seattle_sun

Any one ever taken a course with these guys? How does it compare with the PDE?

http://www.proformanceracingschool.com/

Thanks

ronmart

Yes, I have. It isn't fair to compare it to PDE because Pacific Raceways isn't a great new track like Skip Barber has created for PDE to be run on. Futhermore, at PDE you get to flog factory sponsored cars. At ProFormance you are driving your own car and using up your own tires and brakes.

With all of that said, ProFormance is a good course. You'll learn the basics and have a blast doing it. I did it back in 2000 in my Mercedes back when the track had the old configuration (and was called SIR). I managed to go full out on the straightaway and hit 140 mph several times. I probably would have killed myself if I was driving a 911 as hard as I was the Mercedes, but its assists (which can't be totally defeated) and lack of power (in comparison) saved me. I did manage to wear down a set of tires and brake pads to the point where they needed replacement.

It was a blast and I still grin about it to this day.

Oh, and unlike PDE you don't play follow the leader. You go ***** out in your own car and you are perfectly welcome to kill yourself if you want to be stupid. However, the instructor in the car will try very hard to keep you from doing that to yourself - and him!

ronmart

Oh, and if possible try to get Don or Doc to go with you for at least one series of laps. They are awesome.

MJones

Do All of the driving events that you can!!

Driving is all about "Seat Time"

Do do PDE..... well worth the time and you will come away a better driver, learning alot more in your two days there than at other DE's, from instructors who really know about driving.

There is NO connection between Barber Motorsports Park and Skip Barber, different people.
George Barber is responsible for Barber Motorsports Park.

http://www.barbermotorsports.com/
http://www.porschedriving.com

ronmart

Thanks for pointing that out. I did not know that.

ronmart

Did you do this?

I just did this again today with avdiscolo and I'm curious if you were too.

Here's more info:
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/291597-track-day-in-a-997-c4s-cabriolet-video-and-pics.html

seattle_sun

I signed up for the end of August. Reading your post, it sounds like it will be well worth it! I am also thinking of doing some of the PCA driving courses in Sept.

ronmart

Ah, you should have signed up for the Barrier sponsored one because it is $200 cheaper, but it is the same exact class. It is still worth it though, even at full price. You won't regret it.

You DEFINITELY should to a PCA Skills Day (go search video.google.com for ronmart and you can see a decent video of the one I attended in June), and afterwards try to go to the Drivers Education Day. The PCA events are great and feature a lot more track time than anything else, so you really get to do a lot with your car.

P.S. I didn't buy my car at Barrier - anyone can go to the Barrier Track days if you just pay the fee.

avdiscolo

I have never attended the PDE, but I have been attending ProFormance Racing School events for about 7 years now (the first six years in my Audi S4 and yesterday for the first time in my 911). Don and his crew are top notch. As ronmart said, the track is not the most beautiful, but it is very technical.

I think the Advanced Car Control class is a great idea for any new car that you want to take to the track. Even after many laps over the years with my S4, I'm certainly glad I did it with my 911, and now I'm confident I know the car well enough to start exploring the limits it at the Afternoon Lapping Days.