Guidance Appreciated First HPDE No Instructor
02-20-2023, 05:50 PM
#1
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Guidance Appreciated First HPDE No Instructor
Greetings All,
I've had experience with autocross but not HPDE. I signed up for a track day in the Novice category. I was hoping to have an instructor in the passenger seat. However, the group just made changes to the newcomer orientation and are no longer having instructors as passengers. Instead, the new orientation will include lead/follow car for the first two sections. I am contempating canceling and getting a refund because I would really like live instruction instead.
What are your thoughts? Should I keep the lead/follow newcomer orientation or try for another track day with a different organization?
BTW this is at the new Podium Club in Casa Grande, AZ which has rave reviews. Also the price is $200 compared with the local Porsche club track day at $375.
Thank you for your insight.
I've had experience with autocross but not HPDE. I signed up for a track day in the Novice category. I was hoping to have an instructor in the passenger seat. However, the group just made changes to the newcomer orientation and are no longer having instructors as passengers. Instead, the new orientation will include lead/follow car for the first two sections. I am contempating canceling and getting a refund because I would really like live instruction instead.
What are your thoughts? Should I keep the lead/follow newcomer orientation or try for another track day with a different organization?
BTW this is at the new Podium Club in Casa Grande, AZ which has rave reviews. Also the price is $200 compared with the local Porsche club track day at $375.
Thank you for your insight.
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02-20-2023, 07:38 PM
#3
Burning Brakes
Any day at the track is better than a day in the office... Having said that, lead-follow does something, but in-car instruction does 10x more!
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02-20-2023, 07:44 PM
#4
Rennlist Member
Hate to be the contrarian, but, I would cancel. Lead follow routines might suffice, but, nothing compares to having an instructor in the car to discuss braking points, approaches to acceleration and general track knowledge. You have plenty of time to develop the bad habits. Find another event or course and get the instruction you deserve.
My two cents…
My two cents…
Last edited by ATL Fahrer; 02-20-2023 at 11:09 PM.
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02-20-2023, 10:03 PM
#6
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Not sure about your location, but our region is $375 for two days - four driving sessions each day, dedicated instructor for the weekend, and two classroom sessions each day (plus free beer and pizza Saturday evening). Does that compare to a $200 lead-follow day?
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porshyche (02-21-2023)
02-21-2023, 08:39 AM
#7
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Another vote to cancel. It's a new sport to you. Starting without instruction, you may develop bad habits that have to be undone. Also, if they are letting novices run solo after two sessions, you can't be sure that you're not out there with dangerous yahoos. This ain't golf. That's a risk I wouldn't take.
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02-21-2023, 09:43 AM
#8
Rennlist Member
In car instruction from the PCA instructors that I've had has been really helpful, especially in my first 1-2 years. Helped me drive better, go faster, and most importantly stay safe. (I had some autocrossing experience too before starting DE).
Definitely worth the premium
Definitely worth the premium
02-21-2023, 10:53 AM
#9
Rennlist Member
Another vote to cancel. It's a new sport to you. Starting without instruction, you may develop bad habits that have to be undone. Also, if they are letting novices run solo after two sessions, you can't be sure that you're not out there with dangerous yahoos. This ain't golf. That's a risk I wouldn't take.
Bad habits with that little track time will likely develop, so I’d suggest if you do decide to go and then you want to go back for another event, definitely find a group with in-car instruction.
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ldamelio (02-21-2023)
02-21-2023, 11:22 AM
#10
WRONGLY ACCUSED!
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During Covid I instructed using lead follow for Ferrari Club. My student learned he could hang back coming onto the straight and then gun it, only to drive really really slow in all the turns.
I think lead follow is just slightly more beneficial than the parade laps they do during lunch breaks.
I think lead follow is just slightly more beneficial than the parade laps they do during lunch breaks.
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02-21-2023, 11:45 AM
#11
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In car instruction from the PCA instructors that I've had has been really helpful, especially in my first 1-2 years. Helped me drive better, go faster, and most importantly stay safe. (I had some autocrossing experience too before starting DE).
Definitely worth the premium
Definitely worth the premium
OP, cancel and go the instructor in the right seat route...
02-21-2023, 03:45 PM
#12
Drifting
Paying the extra $175 for an PCA Instructed event would be the cheapest investment in your "HPDE Career" you could make.
Last edited by txhokie4life; 02-21-2023 at 03:47 PM.
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02-21-2023, 03:49 PM
#13
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Greetings All,
I've had experience with autocross but not HPDE. I signed up for a track day in the Novice category. I was hoping to have an instructor in the passenger seat. However, the group just made changes to the newcomer orientation and are no longer having instructors as passengers. Instead, the new orientation will include lead/follow car for the first two sections. I am contempating canceling and getting a refund because I would really like live instruction instead.
What are your thoughts? Should I keep the lead/follow newcomer orientation or try for another track day with a different organization?
BTW this is at the new Podium Club in Casa Grande, AZ which has rave reviews. Also the price is $200 compared with the local Porsche club track day at $375.
Thank you for your insight.
I've had experience with autocross but not HPDE. I signed up for a track day in the Novice category. I was hoping to have an instructor in the passenger seat. However, the group just made changes to the newcomer orientation and are no longer having instructors as passengers. Instead, the new orientation will include lead/follow car for the first two sections. I am contempating canceling and getting a refund because I would really like live instruction instead.
What are your thoughts? Should I keep the lead/follow newcomer orientation or try for another track day with a different organization?
BTW this is at the new Podium Club in Casa Grande, AZ which has rave reviews. Also the price is $200 compared with the local Porsche club track day at $375.
Thank you for your insight.
I'm gonna be in Tempe March 10th to the 16th visiting my son at ASU. Was thinking about grabbing a day or two at a track down there while he's in school for the day.
02-21-2023, 04:39 PM
#14
Rennlist Member
I understand club issue with getting drivers in car . However, for a total novice to do 2 lead follow sessions and then be soloing is just ridiculous.
