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This is probably the wrong subforum, but I'll start here. Mods can move if they wish.
Since our Mexico plans for next month are canceled and our 20 yr anniversary plans for Jamaica in August aren't gonna happen either, we've been thinking of alternatives.
Has anyone done the driving experience in either LA or Atlanta? Is it worth it? Has anyone been to both facilities? If so, which is better? Or is there something else we should try? We'd love some track instruction/driving.
"The entire Facility and staff at the PEC are first rate - Staff are uniformly excellent; the Museum, shops, hotel, restaurant, amenities, ambience; it was just a fantastic experience. It was a vastly more intense driving experience than I was expecting. I got several take-aways I can use to enhance my daily driving enjoyment. I feel better about exploring Driver Education events with my local chapter of Porsche Club of America, having been exposed to track and car. I have a new respect for my car’s handling and roadholding limits - they are very high. My skill level, however, remains near the bottom - but I could see some small Improvement in my car control ability."
This is probably the wrong subforum, but I'll start here. Mods can move if they wish.
Since our Mexico plans for next month are canceled and our 20 yr anniversary plans for Jamaica in August aren't gonna happen either, we've been thinking of alternatives.
Has anyone done the driving experience in either LA or Atlanta? Is it worth it? Has anyone been to both facilities? If so, which is better? Or is there something else we should try? We'd love some track instruction/driving.
I'd love to hear your experiences! Thanks!
I’ve been to both and prefer Atlanta. Much better facilities, super easy airport access, a hotel onsite, and the track and museum are both really fun. I enjoyed it immensely. While it is kind of expensive, when you consider the cost of the vehicle you are driving (and the wear you are putting on it) along with the quality of instruction, it starts to seem almost reasonable.
Biggest quandary is picking which car you want to drive. Enjoy!
Without a doubt, do it! I live in LA, so I took my father-in-law for our annual gearhead activity together. Having seat time with an instructor is always invaluable.
Drove a GT3 at the LA location last year. It's a great day trip if you're not from the area. Apart from the driving experience itself (which is fantastic), the building is also neat. Lots of historic cars to look at, racing sims to try (if available), etc. Definitely worth it.
I've done PEC Atlanta twice. Great time, but I wouldn't consider it a vacation alternative. It's only 90 minutes on the track.
If you're looking for a "vacation" of sorts, check out Porsche Track Experience at Barber Motor Sports track in Birmingham, AL (formerly called Porsche Sport Driving School). 2 full days of driving, and the hotel they use is top-notch.
Thanks for the feedback everyone! Sounds like it's definitely something that'll be on our list!
The 2 day track experience may be even better! This is just a temporary vacation alternativen(or call it bucket list wish). Once things open up, we'll go somewhere tropical. Obviously that'll be sometime next year now. It'll be easier to stay within the U.S. in the coming months.
Barber course east of Birmingham much more involved than the Porsche experience in Atlanta. Not sure where you live but do Atlanta or BHM and then drive to Asheville. Drive The Dragon on the way up. Make a week of it. Lots to see in that region. Great driving roads, hiking, biking etc...
I consider PECs a great value introductory course to driving and car control. You can still have tons of fun in the base boxster/cayman for $400. It's actually only 60 min of driving, 30 min of briefing and pictures etc. You can spend more on pricier cars but the track is small so there's really nowhere to push that power. The wet surfaces make it super easy and safe to slide and learn car control. Me and my wife have done it a couple of times. The first time we did it it felt like hours even though it was only 1 hr, very thrilling experience. Who you get as an instructor is important too, so it's a bit of luck. I imagine the accelerated programs a lot of fun for half a day, but I think that's a bit pricey and u are prob better off investing the money in buying a gt3
The restaurant is great too, a must visit for all enthusiasts
Consider Track Experience at Birmingham. They have a great program, and can take you as far into the bunny hole, as far as your checkbook will take you.
I did PEC LA with a GT3 a couple of years ago, and it was a blast to be able to thrash a nearly new 991.2 GT3 on a mini road-course, skid pad, etc. with a pro instructor. Pricy but fun.
The instructors are the real deal, these guys are pro drivers (though you'll find some of them coaching cheaper with HPDE programs).
There's an option for driving a manual GT3, but they won't let you unless you do another class with a manual on a Cayman or a boggo 911 - I guess it makes sense but disappointing all the same.
I would not pay for PEC on a car equivalent to one I already own, for the same price if you are willing to use your own car you'll get a lot more out of a well-run HPDE like Hooked on Driving.
We're in Washington state, so we'd be flying over. The Birmingham experience sounds more like what we are looking for. Haven't spent much time in the south, minus our trip over to Nashville last year (which we loved!).
Definitely will be pricing that all out! Sounds awesome!
06-01-2020, 11:49 AM
Porsche driving experience. Anyone done it?
