pontifex4

I'd rather not have to spend another year waiting to attend a PCA DE event, and I've been waitlisted for this year's IDS. This is kind of demoralizing. Has anyone had any experience with other IDS-style programs they'll accept as a pre-qualification for PCA DE events?

fc-racer

I have nothing against PCA, but don't see the value in doing four sessions when you can get open track or 8+ sessions with other organizations for the same price. I haven't seen any difference in safety as long as you attend an event hosted by a reputable organization (dexter, 6th gear, arnauld, etc.).

If it makes you feel any better, I don't qualify to attend a PCA DE either because I haven't done the IDS school. Go figure.

pontifex4

I'm certainly leaning toward exploring other options, yes. I only joined PCA recently so that I could try their DE programs (I've never been to a formal one) but the requirement that I join first, then sign up for one of two inconveniently-timed IDS days this spring at $190 for the day (both of which are now full) has me seriously questioning my choice. Do other organizations require that I "pre-qualify" this way?

Turbodan

It fills up because it is popular. I did warn you last week to sign up as it will fill up.
if you have track experience with another organization I believe that is accepted by UCR.
regardless of whether you go on track or not this is a great experience and helpful in driving in unexpected situations. I also think this course helps immensely if you do go off or spin or to correct before this happens
FC: although I also like other organizations (some you mentioned)...it is my opinion that PCA days tolerate the least amount of silliness that I have witnessed at other events.
how about the guy that stopped on the front straight to let out passenger? or the Apex day last year with zero flaggers, or guys passing without pointbys? these would not be tolerated at UCR days. and yes you do get less track time.

pontifex4

Thanks, Dan -- I first had to join PCA once I heard about the day, and the resulting delay probably moved me out of contention.

I should be clear about the spirit of my initial post: I am not, and have no reason to be critical of PCA's events, as I have never experienced one. I'm just sorry there are so few opportunities to qualify for the DE events.

pongobaz

Charlie,
I was told a few years ago that if I had attended organized DE (with proper instruction) I sign up for a PCA event and could ask the PCA UCR to have someone take me for a "Check out" drive to determine what run group I should be assigned to.
It became a moot point for me since I was able to get a spot in the IDS, but maybe you should investigate that.

carrera

carcontrolschool.com

Ian Law runs a most excellent program at Cayuga.
This is a professional school.
You will learn stuff.

Bill N

Another alternative is the BMW club. Four run groups, lots of instruction, slalom between sessions, a cool variety of marques.
http://www.trillium-bmwclub.ca/

Turbodan

no poblem Pontiflex, I was responding to FC's comment about safety at pca events.

I hope you can get on track this year.
you may also be interested in is the track sampler that UCR does.

pontifex4

Hey, Dan. I've actually spent a fair amount of time on track (at Shannonville and Mosport with 6th Gear, St. LAC and others) but my understanding is that I have to go through the IDS to qualify for DE with PCA.

vipola

What's that IDS ?!?!?

fryd

What about doing the IDS with Rennsport up at LCMT or Calabogie?

pontifex4

An interesting idea. Can I go to any PCA region's events?

vipola: IDS = Introductory Driving School. It's a prerequisite for entering PCA DE events.

Christien

Charlie, if you've already got that much experience under your belt, why bother with PCA? The IDS will be a nice brush-up on some basics, but not very exciting beyond that, and I think you'll find the green group to be frustratingly-slow. If you really want to drive with PCA, see if you can bypass IDS and green and go straight to yellow, where at least you won't be constantly stuck behind 10 cars going 60 km/h. Even in my 72 with 135 hp, last time I drove green I was going nuts - luckily they moved me up to yellow that day, which was better, but still had quite a few really slow people too nervous to allow me to pass. Not that there's anything wrong with that - those guys need a place to drive where they're comfortable - that was me not so long ago. But I'm past that now and it sounds like you may be, too.

pongobaz

+1. If you've got the experience they'll move you up very quickly as they need the space in the instructed groups for the people that are more novice. I spent 20 mins in yellow before moving to white. You can still request to have instructors for a few sessions in the more advanced groups to tune-up your skills; which I like to do.