What are the PCA instructors looking for for advancement between groups (A,B,C, and D)?

I just ran my first one a few weeks ago as a Novice (D) and got promoted into "C" for the next event. What are the things/characteristics that they are looking for per performance?

What should my expectations and focus be for attaining "C-solo", or "B" and/or "A"?

How are we judged?

BTW- I had a blast and fear my wallet being emptied in the name of "more."

 

Consistency, smoothness, driving the line, car control skills, situational awareness, common sense, knowledge of the flags and awareness of flaggers, on track planning. Anyone else? What did I miss?

 

Everything that landjet mentioned, for sure.
Chicago Region PCA requires seat, harnesses and roll bars to run with the fastest groups, A and B. By then you would be running track tires as well.
But do not be too anxious to move up in run groups. Stay in C for awhile, get instruction from a number of different instructors, each will have valuable info. Learn how to brake. Learn how to turn in and track out. Don't be concerned with track times or top speed, there is no way after only a few events that you will be overqualified for C.

http://redlinerennsport.homestead.com/driverseded.html
Check out this webpage for some great reading.

dhc

 

^^^^ What he said ^^^^

Basically, look like you know what you are doing because you know what you are doing and what's going on around you. You don't need to be the fastest in your group, but if you are extra slow, your progression will slower. Not too aggressive though. Knowing how to heel/toe, be smooth on and off the gas and accelerator helps too.

Oh yeah, and hitting apexes works, as well as staying on the track.

 

Very good advise. I have found each instructor has helped me discover something new about the driving experience. Once you start getting good at one aspect, a new area of attention reveals itself. Promotion is not the goal, although it does give you a sense of accomplishment. Learning to put everything together with rhythm and consistency is a better goal, IMHO. I learn something new every time I go out. Anyway, I'm not that far ahead of you.

 

Adding to landJet: Learn to turn in with such consistendcy that you don't need to make any input corrections. Learn trail braking. Learn to look through the corner and well down the track as you reach the apex. Either be on the brakes or on the throttle---no coasting. Be quick off throttle but smooth. Be quick on the brakes but smooth. The reverse is true also. Don't fixate but constantly scan for awareness of all that is going on around you. Use all of the track, even before the speed through the corners forces you to do so. Try to begin to become aware of where the weight is being transferred on all corners (corners of the vehicle) with each input you are making. It will help you to learn what to expect from your car in varying situations.

As others have said; don't be in too big a hurry to advance to another level. There is wisdom in having many different instructors and taking the best each has to offer. Be safe.

 

I agree with everything that the others said above. I've attached a slide that I have used in DE classroom to address this question. I try to stress being smooth and being consistent. If you can do that, the rest will come in time.

Jon

 

It is a slippery slope, and yes, your wallet will be emptied, but you'll have a big smile on your face.

dhc

 

Thanks everyone - excellent advice.

I love to learn and I love to drive so I am all in! I look forward to every track day I can get to!

 

It's a blast, that's for sure.