I apologize for my ignorance. I've looked in FAQ's and searched "DE" on the forum. From context I think it's some kind of time trial or race. Please explain what DE is. It sounds like fun.
Thanks,
Dave Mc.

 

Drivers Education - non timed track events with different classes based on your experience. Novice DE'ers start with an instructor until they are signed off for solo driving.

 

DE = Some of the MOST fun you can have with your clothes on!!!

 

I don't envy the instructors... Riding with track newbies! Hope they get combat pay.

 

Each sponsoring group has their own rules. (Unfortunately) All of them require that cars be inspected and the driver wears a helmet.

In DE there are always "passing rules" that define where and how slower traffic is passed. This is always limited to a few longer straight parts of the track and when the slower driver signals to be passed.

 

Your region doesn't have nude DE's?

 

Here is my PCA Region's DE Q&A Link:

http://www.carolinas-pca.com/defaq.htm

 

I wish

 

As an instructor - I RESEMBLE THAT REMARK!!

I remember about a year ago - a PCA member brought along his son in his 300ZX -TT....We were on about our 3rd or fourth lap with me in the pass seat...as we headed into "the closet" (We use an old airfield - the 'closet' is at the end of a long straight - headed into some pine trees with a HARD decreasing radius 180...), I had him start braking (THANK GOD - with the newbies - I have them brake a little early - easier to learn when to get back into the gas)...the pedal went to the floor! Happily - I had him pull the ebrake b4 it was too late.
Damn near needed an underwear change!!!

 

Driver Education for most is a very humbling experience where you suddenly learn that in spite of what you thought and how "fast" you drive on the street you really do NOT know how to drive. It can be a great learning experience once your ego gets over the shock ! The 928 is very safe capable and forgiving when driven at and even a bit over the limit. The skills learned in a relatively safe D E environment do carry over to street driving especially in accident avoidance,situational awareness and for most you then tend to drive more slowly, less aggressively because there is little point speeding once you have experienced driving on a race track at race speeds...

 

 

Jim, as always you are so right. Driving for sport on the road is so different once you figure out what real speed is. I am always adjusting my speed to the limits of my vision around blind corners, hill crests and intersections. I am however sure that any cop would let me off after I show them my Skip Barber Graduate card. In fact I often find that a slower car with skinny tires is more fun than a super fast car that can pull high Gs just because I can push it at lower speeds with less skill and still have the sensation of zoom. Getting to drive a Skip Barber 500 HP Viper arond the autocross was fun. Riding as a passenger with the instructor was an education. Coming down the long straight at LRP raceway at 140 and hitting the brakes at the last second to set up for a tight 180 into the esses would be way more than I would want to get into cold. So DEs and autocross seem to be the next step for me and the old boy, unless you count following David LLoyd up the onramp and into freeway traffic . I must be imagining that. That's the ticket.

 

You still get to your destination and away from the dumbasses behind you faster.

 

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FAQ: At this time we allow only Porsche Boxsters (986) and 996 cabriolets with ROPS (roll over protection system) to participate in our drivers' education events due to liability issues. However, open cars fitted with approved cages are allowed
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Their FAQ seems to rule out the 928 series unless it is roll cage equipped. Is that correct?

TIA

Dave

 

From ProAutoSports -

(A person can be as young as 14 Yrs Old to run the DO Class)

http://www.proautosports.com/program.html

NEW DRIVER ORIENTATION CLASS (DOC) OR DE CLass
The New Driver Orientation Class (DOC) is required for all first time drivers. You will learn about the track and driving techniques. The program includes classroom and on-track exercises. It will make you a more skillful driver on the street and on the track. Upon successful completion, you will receive a Certificate and license that allow you to move into the Novice, Intermediate or Advanced Groups of the PDP groups. The DOC program is open to minor age children (children 14 or older) is recommended for them prior to their obtaining a state drivers license. The Certificate of Completion may qualify them for discounts with some insurance companies.

PERFORMANCE DRIVING PROGRAM (PDP)
The Performance Driving Program is designed as an introduction to performance driving for members with street legal vehicles. It is an educational program for members to learn to drive their vehicles better on the street and at track events. The program includes classroom and on-track exercises. Competition, timing of vehicles or racing are not allowed. Education, safety, confidence, courtesy and enjoyment are the goals of the program.

RACE PROGRAM
The new racing season has begun and it is exciting. The race cars practice on Fridays, qualify and run qualifying races on Saturday. On Sunday, they practice, qualify and run feature races. Awards are given to the first three positions in each class each race. Season champions will be crowned at the end of each year based on points awarded for each race. The race car groups run 3-4 championship points races each weekend. The championship season runs from January through November each year with 10-12 weekends for 35-40 races per year.