First...I did a search and read what's been said, I actually did that prior to my trip.

Second...the trip.

Starting with class time and a refresher of the basics was great, and quick. Then out to the track for practice and personal instruction from some great drivers on the wet skid pad in a 997, an autocross in a Boxster/Boxster S, lane change and slalom in the 997 out on the track. Fantastic lunch with the instructors for some more coaching.

A little track instruction before hot laps, and out on the track to learn the Barber Motorsports Park. Around the track as a passenger, then driver, assigned to a car so you can keep your stuff in it (helmet, gloves, etc). Bring gloves. 25 minute sessions with breaks to ask questions. Till about 4:30, then a nice dinner back at the Wynfrey with the instructors.

The second day was just as busy. An autocross competition, team style, then a few laps around the autocross in a Cayenne. I can't believe it was only about a second slower than the boxster.

Around the track in the Carrera S, wow. Great sound, but same tires. Only so fast in those turns.

I was put in a 'group' with only one other guy. The others were groups of 3-4. We were able to lap the Carrera S's in our regular 997's. Definitely the fastest group on the track.

Went around the track in a Cayenne Turbo. Fun.

Now for those that read though all this to here...here's your treat. They got a Carrera GT the weekend before our event. We all got to go for a ride around the track (no drives, sorry) at speed. I got it on video, but it doesn't do it justice. They said that they are adding that to the event from now on. I'll post some pics when I get in the office on Tuesday, if anyone cares.

 

Glad to hear you had a great time! I attended last September, we were in 996s at the time. So they have retired the 996 all together?

 

I care

 

Please do.

 

Please do so .... we are all waiting for it

 

How much did you pay for the weekend? Please post any pics and video!
Thanks,
Luis

 

Not a 996 in sight, except for a few C2's that owners drove there.

I will post the lap in the Carrera GT, what a ride, and crazy power with lots of RPM's available. One of the turns I'd been taking all day in 3rd, was a 2nd gear turn in the GT.

I've got a few picks of the skidpad/autocross too. And an R500 mercedes at the hotel labeled 'test vehicle.'

The 2 day course is about $2800, plus 200 for insurance, and 150 x 3 for the hotel stay. All in all...worth it. Track rental, instructors, 997/Boxster/Cayenne rental, transport to the track, food, etc...

The people I've talked to all liked the masters course too. I'll do a little more research on that one. www.porschedriving.com.

 

First, since a few have asked directly...here is the lap of
Barber Motorsports Park in the Carrera GT.
Click here and Save As...
I appologize for the quality, I wish there someway of showing the g's under braking/accel/cornering.

The Boxster in the Autocross course, about a 30 second time. More fun to drive one, watching is boring.
Click here and save as...the autocross

And a few other pics.

 

 

Sweet! It looks like you had a great time. I am sure they put on a first class operation. Thanks for sharing your dream.

 

ok FineProp; WHAT & WHERE IS THIS!?!??!?!

just GORGEOUS!

I expect a full explanation......

 

Not to hijack the thread but that photo is in the Barber Motorcycle Museum which is housed in its own building on the racetrack. Primarily dedicated to Barber's motorcycle collection, he also has some incredible automobiles as well, including a PEREFECT 550 Spider. The museum is worth the trip all by itself.

 

That is an awesome experience. Has anyone done the PDE and Skip Barber? Can you compare them? Also, does the PDE give you any sort of cert after the course?

 

Here's a shot of the certificate, and another of the Barber Motorsports Museum.

 

congrats Rich, thinking about looking into it.

That has to be the hottest museum I have ever seen. good lord!

EXQUISITE!!