Brake fade is scary. Imagine going 80 into a 30 mph MAX corner and the pedal hits the floor. Happened to me once in my Spyder, CSP solid discs and stock VW drums, this was on the street.
I can race my Spyder, but I don't. I just drive it pretty hard. The Cayman is a better fit for the track.
Imagine going 135mph before the braking zone into the Bus Stop at Watkins Glen and NOTHING(Cayman S new stock pads but fresh Dot4 and street tires). About 80mph is a decent entry speed, had to straight-line the bus-stop weaving through the cones.
This year I'll have slotted(not drilled) rotors and Hawk blues, along with my Falken Azenis(200 treadwear) tires on Panamera rims with spacers for wider track. Also, switched to Motul 600 brake fluid after that scary session, fade never happened again. This year I'll be more than ready.
Marty, you can do a season(7-10 weekends) of FV for about 10-15k. That includes gas to and from, entry fees, tires, maintenance, hotel, and food. Add the price of a car to get started, along with helmet, 3-layer suit, shoes, gloves, socks, arm restraints, HANS device and a fire system for your car. It ain't cheap, but compared to anything else, it is.
From what I've seen so far, the community is very family-like and helpful. Kind of like all of the SOC characters, just at the racetrack.
Bruce, I'm leaning that way. I've seen Vee guys race into their 80s. Which if you ask me, is the ultimate car-guy cool.