I'm looking at a present for my wife for Christmas and came up with the 2 day performance driving school that Porsche sposors at Skip Barber's place in Alabama. We've done the M school at Spartanburg SC and she really had a blast. Has anyone done this Porsche school? I was looking at dates and one of the few times we could do it is in August. I'd hate to be in the south in August, but it'll have to do. Any input would help since it's a lot of $$$. The hotel/spa looks pretty cool too. IMO, any time you mention a spa, females melt... She has pretty much everything and desires nothing so presents are very difficult. Thanks, in advance, for your help! John

 

My wife reminds me every year that though she appreciates the gifts I give her, I should buy her things that she would like and not buy her things that I want and disguise them as gifts.

Now I just don't understand this. I mean, the home theatre system was a wonderful gift last year. Complicated creatures.

 

I understand where your wife is coming from. However, my wife really is a car enthusiast in cognito. She just gave up an ISF for a 7 series... She knows her cars. I really think she'd enjoy the school and the spa. Just was wondering about the "experience" as BMW calls it.

 

It is a great program. Barber Motorsports Park has nothing to do with Skip Barber.

 

Didn't know that, thanks for straightening me out. John

 

I did the master's program at Barber. It's ok.... Not sure if it was really worth the money. It's a great experience, but a little pricey for what it is. I'm the furthest thing from an expert driver, but I do have a little experience and I found the program really catered to folks who have never had any training or been on a track before. Skidpad, auto-x, heel-toe, etc... Don't expect any significant instruction. You kind of just go through the program whether you do well or not and then you're done. There's really no room/time for any actual training in the curriculum. It's more of an experience, hence the name. Porsche Driving Experience It was fun though and if fun is what you're looking for you and she will enjoy it. Personally I was really hoping for some one on one track training, but that is reserved for their 3 day race school.

 

I'm thinking about not getting the school ticket now. It's $3200 for the 2 day course and she's already done the M school which is pretty much the same. Plus, she won't do it unless I do it also, so we're talking $6400 plus lodging, transportation, etc.

(BMW gives them to you when you buy an M) Maybe I can buy a new turbo and they'll give us the school?!?!

I can use that money for other places. Now, on to a new present idea...
John

 

My suggestion is to investigate a Driver's Ed program with either a local Porsche Club Of America Chapter, BMW Club or organization such as NASA. A two day Driver's Ed session with these folks is usually around $300-$500 depending on track/organization and includes classroom and instructor. You could always stay in a fancy place near by, dine at fine restaurants and still come out way ahead.

Best money you can spend for the "experience" in my opinion as a student and an instructor.

 

Thanks for the great idea! I'll look into it. John