They are known for their unique designs and are popular in racing.
Alfa Romeo is an Italian luxury car manufacturer known for its sporty vehicles and distinctive design. The brand has a rich history in motorsports and is recognized for its performance-oriented cars.
Volkswagen
"...we have Corvettes, we have Alfa Romeo, sometimes we have virtually anything, VWs, GTIs, Hondas, anything except SUVs."
Volkswagen, or VW, is a car company from Germany that makes many different types of cars, including small cars and larger ones. They are well-known for their reliable vehicles.
Volkswagen, often abbreviated as VW, is a German automaker known for producing a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs. The brand is famous for models like the Beetle and Golf, and it has a significant presence in the global automotive market.
Hyundai
"...somebody came with his girlfriend and they had a rented Hyundai and they let her drive on the track in the rented Hyundai."
Hyundai is a car brand from South Korea that makes a variety of cars. They are known for being affordable and reliable, making them a good choice for many people.
Hyundai is a South Korean automotive manufacturer known for producing affordable and reliable vehicles. The brand has gained popularity for its value-oriented cars and has expanded its lineup to include electric and performance models.
MG TC
"Yeah. Yeah. She had a MGTC, I think it would have been maybe a TD back in 1950s. I remember it, I was four years old..."
The MG TC is a small sports car from the 1950s that is fun to drive. It's known for being light and nimble, which makes it enjoyable on the road.
The MG TC is a classic British sports car that was produced in the 1940s and 1950s. It is known for its lightweight design and agile handling, making it popular among driving enthusiasts.
Citroën Traction Avant
"Oh boy. Yeah. Then they had a Citroen Light 15 Avant traction. And I'd like to drive on that basically when I was about 11 years old."
The Citroën Traction Avant is a classic car that was made from the 1930s to the 1950s. It was special because it had front-wheel drive, which was new at the time, and a strong all-steel body.
The Citroën Traction Avant is a revolutionary car produced from the 1930s to the 1950s, known for its front-wheel drive and all-steel body. It was one of the first mass-produced cars to feature these innovations.
Honda Crv
"... almost 18, has been driving a year. She's got a CRV, but she just drives around. She hasn't driven in..."
The Honda CR-V is a type of car called an SUV, which is bigger than a regular car and has more space inside. It's known for being dependable and good on gas, making it a great option for people who need room for passengers or cargo.
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that has gained popularity for its spacious interior, reliability, and fuel efficiency. Since its debut in the mid-1990s, it has consistently ranked among the best-selling vehicles in its class, making it a common choice for families and individuals alike.
Barclay B95
"...a Barclay B95 was mine. It's a little fiberglass with aluminum subframe. They made three-wheelers in the UK at that time and still..."
The Barclay B95 is a special British car that has three wheels instead of four. It's made from lightweight materials, which helps it be cheaper to drive and maintain.
The Barclay B95 is a unique British car known for its three-wheeled design, which was popular in the UK during its time. It features a fiberglass body and an aluminum subframe, making it lightweight and economical to operate.
Robin Reliant
"...a lot cheaper. So a lot of three-wheelers, Robin Reliant, you might have seen on various programs."
The Reliant Robin is a famous British car with three wheels. It's known for its funny shape and has appeared in many TV shows and movies.
The Reliant Robin is a well-known three-wheeled car from the UK, famous for its quirky design and often featured in television shows and films. It is notable for its lightweight construction and economical operation.
front-wheel drive
"...and mine was a four-wheel version front-wheel drive with a Royal Enfield 650, 700 cc motor."
Front-wheel drive means that the front wheels of the car are the ones that get power from the engine. This helps the car grip the road better and is often used in many cars today.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is a vehicle configuration where the engine's power is directed to the front wheels, providing better traction and handling in various driving conditions. This layout is common in many modern cars due to its efficiency and space-saving benefits.
BMW Isetta
"...they're such sharp-looking little cars. Yeah, they're great old cars. They are tiny. I mean, it was two seats. I believe they did make a four-seat, but I never saw one of those."
The BMW Isetta is a very small car made by BMW in the 1950s. It's famous for its unique design and was made to be affordable and easy to drive.
The BMW Isetta is a microcar produced in the 1950s, known for its distinctive bubble shape and front-opening door. It was designed to be economical and compact, making it popular in post-war Europe.
con rods
"...tended to lose cranks, lose con rods and put them up the side of a crankcase. So eventually I sold it."
Con rods are parts in an engine that connect the pistons to the crankshaft. They help turn the up-and-down movement of the pistons into the spinning motion needed to power the car.
Con rods, or connecting rods, are components that connect the piston to the crankshaft in an engine. They convert the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion for the crankshaft.
crankcase
"...tended to lose cranks, lose con rods and put them up the side of a crankcase. So eventually I sold it."
The crankcase is a part of the engine that holds the crankshaft, which is important for the engine's movement. It also holds oil to keep everything running smoothly.
The crankcase is the part of an engine that houses the crankshaft and provides support for the engine's moving parts. It also contains the oil that lubricates the engine components.
MG Midget
"and then MG Midget was my next sports car, which was, it handled well, but didn't have my 1100 cc motor for solar."
The MG Midget is a small sports car that was made by the MG company. It's known for being light and easy to handle, which makes it fun to drive.
The MG Midget is a small, two-seater sports car produced by MG from 1961 to 1979. It is known for its lightweight design and agile handling, making it a favorite among classic car enthusiasts.
MG Mgb
"Well, MGB, the MGB was a new car, my first new car."
The MGB is a classic sports car made by MG that was popular in the 1960s and 1970s. It's known for its stylish look and fun driving experience.
The MGB is a sports car that was produced by MG from 1962 to 1980. It is one of the most popular British sports cars and is known for its classic design and enjoyable driving experience.
Porsche 944
"eventually a Porsche 944. Yeah. And that was 1986, did you say? 1983, I came over. 1986, I got this second hand Porsche 944."
The Porsche 944 is a sports car made by Porsche that was popular in the 1980s and early 1990s. It is known for being fun to drive and having good handling.
The Porsche 944 is a sports car produced by Porsche from 1982 to 1991. It is known for its balanced handling and front-engine layout, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Formula One
"two miles from Silverstone racetrack, which at that time hosted most of the Formula One, a lot of motorcycle races and sedan, tin tops, sports car races."
Formula One is a top-level car racing series where specially designed cars compete in races called Grands Prix. It's known for its speed and advanced technology.
Formula One is the highest class of international auto racing for single-seater formula cars. It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world, including famous tracks like Silverstone.
Lotus
"his uncle had been a Formula One Lotus driver for a short time, I don't think for long."
Lotus is a car company from the UK that makes lightweight sports cars and has a history in racing, especially in Formula One.
Lotus is a British automotive company known for its lightweight sports cars and involvement in motorsport, particularly Formula One. The brand has a rich history of innovation and performance.
Grand Prix
"he would take the two of us up to Silverstone for the Grand Prix and got to meet a gentleman called Raymond Baxter."
A Grand Prix is a big car race, usually part of a series like Formula One. It's where the fastest cars compete on special tracks.
A Grand Prix is a major automobile race, often part of a series like Formula One. These races are held on closed circuits and are known for their competitive nature and high-speed action.
Jim Clark
"I met Jim Clark many times, talked to Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Joe Bonnier, Sifat Rodriguez, all the drivers of the 60s."
Jim Clark was a famous race car driver from Scotland who won two championships in Formula One. He is remembered as one of the best drivers ever.
Jim Clark was a Scottish racing driver who won two Formula One World Championships in the 1960s. He is regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport.
Porsche 904
"And I got really interested in a 904, Porsche 904 Carrera, which come as fairly new most days, I think."
The Porsche 904 Carrera is a classic sports car from the 1960s. It's known for being light and fast, and it was built for racing, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Porsche 904 Carrera is a lightweight sports car that was produced in the 1960s, known for its racing pedigree and distinctive design. It was one of Porsche's early efforts to compete in sports car racing and is highly regarded among collectors today.
Chevrolet Camaros
"...fairly new most days, I think. And up against the Camaros and this V8s, it was a beautiful old car. And th..."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a sporty car that looks cool and goes really fast. It's part of a group of cars called muscle cars, which are known for their strong engines and fun driving experience.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car that has been in production since 1966, known for its powerful engines and sporty design. It competes with other muscle cars like the Ford Mustang and is often discussed for its performance capabilities and cultural significance in automotive history.
rear engine
"It's advisable to learn how to handle them with a rear engine and weights all the way back. The advantage with that is when you come out of a corner..."
In a rear engine car, the engine is located at the back. This can change how the car handles, especially when turning and accelerating.
A rear engine layout places the engine at the back of the vehicle, which can affect handling dynamics, particularly in terms of weight distribution and traction during acceleration.
Porsche 356S
"...out, everyone, no, all of us, well, when the old 356s gave way to 911s, all the die-hards were, oh, no,..."
The Porsche 356 is an old sports car that was made a long time ago and is loved by many car fans. It helped start the Porsche brand and is known for its beautiful design and great performance.
The Porsche 356 is a classic sports car that was produced from 1948 to 1965 and is considered the first production car from Porsche. Its design and engineering laid the groundwork for the brand's future models, including the iconic 911, making it a significant part of automotive history.
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