Porsche Driving School

Hey guys, Wondering if anyone here has attended the two day Porsche driving school. I understand that it's now held at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. Since this will be my first Porsche (C4S), I'd like to get feeedback on whether or not this would be a good investment to make. Either way, it sounds like fun! Robert

It is a blast and a great introduction. Did the 2 day at Sebring and am now registered to do the advanced in March. If you live in an area with PCA events I understand those to be excellent as well. Unfortunately I am in an area where there is little available. PDE uses C2 car and I am told there are some different things about driving the "4". They also had a couple of tip cars at Sebring. Don't know if that is the case at new facility.

Robert, for something closer to home, (and a LOT less expensive1)go to Tracquest.com. Todd Serota runs DE events at Buttonwillow, Willow Springs, etal., and you get a bunch of track time in your own car, with an instructor. I heartily recommend his operation. Good luck!

I did the two day at Sebring in October, well worth the cost and it will peg your fun meter. The classroom sessions (vehicle dynamics) along with the drills all come together on the track in a very progressive manner. Missed doing Road Atlanta, but have signed up for PDE @ Barber Motorsports Park for the begining(again) as well as the Masters for 4 continuous days of seat time in March. They should offer a money back guarantee - It's that good!!

Robert, I (with my wife) did the PDE in Atlanta in December. we're going back in March to do the advanced. that says it all. The two days flew by and were extremely well organized. IF Corporate America ran like that the world would be a better place. I own a GT2, and after the course, my wife wanted a 911 to practice heel and toeing. I bought her the X51 package (superb). I have done one Tracquest event, where two people wiped out their cars. I'm going to do another one in March. But I have lingering reservations about the consistency of instruction. There is a great difference in the level of professionalism and instruction between the two events. I think the PDE would allow you to separate the wheat from the chaff at future Tracquest events. The cost differential is worth it because you learn a lot more at PDE. Having said that Tracquest has its place, just be careful if you're expecting Instructors to keep you out of trouble, it will give you lots of track time. Todd is very helpful and his objectives are solid. I also try the local Porsche club events, and these are great for skill building (very friendly too). the only negative is they (some instructors) can tend to discount the technology in the newer cars e.g. PSM; because (IMOP) they don't understand it. The PDE is money well spent.

PDE charge just showed up on wife's CC bill!!! I KNOW WHAT I'M GETTING FOR MY BIRTHDAY! (say like naa-na-na-na-naaaa-na) Doh.... Better run out and get her something for Valentines Day.