Are some DE's better than others?

 

Probably different in different parts of the world, but at least in these parts, PCA is THE place to go as a beginner. I'm pretty sure it's the same up in your neck of the woods.

 

The ones where you don't crash are good.

 

 

I found it is the instructor who makes or breaks the experience. My first was Pete Tremper so that was a huge plus. My second was some obnoxious twit who told me "you may be one of those guys who just doesn't get it and never will".

 

Best to avoid ones in winter...

 

+1 - ask around and do not be shy about requesting a particular instructor you have heard good things about.

 

I have had 4 different instructors and all were good drivers, but some were better at communicating. All of them had a different idea of "the line", and some had some driving techniques that the others thought were a bit off the wall.

I enjoyed every minute of it, even the parts where I was getting yelled at. It's the most alive I've felt since I was in the Army.

Karen, you need to just pack up your stuff and your car, and get your *** to the track. The season has started already. Check the brakes and the tires, and fire it up!

Oh, and I have only been to PCA DE's, so I don't know about some being better than others. I do know that Coastal Empire PCA seems to have the best barbecue at theirs, and that Carolinas PCA seems to have the most free wine after the track goes cold.

I do recommend that you pick a track that is relatively flat for your 1st DE. I did mine at Roebling Road and I'm so glad I didn't try Road Atlanta for my 1st.

 

As the others have noted, the instructors are the major difference. I have had a lot of PCA instructors and I have carried away important information from all of them. What I would highly recommend is to get an instructor with the same type car you have. If you are driving a rear engine car get a 911 instructor, mid-engine a Cayman person, front engine a BMW or 944 guy. The different cars have different characteristics and as a beginner you want the driver most familiar with your platform.

 

Based on your historical 911 consumption I might venture a guess that you have at times wished you listened to the twit.



Yes some DEs are better than others. The best are the ones that give you what you are looking for. When first starting out having a good consistent instructor and class room program is key.

 

Glad that someone took a swing at that curve ball I hung out there. My aversion to authority meant that his comment had quite the opposite effect, kinda like when my track buddies ask about whether I have considered taking up golf.

 

Until the country club kicked you out for wrecking 2 carts....or was that a karting facility?

 

You hang a curveball, not a fastball........

Scott

 

Speaking of obnoxious twits...

 

Corrected...and now you know why I don't take up baseball.