Hi folks,

I'm exploring the opportunity to take advantage of the PCA UCR's driver education program in 2020, and looking for advice and input from anyone who has experience with the program and process.

Vehicle in question is an 01 Boxster S. I've never taken the car to the track before, and have never registered in a formal driver's education program. A few initial questions:

1. I understand one has to obtain PCA membership first, followed by registration with the local chapter (PCA UCR in this case)
2. Sign up for the Introductory Driving School course (which looks like it happens only two days in the year)
3. Successfully complete the Introductory Driving School session(s) and register for various Driver Education sessions as per the PCA UCR calendar

Is this correct? Any input/advice appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

Yes this is correct.

This year's registration process is sightly different. On Jan 1, you can register IDS, two May DE and July DE. On May 1, you can register the remaining DE for Aug, Sep and Oct.

If you are planning to go to the May events and July events, you should register those on Jan 1 as well. Your status will be pending completion of IDS in April.

If you don't register on those dates, you most likely will be waitlisted.

 

Thanks for the info, and much appreciated!

For the IDS and DEs, do I need to purchase any safety equipment? (i.e. helmet / fire extinguisher etc.) Any tips or hints for a track day noob?

 

For the IDS you don't need safety equipment.
You should register early for the IDS, it sells out quickly. You can also register for the other events that you're interested in attending. You can always cancel later on.
You'll need a helmet/fire extinguisher for the DE event. You will also need the car teched 2 weeks before the event. You should also get a brake fluid flush at that time.

 

Also need a front tow hook for DEs.

 

Thanks for the tip - I see that registration starts on January 1, 202!

Where can one get a helmet, fire extinguisher, and tech'ed? And what does the tech inspection consist of?

Apologies for the noobie questions as I'm relatively new to Toronto, so any pointers/recommendations are appreciated. I'm near Sherway Gardens in Etobicoke. Thanks in advance!

Will the factory tow hook suffice?

 

Yes factory toe hook suffices.

A lot of your questions can be answered on the UCR website.

Many places including likely where you service your car can execute a track inspection form. Some independent shops and dealerships may charge $100 an inspection if you don't have much goodwill build but certain dealerships do it for free.

As for buying all the hardware, Brad at Braidan Motorsports will take care of you. Google the shop. They have one at Markham and one at Mosport track.

 

Make sure you detail your car before the IDS as there will be a concourse event at the end of the day. ;-)
You can bring any vehicle, not just your Porsche. Snow tires are fine as well. I'll be there telling you how great a driver you are. lol

I believe the tech for DE needs to be 3 weeks before the event as you can only cancel 2 weeks before and it gives you a chance to bail if your car needs too much.

 

Shame on you guys for not providing full disclosure for the newbie. A lot of missing information in this thread.

Bcrdukes, once you pass IDS you're also going to need a current model F-350 Platinum diesel dually, 28' aluminum enclosed trailer (at minimum), 20kW Honda generator, Stand 21 made-to-measure firesuit, carbon fiber Stilo helmet w/ orange mirrored visor and a $25k annual budget for Hoohoos because everyone knows they're crap after the 2nd heat cycle. Your own tire mounting & balancing equipment is optional but highly recommended.

This is UCR baby, the big show.

 

lol tough crowd (Thanks for the Sunday chuckle!)

Okay, I'm in a bit of a pickle. I renewed PCA membership and tried to create an account on the PCA UCR portal, but it recognizes me as being from PCA Canada West Region. I sent a message to the PCA UCR web administrator in hopes someone could help update my profile to reflect the new region. Given that it's a few days away from January 1st, I might miss the registration for IDE. I'll have to save the Ford F-350 and trailer for another day! I got the carbon fibre Stilo helmet for nothing! Rats!

 

Send me an e-mail with your info a this submission form. I'll get the info to the right people before New Year's. You can fill out the submission form at this link and i'll get it. https://pcaucr.org/adam-holland/

 

Just submitted the form. Thank you!

 

Got it.

 

Does anyone know if there are any Ladies specific days, Whether it be through PCA or the dealerships? I would like to sign my wife up.

 

Downtown Toronto Porsche put on a ladies only event last year. There's also a ladies track event at the new track in BC.

Not sure about this year.