If any of you guys were thinking of taking the Porsche Driving Experience 2 day driving course at Barber Motorsports Park (no relation to Skip Barber) don't wait, it was the most fun I've had with my clothes on. I learned allot from great instructors (Doc Bundy was mine). They really teach you what these cars are capable of. The cars were new 997 Carrera's and Carrera S's with PCCB brakes. It was very well run with some classroom time and allot of track time. If you are interested in knowing how to get your car to handle the curves this is how you do it. The track is really nice with a wide variety of different types of curves, the whole facility is beautiful. It's not cheap but in the end it was a bargain. I highly recomend it.

 

sounds like fun. Where was this offered? Do you know if they have one on the west coast? If you don't mind me asking, what did it run in terms of price?

Thanks

Sameer

 

Unfortunately Porsche only does this at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. The cost for the 2 day course is $2995 plus airfare and hotel so it's not cheap but well worth it in my opinion. Here's the link to the web site http://www.porschedriving.com/

 

I went to an Audi driving experience for free, it was fun beatin the W12 but I'm sure its a lot more fun to beat the Porsches

 

It was fun, they took us out in a Turbo Cayenne at the end of the 2nd. day with 4 people in it and drifted through the corners for a few laps, it was pretty amazing for an SUV. The ceramic brakes on the Carrera S were amazing, no fade and I was standing on them curve after curve.

 

Do they still take the 'students' around the track in a Carrera GT? I got that ride during my PDE, awesome.

 

Unfortunately no Carrera GT ride, they had 3 of them there and I asked for a ride but they said that after an unnamed press guy wrecked one that was it. Here's a few photo's that give a general idea of the experience.

 

1 more

 

last one

 

very cool... I'd love to do this. I just wish they would lend you they type of car you actually own, ie 996 turbo.

 

u can bring ur own. buyer pays shipping.

 

Was the class very plush w great meals and drinks and nice facility? That's what I want to avoid. I don't want some fantasy 911 camp.

I rather get the technicals with real raw experience than sitting in some leather chairs eating lobster sandwich.

 

Bruce,
glad to hear u had a great time. PDE is money well spent for sure. it'd be cool especially to go with the people u know i.e 6speeders. i have to go back to try out the new 997s. this time i'll remember not to eat too much lunch before hit the track afternoon LOL!

did u stay at the hotel they recommended which was connected to the mall?

 

I stayed at that hotel, great experience. The food was good, certainly not lobster and leather...more like chicken at round conference tables with the driving instructors looking out at the track. Money well spent.

 

VARIABLE: I was actually glad the cars were not Turbo's, I think it's easier to learn (cornering line, turn in point, apex, exit point, heel and toe downshifts, trail braking, etc., etc.) when things are not happening too fast although the Carrera S's were pretty quick. DJANTLIVE: It was definetely done in a first class way with a great facility and good meals but it was all about learning how to drive these cars with allot of track time and well thought out instruction. I would not expect Porsche to do it any other way. 20C4S: Yeah a few people got a little nauseaus on the track after lunch. The track changes elevation pretty rapidly and frequently and you get pretty light going full throttle over a rise, very roller coaster like, that's why I only had salad for lunch. They now recommend the Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa. which is about 30 minutes away but they supply transportation to and from the track.