mbean

Every DE event I've done with PCA has been great. The one this weekend at The Glen was awesome as well. I actually like the fact that the concrete patches are gone, as it forces you to look up at permanent reference points. Matt Romanoski gave a great track walk and pointed out the "traffic lights" that I had seen before but never used as points to look for. The new surface has great grip and is very smooth, but there's a bump in turn one that I noticed more in the rain than I had in the first two sessions in the dry. Nothing too dramatic but it took me a while to figure it out.
Sal and I shared the same instructor and learned a great deal from him. Having two students is a lot of work and we appreciate the feedback we got from him, as well as a ride in his car! Always nice to see what the next level looks and feels like.
WGI is by far the best track to drive on. If you haven't driven there yet make sure it gets on your "must do" list. The entire event was well organized and we'd like to thank all the people who work behind the scenes to pull off such a great event. It seems we sometimes forget to thank those who go the extra mile so we can have a great learning experience.
Buzz

rbahr

It was a great weekend, Lou, Matt, Pete, Rico all did great jobs keeping the pieces glued together. Everyone was great...

Ray

NYoutftr

I am glad you made the point of progressing.

To be honest, I don't really understand how it works.

I see in my PCA event log, on the top right, there is a box labeled "sign off" then a yes or no.

Does this mean:

A) drive solo in current group

B) advance to next color group

Can you clarify.

Ty

NYoutftr

There was a blue one with graphics.

My buddy said it sounded mean, like an angry boxster.

It did sound cool going done the front straight.

Wild Weasel

From what I understand, you just keep doing what you're doing and eventually someone tells you you're moving up.

That said... don't make it a goal. You'll never find cheaper instructors. Enjoy it while they let you!

Wild Weasel

In Green group?

Jeez... I'm so oblivious to what's going on out there.

Paseb

I wasnt clear guys, sorry
I was running at mont tremblant with rennsport

Just wanted to share my exp as my 1st instructor days

Spyerx

Welcome to the addiction. PCA is a fantastic organization.

Difool

Deleted, I miss-read a post and provided helpful info to a non-existent question. Time for bed.

NYC993

OP, unfortunately for your budget and time, it gets better over time. It took good 6 DEs to start approaching the limit and hearing tires squeel in every turn, seeing how trail braking works, seeing how you rotate the car into the turn etc etc etc. You are basically learning to drive again. I did 3 DEs already this year with 5-6 to go - this is my second season. Also if you are thinking of doing more, I'd suggest reading first Speed Secrets book by Ross Bentley. It really helps to understand the basics and make learning on the track much more productive.

LuigiVampa

Every region does this a little bit differently. At the end of the day you have to show an instructor (and many times at least two separate instructors) that you are ready and safe to move up to the next run group.

Most regions will give you a list of skills that you must master to get to the next run group. They will want to see that you are smooth, safe and in control of your car. Being fast is not necessarily a measure of getting to the next run group.

A minimum number of days are generally required to move on to the next level but you should not assume that you get to the next level merely by driving that number of days. The instructors will probably only agree to do a check out ride when you have a minimum number of days and your current instructor signs you off in your log book. It is up to you at that point to do a good job on your ride along with a different instructor.

The reason I said hold back is because once you solo that is the end of free instruction unless you can get another instructor to ride along with you. Since they all pretty much have a student, and want to drive as well, it can be tough.

Next time you are at the track ask one of the instructors what skills you need to master in order to get to the next run group. Usually they are what your current instructor is trying to teach you.

Hope that helps.

NYoutftr

Thank you

I think I understand, but to make sure, is the green group the only group with an instructor?

I am not sure it would benefit a novice to move out of green, if that is the case.

When I was watching other color groups run, I am pretty sure I saw two people in a lot of the cars,

This is a steeper slippery slope than starting to do performance upgrades.

I am already trying to figure out how to get another event in this summer without my wife blowing a gasket !

3Series

You should be able to have instruction in any group. Even as you progress and you are comfortable taking the car to the limit, having a second set of eyes in the car or outside the car watching you is helpful if your goal is to improve times.

Lastly, after doing a DE, doesn't it sound silly when folks on the forums say they need "performance" whatever because they drive "spiritedly' on the street?

jlanka

my region (Metro) has instructors for both green and yellow. They also encourage anyone who wants an instructor to ride with them in a higher run group to seek one out. They are very accommodating.

LuigiVampa

Yes, this is what is common in PCA. Yellow sometimes includes yellow solo aka orange as well.

Absolutely you can get an instructor in any group. Just make sure to but them lunch if it costs them a session!