Does anyone know an acceptable alternative to PCA's IDS?
#1
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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?
#2
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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.
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.
#3
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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?
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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![Smilie](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
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.
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
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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.
#5
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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.
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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.
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.
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#8
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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/
http://www.trillium-bmwclub.ca/
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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.
I hope you can get on track this year.
you may also be interested in is the track sampler that UCR does.
#10
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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.
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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.
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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.