Drivers Ed

Been checking out DE's on the net. BIG differences in cost!! Porsche Driving Experience seems to be the most upscale, but I'm considering the PCA sponsored events in good tracks for significant savings. Anyone here have done both, and is PDE really worth that much more? TIA.

There's a world of difference. PDE is a school, over two days, taught by world class race drivers like Hurley Haywood and David Murray, and it's in THEIR cars, not yours. (hence the cost differential) PCA Club DEs can be very helpful, and there are some great instructors out there, but you'll make much more progress over two days with something like PDE. Club DEs are basically lapping with someone to help. Other options are race schools like Skip Barber, Panoz, Bondurant, that are often longer, and conducted in race cars. If you can swing 2500-3500, it's money well spent.

Palting, I have attended a one day PDE and it is worth the money. I am sure the two day is even better. First as mention before you dont beat up your own car and second the instructors are world class as mentioned. I would attend a PDE and then start going to a DE at your local club. Also, at the PDE there is alot of track time. They dont spend all day in the class room like skip barber and etc. So, ready to drive and drink a lot of water if attending.

Guys, what's the best way to get informed about upcoming PDE's? Regards.

VIK&lt; just goto their website. <a href="http://www.porschedriving.com" target="_blank">www.porschedriving.com</a>

Thanks Bloke.

Vik do an archive search. There have been some interesting posts in the past that had links to personal narratives on PDE. It has been offered at Road Atlanta and Sebring. There has been talk of adding other tracks. While not as historic, I think Road Atlanta is the more interesting track, and will probably prepare you better for Road America if you plan to eventually run there.

Palting and Vic Just opened the latest Pano. there's a big article on PDE in it. M in C

Thanks for the guidance Mike. I certainly will look up the archives. I went to PorscheDriving.com yesterday and I see that they have slots open for end-August, which actually works for me. I want to do a little more research, as well as determine how much marginal satisfaction a 2-day versus 1-day course provides. I am sure all of this (plus much more) will be available on the archives. I really like the fact that they use their own cars. While you pay a premium for this privilege, at least your baby stays intact. I will certainly follow up with you guys once I've looked at some of the archive material. Regards.

Vik I did the two day. What impressed me about it was how much seat time there was. I think you'll find with the one day, you're just getting it to it and you're done. They really build speed on the second day. My two friends were in the novice group, and I was amazed at how much they progressed on day two. I don't know the "curriculum" for the one day, but the Pano article said they save heel & toe for the two day. That you really should learn if you don't already know it.

Very enlightening replies, guys. Thanks, Mike and Bloke. My birthday's still to come this year. Time to drop broad, gigantic hints here at home. That Pano article should help in that regard. All I need are highliters and giant red arrrows, heh-heh. Looks like the 2 day PDE is the one to shoot for. I do like the idea of using their cars. On the other hand, their cars are 2WD, and mine's the AWD, so handling would be different. But, it would still be less of an adjustment than the Mustang at Bondurant's. I guess that's what the PCA sponsored DE's are for: to translate what was learned to your own car.

Current issue of Panorama has an article on PDE. From everything I have read in posts and magazines, the two day PDE at Road Atlanta is well worth the time and money. Current issue of R&T has a very brief review of PDE, but it is not especially illuminating, which seems to be true about many of R&T's articles.

PDE is something that I am seriously considering to help me in my normal PCA Driver's Ed events. Doing the one time professional instruction will be great, but the on-going monthly track time with your local Porsche Club is great. I am chief steward for Potomac and I would tell you we run a great series, very safe with some very good, if not professional instructors. Look into your local club. And if you live on the east coast and are anywhere near VIR, sign up for any event that offers the full course.

Take the longest track time you can afford. Two days are much better than 1 day classes.....and some schools offer 3 days as well. If you are not currently heel & toe down shifting.... practice on the streets before you attend . You NEED to heel & toe on the track to maximise your learning. And YES, if you drive Porsches.......take a porsche driving school.

I have attended both the 2 day PDE (Last October) and the 3 day Skip Barbor school at Laguna Secca.(Last weekend). Both experiences were great for different reasons. Depending on your interest and experience, DE or racing, you may want look into both. PDE definitely had a Gucci feel to it compared with SB, either way you have to fugure $1k/day.

k- here's a dumb question. Could someone explain or point me to an article on heel- toe shifting? I really don't want to ruin my tranny. TIA

Here's the best one I've seen: <a href="http://www.turnfast.com/tech_driving/driving_heeltoe.lasso" target="_blank">Heel/toe</a>

Tanks Mang