Porsche Club of America (PCA) - Potomac Region

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Driver Education FAQ

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What are the benefits of Driver Education?

Driving well involves a number of skills. One of the best ways to improve those skills is through practice, which we call "seat time." When we drive on the street and obey the traffic laws, we are driving at a fraction of the capabilities of our car. It is not safe to approach our limits and the limits of our cars on the public streets. And public roads make it unsafe to practice the skills necessary to drive in emergency situations, including when we unexpectedly must avoid another vehicle, a person stepping out from an obscured position, or a deer crossing our path. DE provides training and practice that results in most drivers being better able to control their vehicles when forced to take evasive measures under adverse conditions. Although participation in a DE is no guarantee that you will be able to control your car under all circumstances, wouldn't it be better to learn and practice the important car control skills that can help you to avoid an accident before you unexpectedly are forced to control your car in an emergency?  Driving on racetracks can be a lot of addictive fun!


What are the risks of Driver Education?

It is important that you know the risks inherent in DE and understand your risk tolerance before you decide to begin. Because you are in control of your car, you ultimately decide how fast to drive and how close you get to the limits of your car's capabilities and your own abilities as a driver. Nevertheless, you face the risk that you will lose control of your car, which could result in damage to your car, someone else's car, or the personal property of others. Although the goal of a DE is to provide a safe learning environment, it is also possible that an incident can lead to injury to yourself or someone else. It is also possible that the actions of another driver could damage your car and personal property, or even result in injury. Finally, as is always the case when you drive your car, you could make an error, like shifting into the wrong gear that results in damage to your engine or other components of your car. The rules and procedures for DE are designed to minimize these risks, but the risks cannot be eliminated, and nobody should participate in a DE if they think that these risks do not exist.


As a beginning DE participant, an Instructor will be riding with you to help you learn the safest, smoothest and most consistent way to drive as quickly as you both feel is safe for the conditions and your skill level at that time. He or she will not require you to drive faster than you feel is safe. However, at times, he or she may require you to drive more slowly or stop driving so that you both can discuss any issues that the instructor feels are important to address before you continue driving. If you do not understand or feel comfortable with the instructor's suggestions, tell them immediately. You will both be more comfortable if you understand each other fully.



What about insurance? Am I covered?

As a general matter, most DE participants should consider the following issues when determining what insurance coverage they have, if any, when they participate in a DE: warranty coverage; physical damage; medical; and liability. Do not assume that your policies will cover your participation in a DE. We urge you to review your policies carefully to determine the impact, if any, that participating in a DE will have upon your coverage, and seek professional advice if you do not feel competent to make that determination.

All DE participants and guests must sign a liability waiver when they enter the track. PCA generally does not provide insurance for DE participants apart from very limited medical insurance coverage and liability insurance. The PCA medical and liability insurance coverage is summarized at the Members Library Summary and the Region Procedures Manual Summary. If you would like to review the actual policy rather than this summary, please contact the National Office or the Insurance/Risk Management Chair. The Insurance/Risk Management Chair can also answer other questions you may have about the potential effectiveness of these policies.

Only you can determine if the protections afforded by your insurance and warranty policies, as well as PCA's policies, are sufficient for your needs. We strongly recommend that you review all of these documents to assure yourself that you are adequately protected. If you do not feel competent to make that determination, we urge you to seek professional advice.

For more track insurance information please check out the following useful links:
MotorsportReg
PCA.org



What will running in a DE event do to my car?

Participation in DE will increase the rate of wear on some parts of your car regardless of your level of participation. The wear on standard maintenance items, such as tires, brakes, belts, hoses, suspension components and fluids, is accelerated. You also will spend a lot of time cleaning bugs and road tar from your car. DE could also result in unexpected wear or damage to other components of your car. Active maintenance, proper care and proper driving are key to minimizing wear and damage to your car.


What's the best way to start?

If you're interested in participating in DE, but have no experience driving on a track, you must meet either of the following pre-requisites:
• Preferred: participation in a High Performance Driving Clinic (HPDC) or equivalent.
• Previous DE, karting, or motorcycle track time -and- the approval of our chief instructors.
• 3-4 autocrosses, at least one w/ PCA Potomac so our AX instructors can sign off -and- the approval of our chief instructors.

You can also read up on technique, watching videos and playing video games can help with learning tracks.


How do I register for an event?

Everyone who participates in a DE must use MotorsportReg to register for our events.  

Once you have an account, please go to:
-->My Account
-->click into your profile
-->Add Club Memberships (at the bottom of Club Memberships section)
-->Add clubs to account (in the upper left) and then find / add our DE club "PCA - Potomac, The Founders' Region - DE"
-->after you add us, click edit next to our club and you will find spaces to enter track days and experience (if you are just starting out, you may not have any yet but the registrars and our CI's rely on this info heavliy so please keep it up to date as you accumuilate track days.)

If you still have any questions, contact the registrar HERE!-- send an email to the registrar at deregistrar@pcapotomac.org//-->.

When should I register for an event?

Registration for drivers usually opens 9 weeks prior to all events, with the earliest date being Feb. 1. If 9 weeks prior falls during one of our DEs, registration opens the following Tuesday. Registration for Instructors and designated DE Volunteers opens for all events on Feb. 1. The top of an event's detailed information in MotorsportReg will always tell you when registration opens. Registration for all events closes one week before the event. Events open for registration at 12:00 AM on the morning registration opens. Potomac events are well subscribed so you want to register as early as possible. This means early in the morning for events at Summit Point Main.

Applicants are accepted on a first come first - served basis, with preference given to event volunteers and instructors. You must watch your status on the web site to see if you are accepted. You will initially be listed as New until the Registrar begins to accept drivers for an event. If you are accepted, your status will be changed to Confirmed. If you did not register soon enough to be accepted, your status will be changed to Waitlist New.


Late Registration

If for some reason, you want to register for an event after it is closed, contact the DE Registrars. If there is space available in your run group, they will usually arrange for you to register. If not, they will let you know and give you the option of not registering at all or registering into Waitlist status.


How do I know if I'm accepted for an Event?

About 30 days before the event the Registrar will notify you by email that you are accepted. You will also receive instructions about billing for the event and the date when your credit card will be billed. This is usually 21 days before the event. Potomac accepts only credit cards for payment so make sure your credit card information in your profile is correct.

About 5-7 days prior to the event, the Registrar will send another email with specific information about the event and the event schedule.
Login regularly to the DE website and check your status.


How do I pay?

Potomac accepts only credit cards as payment for DE Events. This makes it easier for you and us to track your payments and resolve any payment issues. We will charge your credit card about 21 days before the event. When your card is charged, you will receive an email notification of the charge. Please make sure your email address and credit card information in your profile are accurate.

Credit card and billing information use secure connections and are encrypted. You are the only person who has access to your card number. No one who has access to the DE database can access your credit card number.

If there is a problem charging your card, the DE Cashier will notify you by email. You will have one week to resolve the issue. Problems are usually associated with incorrect information in your profile or cards that have expired. Remember it is your responsibility to ensure your credit information is correct and the information in your profile matches your actual credit card information. The email address entered in the credit card section of your account is a separate address from the email address in your Contact Info - you have to change both if you change your email.


How do I cancel?

You can cancel online without penalty prior to the date your credit card is billed. This is usually 21 days before the event. If you cancel less than 21 days before the event, you cancel late and will forfeit your registration fee. The email you receive notifying you that you are accepted into an event will contain details about the billing procedure and the cancellation dates. This may seem draconian, but it's very hard to fill open slots on short notice and we must pay the track rental fee with the number of persons participating in an event.

Go to the Event Registration page and click the cancel button and update your registration. This will automatically change your status to cancelled and zero out the fee for the event. If you can't cancel online, you must notify the Registrar by email prior to the cancellation date. The Registrar will base his decision on whether or not you are billed for the event by the date on your email.

If there are exigent circumstances regarding your cancellation, you can contact the Registrar or Cashier by email and request a refund. These requests will be addressed on a case-by-case basis by the DE Chairs. Generally, we don't agree to refunds.  


Very Late Registration

Things can change right up to the date of the event. Drivers occasionally must cancel late and when this happens, the registrar will try to fill the event from the Wait List. If the registrar does late accept a driver into an event, the registrar will positively contact that person before accepting them, because the late entrant will not have a chance to cancel without paying the full price. If the event requires overnight accommodations, the prospective late entrant may not have much time to make arrangements before the Registrar must extend the offer to the next person on the Wait List. This can get dicey with away events, since a driver may have little notice to get a reservation or plan the party. It's the price we pay for the privilege. You don't have to agree to go if you're accepted late.


Here are the status codes used by Potomac and what they mean:

Status Code What this status means
New

You registered but the Registrar has not begun to process registrations for the event.

When the Registrar begins to process registrations, your status will change from Pending to either Accepted, or Waitlist if there's no room in your run group.

Waitlist The registrar has begun to process registrations for an event. Either the Registrar is waiting to accept you for the event or the run group for which you registered is full.
Confirmed You're accepted for the event.
Cancelled You cancelled prior to the cancellation deadline. You will not be charged for the event.
Cancel Late You cancelled after the cancellation deadline. You will be charged for the event.
Hold You are being placed in a hold que, check public notes for why
NoShow You were accepted but didn't show up. You will be charged for the event.



What do I do if I'm accepted (before the event)?

Let's say you're accepted to an event. Here's what you need to do to prepare:
• Helmet must be at least SA2010 (includes Snell M2010 Motorcycle helmets). Note: Snell approved Motorcycle helmets will only be allowed for Green and Blue run group drivers in cars NOT equipped with any of the following: roll bars, cages, racing seats, 5- or 6-point harnesses.  Motorcycle helmets of any type or date are NOT allowed for drivers in the White, Black or Red run groups.  You can rent or buy a helmet from OG Racing (1-800-934-9112 or 703-257-0009) or other high performance auto store.
• Download the Potomac DE specific Tech form here.
• Take the tech form and attend the technical inspection for your event about 1 week before the event (check the schedule on the Potomac website). The club conducts a tech inspection prior to every event at a local Porsche garage or dealership. If you're not local, you can have your garage perform the tech inspection using the same form. Bring the form to the track with Section A filled out and signed by a tech inspector!
• If it's an away event, you'll need to book a motel room. 
• Bring plenty of drinking water. Breakfast and lunch are available at the track.
• Dress for any kind of weather, following the local weather reports. Wear layers of clothing so you can adjust. For safety reasons, all clothing should be made of all natural fabric - do not wear any clothing made of synthetic fiber. You will have to wear a long sleeve shirt and long pants for your track sessions. You will need some kind of closed toe lace up shoes for good pedal action. A pair of tennis sneakers will do fine when you are starting out, although the thick rubber sole may reduce pedal feel. Boots, sandals or loafers are not permitted. A pair of thin driving gloves is also a good idea.
• Bring a tarp or plastic sheet big enough to wrap all your stuff up including all the stuff in your car. Also, think about taking any superfluous stuff out of your car before leaving your house.
• See Zone 2's DE Requirements page for more points. Note that Cabriolets and Boxsters have special safety requirements (see Can I drive my Cabriolet (or Boxster)?).



What should I do when I get to the event?

Here's roughly what will happen on the day of the event:
- Plan to arrive at the track at around 6:30 AM, or when the gate opens. Each event day will run until about 5:00 PM. Bring a copy of the schedule that you received by email.
- Firearms are not allowed during track events. No alcohol or recreational drugs while cars are on track.

- When you arrive, park your vehicle in the paddock [parking] area and unload anything that moves including floor mats, remote controls, magazines, etc. Then drive your car through the on-track technical inspection which opens around 6:45 AM, bring your helmet. Bring the completed and signed tech form mentioned above to the on-track tech inspection. The on-track inspectors will fill out Section B and give you a tech inspection sticker to put on your car.

- Park your car and take your phone with a copy of your Speedwaiver to the on-track registration table for your run group. This will be in the classroom building. Get your wristband. Do not take the wristband off until the event is over.  Instructor pairings will be made after the drivers' meeting.
- Put the tech inspection sticker on your windshield's upper driver's side corner.
- Attend the mandatory driver's meeting, usually around 7:50 AM. Learn the flags and meet your instructor. You may be given another sticker that verifies your attendance at this meeting to get out on the track.
- Around 15 minutes before your run group is scheduled to go onto the track, find your instructor, get comfortable in your car, proceed to the pit area and line up to enter the track. Follow the directions of the pit officials.
- Following the directions of your instructor, enter the track at the appropriate time, and start learning. Keep your eyes up, and look for the course workers - they're your eyes and ears and will signal you if there's a problem. Watch for faster drivers behind you and signal them to pass when appropriate.



What are run groups?

Drivers are assigned to a run group by on-track skill level and driving experience. You drive on-track and attend classroom sessions with the other members of your run group. You will wear a disposable wristband that indicates your run group color, and your car will bear a sticker that displays your run group color.
The run groups are:

Run Group Instructed Description
Green Yes Novice with little or no track driving experience.
Blue Yes Beginner driver, stilling learning technique and how to be smooth.
White No Intermediate driver, drives solo but can take an instructor at any time to help with finer points or more advanced concepts.
Black No Advanced and Instructor drivers, eligible to instruct.
Red No Advanced and Instructor drivers - eligible to instruct and most experienced drivers.

You start in the Green run group, and move to a higher run group as your skill improves. There is no set schedule for how long it takes to progress from run group to run group. Some people progress faster than others. The time it will take you to progress depends on your abilities as evaluated against our criteria (see "How do I move up a run group?" below).
The schedule for a day will show you your on-track sessions and your classroom sessions by run group. On-track sessions typically last 20 to 30 minutes. Classroom sessions are roughly as long. You'll have 3 or 4 on-track sessions a day. Additionally, Green and Blue drivers will have one classroom session a day.
Both Green and Blue drivers drive with an instructor. Your instructor can "sign you off" to drive solo for the remainder of a day or for the remainder of an event. But remember, being signed off to drive solo does not mean you are promoted to a higher run group. Your instructor will evaluate your driving and record the evaluation in your logbook - provided by PCA Potomac as part of the program. You should keep your track days experience on the DE web site up-to-date so that it reflects the tracks and track days you've driven.



What does it cost?

The fee for an event depends on the venue and the duration of the event. You can see the fees when you login to the event registration page. Usually there are two fees. The higher one is for those who drive only. The lower fee is for Instructors who drive and Instruct. You'll also need to figure on the one-time cost to buy your helmet, and accommodations for away events.



How do I solo?

Your instructor will determine when it's time for you to solo. Your instructor will ask you if you're comfortable driving alone - you don't have to if you don't feel ready. When the time comes, your instructor will present you with another sticker to put on your car that indicates to the pit officials that you've been "signed off" - authorized to drive alone. And then you're on your own for a bit. Be safe! This is not the time to try anything new, but rather, to practice what you have been taught up to that point. And again, remember driving solo does not mean you are promoted to a higher run group.



How do I move up a run group?

At some point, you will be evaluated for your readiness to drive safely in the next higher run group. If you are in the Green or Blue run groups, it is the responsibility of your instructor to inform the Chief Instructor when it's time to evaluate you for a move. This is based on your driving record and the instructor's assessment of your driving skills. The criteria used are shown in your logbook. Each instructor scores your skill relative to the other students in your run group (so don't be surprised if you were a "5" in something in Green and are a "2" the first time out in Blue). When you score highly enough in enough of the required skills (no, you don't need a top score in everything), your instructor will recommend that you be evaluated for promotion. Don't hesitate to discuss this with your instructor.
Once you have been recommended for promotion, you will be assigned one of the designated evaluation instructors. Depending on the circumstances, this may occur at the current event or may occur at the next event. This instructor will take you out in your assigned group, and decide if they concur with your previous instructor that you are a candidate for moving up. If they concur, they will take you out in the next session in the higher run group to see how you perform. If you perform well, you will be placed in the higher run group permanently, starting immediately if space is available in the new run group for that event. If space isn't available, the move will become effective for your next event.
If you are in the White group, the system is similar, but the burden falls on you to make the evaluation happen. Since White group drivers are not routinely assigned instructors, the only way to be recommended for promotion is for you to ask instructors to ride with you to help improve your driving to qualify for the higher run groups. Just because you are in a solo group doesn't mean you've learned everything (even Tiger Woods sees a swing coach). Keep inviting instructors to ride with you, and when appropriate, one of them will recommend that you be evaluated for promotion.



How am I assigned an instructor?

The chief instructor makes the student instructor assignments. If you have an issue with your instructor, bring it up immediately to the instructor and to the chief instructor, and the situation will be rectified. You may be asked to swap instructors. This is an unusual situation, but can happen, for example, if your instructor doesn't fit in your car, or if you and your instructor have difficulty working together.
If your instructor is really displeased with your performance, (usually because you've done something inconsiderate or aggressive) you may sit out a run session while listening to advice. If the course workers see you doing something wrong, they can black-flag you, which will bring you into the pits to talk with the chief instructor. In the absolute worst case, you could be told to leave the event.



What about my partner, can he/she drive too?

Yes, but there are some considerations if you're driving the same car. Since you'll both be progressing through the same system, you can't both be in the same run group at the same time. Typically, one partner starts in Green one year, and the other partner starts in Green when the first partner moves to Blue. There are obvious problems with this - what if the Green driver is ready for Blue before the Blue driver is ready for White, not to mention the fact that both drivers may not be accepted to the same events. Nonetheless, it's been done successfully by many driver pairs and should not dissuade you from participating.



How do I become an instructor?

Once you get to the White or Black run group, you are eligible for consideration as a potential instructor. Once again, the burden to make this happen falls on you, and the method is the same as being promoted. Ask an instructor to ride with you, and tell them you are interested in becoming an instructor. The instructors you invite to ride with you will let the Chief Instructor know when they feel you should enter into our Instructor Training program. You will receive an invitation, along with a description of the program. The advantage of being an instructor is you get the satisfaction of passing your driving skills to someone else and playing a role in increasing that person's driving skills. Other benefits are you receive preference in being accepted to an event and you pay a lower registration fee.


What's a technical inspection?

The purpose of the technical inspection program is to promote the use of mechanically safe cars on the track. There are two parts to the technical inspections that you have to attend for each and every track event.

The first part is a full inspection with your car on a lift no more than 30 days prior to the event. The club conducts these events at shops in the DC area that service Porsches--see the DE schedule. At this inspection, fellow Porsche enthusiasts will put your car on a lift and inspect critical components--wheels, tires, brakes, exhaust, hoses, CV joints, sway bar mounts, lights, wipers, gas pedal sticking, etc. If they find a problem, you'll have some time to get it corrected before the event. The inspector will fill out Section A of the tech inspection form. If you can't attend the free club event, you can take the form to your dealer or your independent service shop and they will perform the inspection, often at no cost.

The second part of the inspection is conducted at the start of each day of the event. You drive your car through the on-track tech inspection usually starting around 6:45 AM for a sight check. On the first day, the inspector will fill out Section B of the tech inspection form. On subsequent days, the inspector will mark your tech inspection sticker to indicate you've been through inspection. The track inspection is mandatory and you won't be allowed on the track without the tech inspection sticker.

Track inspection is mandatory each day. Download the Potomac DE Tech form here.


Can I drive my Cabriolet (or Boxster)?

Yes - but safety is our first concern. The following rules apply to driving a Cabriolet (cab) or a Boxster on track:
1) At all tracks EXCEPT VIR, the 996/997 pop-up roll bar and the Boxster integral roll hoops are considered acceptable, subject to the 2-inch rule (see below). An extender manufactured by Brey-Krause is available for the Boxster if additional bar height is required.
2) At VIR ONLY, the 996/997 cabriolet pop-up roll bar is NOT considered acceptable. Cabs require a roll bar that meets club race specs.
3) At VIR ONLY, the Boxster roll hoops alone are NOT considered acceptable. The Brey-Krause extender MUST be attached and the driver must meet the 2-inch rule.
The 2-inch rule: 987.2 and newer Boxster roll hoops are acceptable at VIR.  With the driver strapped into the seat, the top of the driver's helmet must be 2 inches below a line drawn between the top of the windshield and the top of the roll bar.
The Potomac Region is responsible for enforcing this policy by its contracts with the tracks. Failure to comply could result in loss of rental privileges, so we are serious about this.


Will I drive in the rain?

It does rain, and we do drive in the rain as long as there's adequate visibility on track. The track officials will decide on the spot if it's safe to drive or will close the track if not.
Driving in the rain is a great learning experience. You can choose to drive or choose not to drive at your option. If you do choose to drive in the wet, you'll have to reduce your speed significantly because, depending on how wet it is, your traction will be reduced to some degree. To maintain car control you'll have to exercise precise smoothness. However, the skills you acquire driving on a wet track will be very valuable when you drive on the street in inclement weather.


Can I run my A/C?

Yes, if you so desire. However, for safety reasons, rain or shine, the driver's side window must be fully open. If there is only a driver in the car, the passenger side window must be raised or lowered all the way. If there is a passenger (e.g., instructor), the passenger side window must be lowered all the way. A sunroof must be closed tight.


What tracks do we go to?

Our local track is Summit Point, West Virginia. The tracks we regularly drive are:

Summit Point, WV - Main Circuit - Our "home track" where we have most of our driving events.
Summit Point, WV - Jefferson Circuit - The High Performance Driving Clinic is conducted on this track.
Summit Point, WV - Shenandoah Circuit - The newest circuit at the Summit Point complex. It's shorter than Summit main and very technical.
Pitt Race - An annual event around the first weekend in May; one of our new favorite tracks with a terrific sense of rhythm.
Watkins Glen International - Famous and fast; an annual event on a late June weekend.
Virginia International Raceway (VIR) - Our ‘home away from home'; just over 4 hours south.


What safety equipment do I need?

You must have an approved SA 2015 or SA 2020 helmet for the DE events for intermediate and advanced run groups. SA stands for Special Applications and is made for use in cars and has fire resistance which M helmets might not have. M helmets are made for use with motorcycles and are not approved for DE for White, Black and Red run group drivers. M 2015 and M 2020 helmets are allowed for Green and Blue run group drivers in cars NOT equipped with any of the following: roll bars, cages, racing seats, 5- or 6-point harnesses, but SA rated helmets are highly recommended. Please note the allowance for M-rated helmets may be eliminated at some point. So if you have caught the DE bug, but are still using an M-rated helmet, it would be wise to get an SA-rated helmet. Also, the allowance of open-faced helmets in non-modified cars will be ending at some point in the not-too-distant future, so if you are shopping for a new helmet go for a closed-faced model.

When purchasing a helmet, it is prudent to have hardware for a head and neck restraint system installed (or at least buy a pre-drilled helmet), as a head and neck restraint system must be worn when wearing harnesses (see below).

Helmets with visors are required for students and instructors running cars with open tops. A helmet support collar and a pair of driving gloves are a good idea. Other safety equipment is completely optional. You need to decide if you want to purchase this extra equipment. Talk to your instructor or one of the more experienced drivers to get an idea whether or not you should purchase this equipment.

EQUIPMENT USE
Helmet Support Collar These collars go around your neck and support your helmet. If you have an impact, the helmet support collar helps prevent neck injury. Recommended.
Driving Gloves Keeps your hands from slipping on the wheel when you sweat. Depending on materials, protects your hands in case of fire. Recommended.
Driving Shoes Gives you better "feel" of the pedals. Depending on materials, protects your feet in case of fire.
Sports Seats Keeps you from sliding around during turns. An enormous benefit.
5- or 6-way Harness Straps you in securely. Race seats and a HANS device are required with a harness. Typically not recommended when first starting out. Talk to an instructor if you are thinking about this.
Roll Bar Required for cabriolets and Boxsters. Adds safety in a roll over if properly installed. Can do more harm than good if not properly installed.
Roll Cage See roll bar, only more so. Can make it really hard to get in and out of your car.
Fire Extinguisher Your first choice is to get out as quickly as possible, but a fire extinguisher may give you a little more time if you are having trouble getting out. Don't breathe the smoke from a car fire - it's bad stuff.
Headset Permits you to talk to your instructor without shouting. Most instructors will have one for your use.
Students may buy their own student headset to avoid sharing with other drivers (e.g., https://www.ogracing.com/collections/driver-communicators/products/chatterbox-tandem-pro-2-student-headset).

What is a car number and how do I get one?

You can enter your preferred numbers in your "Vehicle Garage" in MotorsportReg and will be given a chance to change or confirm them when you actually register for an event. After you are accepted into the event, the registrar may need to assign you an alternate car number if yours is a duplicate of another driver in your run group. (Note that instructor / volunteer status and club seniority factor into granting number preference.) This alternate will be one of your other preferred numbers or, if they are also taken or if you don't have alternates listed, a "1" will be added to beginning or end of your originally registered number.


Why do some cars have an in-car video camera?

According to one chief instructor, it's one of the best instruction devices ever invented. You can observe your performance from lap to lap and re-live what you did right or wrong. Also, it's a great way to "re-learn" a track you drive only infrequently before you leave home.


What if it's not for me?

Start small - rent a helmet and try an Autocross. Then try an HPDC, and then sign up for a few events during a season - you may not get into all events. You'll know quickly if you want to do this more. If you decide it's not for you, you can cancel out from the remainder of the events. If you bought a helmet, you can probably sell it.



Where can I learn more?

• PCA Potomac's DE Resources Page
• PCA Zone 2's DE Page
• "Drive to Win, the Essential Guide to Race Driving", Carroll Smith, ISBN 0-9651600-0-9
• "Going Faster, Mastering the Art of Race Driving - the Skip Barber Racing School", Carl Lopez, ISBN 0-8376-0227-0, Robert Bentley, Inc.
• "Sports Car and Competition Driving", Paul Frere, Phil Hill, ISBN 0-8376-0202-5, Robert Bentley, Inc.
• "How to Make Your Car Handle", Fred Puhn, ISBN 0-912656-46-8, HPBooks.
• "Porsche High-Performance Driving Handbook", Vic Elford, ISBN 0-87936-849-8, Motorbooks International Publishers & Wholesalers.
• "Bob Bondurant on High Performance Driving", Bob Bondurant with John Blakenmore. ISBN 0-7603-06036, MBI Publishing Company.
• "Secrets of Solo Racing", Henry A. Watts. ISBN 0-9620573-1-2. Loki Publishing Company.
• "Think to Win, the New Approach to Fast Driving", Don Alexander, ISBN 0-8376-0070-7. Robert Bentley Inc.
• "Ayrton Senna's Principles of Race Driving", Ayrton Senna. ISBN 1-874557-40-3. Hazleton Publishing Ltd.



Performance Driving Glossary

Performance Driving Glossary



Conclusion

Don't drive your Porsche like a fool on the street; you'll only bring grief to yourself and others. Instead, learn to drive your Porsche safely in an exciting and controlled learning environment - Driver Education. You can't imagine what a difference it will make to your driving abilities. You'll be far better off using your high performance driving skills on the track where it's legal, encouraged and fun. This will enable you to better drive responsibly, legally and confidently on the streets and highways.

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