Skibum

Santa was kind enough to see that I was given "non refundable" gift certificates to the PDS for Christmas. That was all I needed to get this trip in motion!

I'm thinking of registering for one of the April 2 day performance sessions, but I'm still up in the air. Trying to minimize the risk of foul weather.

Anyone else planning on going?
Anyone that has been have any tips or recommendations?
Did you stay at the recommended hotel?

2Utes

Merry Christmas. I got that gift 4 years ago. It is a great experience. I cannot speak to the hotel near the track as there was a golf tournament there that week and we were in a more distant hotel (with shuttle to track, so check out the Champions Tour schedule before you book).
I went in early May and the weather was pretty good. It was comfortable in shorts with a sweater for the mornings. It was only wet the 2nd morning, which I felt made it more interesting and we were still increasing speed over the prior day. If you wait until summer, you also get really hot and humid weather.
They offer extra insurance when you are completing the final registration paperwork. I got it and if I go again, I will not buy it. The program is very well run and it would take a pretty big screw up on your part to require the insurance.
I had a track instructor named Daniel from Brazil. He was excellent and very entertaining as well. Actually, I thought all the guys were really good. Of course, they get to make their living driving superb cars and teaching others how to do better as well.
Be prepared for a 2 day ear to ear grin. Have a great experience.

mdrums

Best possible give for a Porsche owner. You are going to learn a lot!

I did not stay at the recommended hotel because it is across town...it's super nice but I got an extra hour of sleep by staying at the new Hampton Inn ( Hilton property) right across the street from the track entrance.

If your going to have a rental car I highly suggest that.

Suggestions for the track....go with an open mind...leave the ego at home...wear comfortable thin rubber sole shoes...not thick sole running or cross training shoes....take a jacket for the morning and a very small camera.

sclemmons

Do you drive your car or their car? Can you drive the model you own, like a GT3, 4S or Cayman, or are you confined to their line-up?

Skibum

Hi Skip

Your car stays in the parking lot at the hotel.
You drive from their stable.
What you end up with for day 2 seems to depend on your performance in day 1. (At least that's what I've read) No GT-3

Skibum

Mike, 2Utes

Thanks for the feedback.
Keep the comments coming!

Anyone else comment on staying at the track vs. staying at the recommended hotel?
It seems odd that they recommend a hotel that's so far from the track.

bonehead

Not to sound snobbish, but I believe they choose the Ross Bridge because of the clientele that typically frequent PSDS. Putting up the guests in a budget motel would probably be a bit off-putting to some.
But I agree with others as the hotel is VERY far from the track. When I go back for the Masters, I'll probably look into the hotel across the street from Barber.

91469972

Never been but as to a camera I would purchase a GoPro HD

bonehead

Not sure they'd allow you to mount your own camera in the car. They already have fully integrated video and data acquisition hardware in all of the cars. They give you a thumb-drive at the end of the course loaded with you driving a few laps.

Skibum

I've booked for the April 4-5th school.
Anyone else?

NC 997

As a 997 owner who REALLY wants to go, I hope they don't replace the 997s with 991s prior to your (our) sessions.

Cowhorn

They will. A big part of the agenda of the PSDS is product placement and marketing. They talk a lot about the 4-door cars at lunch at at dinner. Very slick marketing, and a fantastic learning experience.

McCulla

DON'T MISS THE MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM!!

Skibum

There is no mention of 991 on the site.
I doubt they would simply switch without notice.
I don't want to drive a 991. I have a 997 and I want to drive a 997.

bonehead

Hmm. Good point. Never thought about this. I'm hoping to get back next year for the Masters. I assume the 991's will have completely taken over the fleet. That's fine I guess, but they at least better have the 7 speed manuals available. If I HAVE to drive a PDK, it'll be a waste of time and I just won't go.