Originally Posted by SkiLLeDS2000

Most of the people in here have experienced the dragon countless times over the years, so they might not remember what it felt like for the first time. Maybe they do, but they might overlook how big of a deal it is experiencing it for the first time. I will tell you what you will feel. It's still very fresh in my mind from 3 years ago. Then, I'll recommend what mistakes I made. Don't make my mistakes and you will have a better time!

My huge mistake was a simple one, I didn't know how important tires are for the dragon. I purchased a used set of ap2v1 rims that winter and they had the original oe tires, the RE 050's. The fronts had plenty of thread left, the rears not so much, but little to my knowledge, the set of 050's were 10 years old and basically dry rotted. I didn't know and never bothered to look. Not knowing anything, I purchased a set of ZII's for the rear and cheaped out on the fronts, lol. That totally ruined my confidence and handling. I fought through every turn and I hated myself my entire trip.

My one huge suggestion is, buy a new set of 4 tires. ZII's, RE-71's, or something that has really good grip. The dragon is like a never ending autox that demands a lot out of your tires. My buddies, a lot of the NY metro track guys buy a fresh set of tires just for the dragon event. I followed that routine and my 2nd year was so much fun because of it. This will be my 3rd year and I went further and added a square setup!! Woohooo!

If you follow my suggestion, know your limits, and appreciate what the dragon offers, you will come back in one piece. If you are careless, don't respect the road, and have a car that's not well maintained, the dragon will not be kind to you.

Hope you can make it to the event, it's a life changer.

Originally Posted by kgf3076

A while ago, I wrote a short article called Welcome to the Dragon. It's around somewhere and if I can find it, I'll post it. However, in lieu of that, here is a condensed version. Like any other adventure, respect the challenge. Never go beyond your abilities. Don't be "dared" into doing something that's beyond your skill level. The Dragon is a road. Like all roads, it can be as dangerous or as safe as you make it. The majority of people who mess up (in any sense of the word) are attempting to do things that they cannot do due to a lack of skill, experience or maturity. We have all skill levels attend Dragon events. We sort people by skill and ability. There is no stigma in being in a slower driver group, we were all there at one time. Some of us drove fast at one time and have now returned to the "slower groups" because we want to experience something other than speed. If you come out, do the Newbie drive, ask questions, know your limits and respect the road, you will be fine.

Welcome to the Dragon, you and your will will have a great time. Participants range across all age ranges, income levels and skill levels. Everyone is welcome.

Originally Posted by joephotographer

Fantastic write up! My MY05 Berlina is low mileage, well maintained, with a fresh set of Nokian ZLine tires. Super grippy and only 5K of the 35-50K tread life on them. The road I live on has a few twists and sweeping turns, with elevation changes added in. I've made the Rabbit Hash run in N. KY last year, which was a workout for me (my first S2000 group drive), learning how to work with a group of fellow S2000 owners.

I think my spouse is warming up to the idea. This is our first true sports car (my 05 Infiniti G35x doesn't count in this case) and we are both learning about being part of a car enthusiast community. We'll sit down and talk it over this weekend, as lodging in Fontana is almost full for the event.

Originally Posted by joephotographer

A while ago, I wrote a short article called Welcome to the Dragon. It's around somewhere and if I can find it, I'll post it. However, in lieu of that, here is a condensed version. Like any other adventure, respect the challenge. Never go beyond your abilities. Don't be "dared" into doing something that's beyond your skill level. The Dragon is a road. Like all roads, it can be as dangerous or as safe as you make it. The majority of people who mess up (in any sense of the word) are attempting to do things that they cannot do due to a lack of skill, experience or maturity. We have all skill levels attend Dragon events. We sort people by skill and ability. There is no stigma in being in a slower driver group, we were all there at one time. Some of us drove fast at one time and have now returned to the "slower groups" because we want to experience something other than speed. If you come out, do the Newbie drive, ask questions, know your limits and respect the road, you will be fine.

Welcome to the Dragon, you and your will will have a great time. Participants range across all age ranges, income levels and skill levels. Everyone is welcome.

Originally Posted by joephotographer

Fantastic write up! My MY05 Berlina is low mileage, well maintained, with a fresh set of Nokian ZLine tires. Super grippy and only 5K of the 35-50K tread life on them. The road I live on has a few twists and sweeping turns, with elevation changes added in. I've made the Rabbit Hash run in N. KY last year, which was a workout for me (my first S2000 group drive), learning how to work with a group of fellow S2000 owners.

Originally Posted by RedCelica

Nokian? Never heard of them...whats the TWR?

Originally Posted by RedCelica

Nokian? Never heard of them...whats the TWR?

Originally Posted by joephotographer

Yup! I'm registered! Reservation at Fontana. Plan to go down with OKI group (and/or Cincinnati S2000 group). Will be with OKI group on Thursday in Gatlinburg.