agent325

can anyone recommend a drivers school where i wont be using my car. A school where the price is reasonable. Has anyone done the porsche school in atlanta?

Jeff Curtis

I believe you're referring to the PANOS school in Atlanta...a very good school, so a friend of mine says. He had the time of his life, said the whole time he couldn't believe he was actually driving a Panos!

Seriously, they all sound WAY too expensive to me...I've rather learn how to drive MY investment, NOT someone elses...just my 2 cents.

I worry that if I attended a Bondurant with their Mustangs, or a Skip Barbour school with the open wheel (forget what they're called) or a Panos, Richard Petty Experience, etc. - I WOULD GET SPOILED!! Then my current "toy" wouldn't cut the mustard anymore.

Stephen Masraum

Actually I think he was talking about the Porsche Driving Experience that is at Road Atlanta.
I would love to be able to do one of those at some point, Bondurant, Barber, Porsche, Panoz (now in TX I think), but in the mean time I'll have to make due with my own car. <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />

agent325

I would love to take my car to a DE event, but I have recurring nightmares of reliving the accident with my 3 series at buttonwillow raceway last year. I was ok, but my Bimmer was not. I dont want to risk my 911 to unexperienced drivers thinking they are Michael Schumacher (or however you spell it his last name.

Bill Gregory

As Jeff mentioned, the Panos school at Road Atlanta is pretty good - several of our club members went there, enjoyed it, and learned from it. The Porsche Driving Experience is pretty pricey, as I recall. Past that, take a look at PCA drivers education, go attend an event. Some non-PCA schools just throw people on the track, and you do get some yahoos who shouldn't be there. My experience with various PCA regions is that you're grouped with similar people of similar skill. Just starting out, everyone has an instructor. Many regions have 2 spin or 2 black flag rules where you're done for the day after two spins or driving infractions, which also tends to be a relief valve for those who may be driving over their capabilities.

realtime

I agree that the schools are attractive but very pricey. For the $$ you could do a lot of DE events (? your in PCA) and as mentioned the low run groups have instructors, etc etc-
I like driving and learning in my own car plus the tech requirements / inspections help keep the car's maintanence up. I found this an unexpected bonus in my first season and I learned a lot re&gt; mechanics of the car. My $.02... <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

VS911 '83 SC

I live in NE Ohio, and saw a class offered at Mid-Ohio that seemed very reasonable compared to the Porsche and Bondurant schools. One I remember drove Acura's and I understand Mid-Ohio is a beautiful course. When I decide to do it that is what I plan on doing!

Drew_K

One more thing about the Porsche School: unless it's changed, the insurance deductible is $10K. This means that if you have an accident in one of their 911's, you have to cover the first $10K of expenses.

Robert Henriksen

[quote]Originally posted by Drew_K:
<strong>One more thing about the Porsche School: unless it's changed, the insurance deductible is $10K. This means that if you have an accident in one of their 911's, you have to cover the first $10K of expenses.</strong><hr></blockquote>

But you can always lower that deductible from $10k to $2k by paying an additional $100/day insurance premium. Worth it, to me, for the peace of mind! (Road Atlanta is completely lined w. concrete walls!)

nate

Start out with driver's ed or auto-x events. Improving driving skills in a mustang, neon, or whatever else they are offering at the driving schools isn't going to help you as much as learning to handle your car. The 911 has very unique handling charecteristics that cannot be replicated in other vehicles. Also, the DE and auto-x events are really cheap and offer you a lot of seat time.

Martin S.

Since you posted from Cali, check out the Drivers School at Willow Springs International Raceway. It is mentioned on their web site.

Also, there is a school at the Las Vegas Int. Raceway. Call over to Carl's Place in Las Vegas (A shop) to see if they can give you more specifics.

I think you should re-consider going to a school and not using your car. The 911 car handles so uniquely different than a "traditional" car, with 60% of the weight on the rear wheels...you know the story.

The Porsche Owners Club conducts schools three (3) times a year at the Streets of Willow Track. It is extremely well done with excellent instructors (I am biased because I just happen to instruct there from time to time. Check out the Porsche Owners Club web site.

Good luck,

Martim