PDE and DE
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I am thinking of signing up for Porsche Driving Experience @ Barber. Thinking of heading out there in May before it gets too hot. I've done a couple of DEs which are usually one to two hundred bucks per day. 2-da PDE is almost 3K. How is PDE going to be different from a regular DE other than obviously using my own car which I do not mind at all. Thanks a lot for all the comments.
#2
uninformed gas bag
(contemplating on whether gas bag is one or two words)
Rennlist Member
(contemplating on whether gas bag is one or two words)
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'm far from an expert but the people that I ran with in green that had been through PDE were miles ahead in ability than others in the group. First to be signed off to solo and were first to go to white.
![burnout](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/burnout.gif)
#5
Racer
Thread Starter
#6
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
+1
I went in '01, so I'm sure PDE is a lot different now, but some of the people there that had done DE's before (I hadn't) were a bit bored by PDE at times. Overall, I think they still had fun and learned some new skills, but the lead-follow stuff on track behind newbies was frustrating for them.
Just something to think about depending on how many DE's you've done and how much you've already moved up the learning curve on your own.
#7
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I am thinking of signing up for Porsche Driving Experience @ Barber. Thinking of heading out there in May before it gets too hot. I've done a couple of DEs which are usually one to two hundred bucks per day. 2-da PDE is almost 3K. How is PDE going to be different from a regular DE other than obviously using my own car which I do not mind at all. Thanks a lot for all the comments.
Trending Topics
#8
Unique Title
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
As to how PDE will differ from a regular DE, first there will be more focus on car control skills. You'll do some skidpad exercises, braking and lane change exercises, etc. There's also an autocross course you'll go through in addition to the on-track exercises. Everything on-track will be lead-follow. You also get to drive just about everything Porsche makes (Boxsters, Caymans, Carreras, and Cayennes). It's a lot of fun, and I wouldn't worry about the weather being too hot. You'll have the windows up and the A/C on. When I went 2 years ago, we were on the track in the pouring rain.
#9
Addict
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The biggest difference between the two is the level of instruction.
At PDE the instructors know how to drive properly and are great communicators.
The skill building exercises are something that all of us should experience and are worthwhile.
At a DE you really don't know what the experience level of the instructor will be that will be teaching you. Not to mention driving is something that is not done on a regular basis.
PDE will give you a great driving foundation!!
Do consider doing the Masters Program as well, it's the next level!!
![thumbsup](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/bigok.gif)
Note: there is a PSDS Pricing increase looming.
if anyone is considering attending sign up sooner than later.
You have been warned
At PDE the instructors know how to drive properly and are great communicators.
The skill building exercises are something that all of us should experience and are worthwhile.
At a DE you really don't know what the experience level of the instructor will be that will be teaching you. Not to mention driving is something that is not done on a regular basis.
PDE will give you a great driving foundation!!
Do consider doing the Masters Program as well, it's the next level!!
![thumbsup](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/bigok.gif)
Note: there is a PSDS Pricing increase looming.
if anyone is considering attending sign up sooner than later.
You have been warned
#11
Race Director
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I did 1 DE at Sebring and did OK but I had issues with threshold braking and memorizing the 17 turn track. I then went to PDE and when I went back to my DE I got signed off to Blue and drove blue 1 day and then went onto solo the next day.
I had some really good DE instructors in PCA Suncoast, namely Tom Kerr and Ray James. Plus I studied my butt off and everything started to fall together.
During my 2 days at PDE, I really got a hold of braking and modulating the brakes and started trail braking. I also learned a lot about car control on the wet skid pad and auto cross. My PDE instructors were Peter Litzenbeger, Daniel Eastman and Hurley Haywood. Those guys worked with me the most and helped dial me in and give me an excellent foundation to grow on.
I had some really good DE instructors in PCA Suncoast, namely Tom Kerr and Ray James. Plus I studied my butt off and everything started to fall together.
During my 2 days at PDE, I really got a hold of braking and modulating the brakes and started trail braking. I also learned a lot about car control on the wet skid pad and auto cross. My PDE instructors were Peter Litzenbeger, Daniel Eastman and Hurley Haywood. Those guys worked with me the most and helped dial me in and give me an excellent foundation to grow on.
#12
Race Director
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: KC ex pat marooned in NY
Posts: 13,005
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes
on
17 Posts
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
All of the above, plus having Dave Murry, Hurley Haywood, Daniel Eastman and others giving you personal 1:1 coaching. But the priceless part is when they have the cocktail party and these guys have to(required to) mingle with everybody. Yeah, HH really cares how I liked the track that day....
Everybody should do it at least once.
Everybody should do it at least once.
#13
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
MJ has it right with the level of the instructor. Three of my instructors were the infamous Hurley Haywood, David Donohue ( son of Mark Donohue) and Cass Whitehead who has competed in the Rolex Grand Am and the American Le Mans series. It was some of the most fun I ever had.
Jay
Jay
#14
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I am thinking of signing up for Porsche Driving Experience @ Barber. Thinking of heading out there in May before it gets too hot. I've done a couple of DEs which are usually one to two hundred bucks per day. 2-da PDE is almost 3K. How is PDE going to be different from a regular DE other than obviously using my own car which I do not mind at all. Thanks a lot for all the comments.
PDE-- all great instructors
DE-- use your car
PDE-- use their car(s)
DE-- bring your own food or pay for mediocre food at track
PDE-- fine dining provided for all meals
DE-- usually close to home
PDE-- Alabama (not close, for most)
DE-- drive at your own pace
PDE-- instructor lead; you follow
Both are fun. Enjoy
#15
Instructor
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Instructors. Their car. What I really found very helpful was the rotational learning experience. Skid Pad to Autocross to Track to Skid Pad to Autocross to Track...Everything you learn in one exercise builds into the next and I found it amazing how fast the speed around the track went up for people of all initial ability levels. Plus on the 2nd day they start sorting you out by ability and you can stay in your comfort zone while progressing or move on to all the car can do on street tires. It was enormous fun, well worth the money and I can't wait to go back to the Masters class.
Tony
Tony