Skibum

If this was a year ago I would have said the same thing about the PDK... then I got the chance to drive one at Monticello Motor Club. A few laps and my mindset totally changed.
I still love shifting, but you cannot possibly shift as well as the PDK does. Not to mention you can concentrate 100% or driving.

For the school, I believe you have a choice.

bonehead

I've done the 2 day Performance school and I did drive both. And each and every time they put me in a PDK car, I couldn't wait to switch out.
The double clutch faithful always say "well, have you actually driven one?" I can honestly say yes, even on a track. It did nothing for me.

As for the school, they SHOULD give you a choice, but as was mentioned, the school is as much about education as it is about marketing. If they're pushing the PDK's hard, they may not provide a choice for much longer.

Tsilnner

I decided to take the two day course last fall and was concerned about the weather, as I wanted a dry track. It looks like you can expect some rain every month of the year at the facility, so I waited until there was a long-range prediction of sunshine and an opening, then booked six days before the class started.

The classes are well worth the money and it was great to drive the same car (997.2) that I recently purchased. They replace them about every 10,000 miles.

I requested more time in a stick, which they provided-but the found that the PDK was, for me, easier to drive on the track, as I focused more on keeping the car on the line.

KNK123

I've been twice and stayed at the recommended Ross Bridge hotel. They have a special rate for the PSDS that includes transportation to and from the airport and the track each day. The track is 45 minutes from the hotel. No biggie. You'll be in a shuttle bus to and from the track with the other participants. Also, there's a dinner with the instructors at the Ross Bridge after the first day at the track. You don't want to miss that. The Ross Bridge is a nice hotel. Stay there. Absolutely no need for a rental car. You will be too exhausted to do anything after each day at the track.

I bet it will be 991s by then. If you want to know, call them now and ask. If you really want to drive 997s, you may want to go earlier.

To get the most out of the experience, I recommend getting tons of sleep the night before and also reading Ross Bentley's Speed Secrets 1 so you know some theory before you get there.

You will have a blast!

Cowhorn

I said that only because as soon as the DFI motors came out in the 997.2, PSDS had them at the track, replacing the 997.1. The change wasn't mentioned when I signed up. But you may be right about the 991.

Skibum

Thanks for the tips guys. Ross Bridge it is.
I may give them a call and find out for sure.

Anyone else here going for the April 4-5th class?

dwost

My wife surprised me with the 2 day session for my upcoming 40th b-day! We are staying at the hotel and my bro-in-law is also attending as he is looking to get into a p car this summer. I'm super stoked to begin learning the nuances of my car They say they supply helmets but I was going to bring my own, any issues with that? Not thinking so but just checking. Anyone else going to this session??

Skibum

Have a great time at the class. Please report back!

You can use your own as long as it's 2005 or better.

dwost

Cool that'll work! I'll be sure to provide a full report

Skibum

This just in from the school:

"This is what I found out from our Director of Operations. As of now it looks like we will have the new model Carrera (991) in late Feb, but cannot confirm. When they arrive, we will initially use both the current 997 and new 991 models until the complete fleet change over is completed."

ADias

You would prefer to have the 997, wouldn't you? After all that's what you drive. 997 and 991 performance driving are two very different experiences.

Byprodriver

April is the best month to go weather wise. Don't miss the museum it has a few Porsches too. I won't buy the insurance next time, all the cars have PSM.

Skibum

Absolutely.
Not real thrilled about the news...Hopefully the roll-out is slow.

Skibum

4 weeks more to wait... Getting psyched.
Anyone else from this group plan on being in Birmingham for the April 4-5th Driving School?

seapar

I will be there a week later April 10-11. Flying in so don't want to bring my helmet.
Have a good time. Fill us in on your experience. Should be fun.