whats the best way to learn to drive aggressively?

I know there are some really good drivers out there and some so-so ones and some who can't really drive stick that well at all (like me). I want to eventually track and be one with my car and was wondering how I should tackle learning the art of racing. Is getting a beater car the only way? Is there anything I can read or watch? Is attending PDE with minimal experience and knowledge a bad idea? TIA, James

I'd start by autocrossing. There's usually free instruction at the event and its safe. After that, perhaps a DE or two... then I'd go to the PDE. I think after some autocross and DEs the PDE would make more sense. Just my opinion. Enjoy your car, drive it as much as you can.

One of the things that really contributed to my improvement on the track (in addition to spending time on the track of course) was to read as much as I could on competitive driving. Driving fast (and smooth) is very technical stuff and requires alot more than a fast car and a willingness to floor it. Reading really helped me learn car dynamics/physics and apply it to what I was or wasn't doing on the track.

There is very good advice above. I think it's a great approach to start with an autox or two but don't shy away from DE. That is where you'll learn what your car feels like going fast. The other advantage to DE is that it will slow you down on the street. Once you have experienced really pushing your car it becomes a lot less interesting to drive fast on the highway or the off ramp or where ever. At least that's the way it was with me. For schools, don't be afraid to look at schools other than PDE. There are a lot of good ones. Bondurant, Skip Barber, etc. You won't be in a Porsche but you will be learning about track driving. Finally, I agree with Scott's comments on reading. My favorite book is Driving Faster by the Skip Barber crew. It does a nice job of describing track driving. Have fun and save it for the track. Jim

PDE should be included on your list, and if you had to choose one, make it PDE, you will not regret having gone, it's that good. Get involved with your local PCA and do some autox, and DE as well. Many PCA chapters hold begining performance driving events, which are good entry level classes. Get involved and start learning to drive, it is all about Seat Time. Look where you want to go and be smooth!

Thanks guys, how do I join my regional PCA, is there a link in the regional forum here on rennlist? I was thinking of taking lessons from Walter Rohl. Anyone kow what he charges by the mile?

Go to www.pca.org. There is a tab for joining PCA and a regional directory. You will most likely need to join both PCA and your region. Good luck and have fun. BTW, do you have another Porsche or are you going to DE your Pepper?

http://www.pca.org/join/index.html EDIT: Jim beat me to the punch with the link However, you do not have to join a region and then PCA. You join PCA and they assign you a region based on you location. Some regions then have a local fee inaddition to the National Fee. You are also not restricted to joining just one region. Browse the pca site. There are email addresses for the officers of all the regions. Just email some of the officers for the regions close to you and talk. It is a very friendly and great organization. If you have questions please feel free to ask me. Brian President - Southern Indiana Region of PCA

DE's are fun after you have skill otherwise you might be a nussiance. Got to a rear engine training school, and or if you haven't been properly trained on front engine technique, then do that first, THEN rear engine. It is easier to learn the basics in a front engine car, then apply what you have learned to a rear, and OMIT trail braking!! and then hone your skills with a better foundation.

I highly recommend the pca DE program, there is a place for everyone from the beginning novice to the seasoned racer wannabe . I would not worry about being a nuisance in the green (beginner) run group, you'll find most drivers are at the same level.

I agree with DJ. DE is a great place to learn to drive on a track. Beginners are never a nuisance. That's what the novice training program is all about. Come on out. One correction though. DE is where you come to drive fast, not aggressively. Brian, thanks for the clarification. I didn't word that very well.

The PDE was my first on track driving experience. The staff is very professional and thorough, the cars are brand new 996s and Boxsters (for autocross), the venues were first calss. I HIGHLY recommend PDE to any P-car driver. I've done 2 PDEs and looking for an excuse to do a 3rd. Maybe I'll have to accompany my wife's cousin... He's young, and might get lost or something

Jim, I hope I didn't lead anyone astray with my comment about wannabe racers, tongue was firmly in cheek .

Live for 6 months in Las Vegas! No better training for aggressicve and defensive driving.

DJ, My comment was aimed at the original question on "how to drive aggressively" not at you. I'm all for wannbe racers, actual racers and anyone else out having fun on the track. Jim

i agree with DJ996 and jimB. DE is great way to lean. also keep in mind, DE is not the same as open tracking. open tracking you just drive on your own, assuming you have lots of experience and know what you are doing. DE is "education", there are qualified instructors who will make you a better driver in a shorter period of time and in a safer manner than if you were trying to figure it out yourself in an open tracking situation.

thanks for all the input. I guess I will plop myself into a driver's seat at some point and get some time on the track. maybe I will see some of you guys out there!!!

get cops to chase you

Drive in New Jersey :-P