I just returned from the 2 day session at the Porsche Sport Driving School in Birmingham. There are lots of detailed write-ups/reviews already posted so I won't go in to that level of detail but wanted to add a few thoughts. I've owned three 911's to date but had never been on the track before. My class of about 24 drivers included a range of newbies and very experienced drivers/racers.

As previously reported, this program is first rate in every respect. The quality of instructors and the passion they bring to racing was extraordinary. The program itself was flawless in every respect. I have rarely, if ever, been so impressed with an event. Every detail was accounted for and the focus of the program was truly on DRIVING with minimal time spent in the classroom.

If you have the time and the money GO TO THIS SCHOOL. It's a very intense few days but it was the most fun I've had in a long time.

 

Do they let you turn stability control off???

At the M-Schools, you have fun, but really can't push the cars much!

 

Good to hear your experience was so positive. Never heard any negatives. I am signed up for Sept 24-25 and am stoked to go. Woo-Hoo!

 

For this program, stability control was on with the exception of some of the skid pad exercises which are done at low speeds. The button to turn it off was disabled on the track cars. I think some of the more advanced programs allow you to turn it off.

 

Thanks for the reply! I guess it makes sense to keep it on and save a few $100K cars from being wrecked.
Do you feel that you were able to learn the weight transfer characteristics that are unique to the 911???
I am also hoping to do this school soon, but I was also considering Skip Barber. They let you crash, but make you pay!!!

 

Don't worry, Porsche makes you pay too. You sign a waiver saying you're liable for up to 10k in damages if it's "your fault". They sell insurance (loan shark rates)to reduce the liability to a couple of thousand.
You definitely get a feel for weight transfer even with stability turned on. It's also emphasized in some of the classroom instruction. When you are on the track, they are encouraging you to GO FAST. As a first time racer, I'm not sure I would want to attempt the speeds we were going without stability control. For more experienced racers, it's probably a negative.

 

Do they focus mainly in 911's ?

Can you choose if PDK or MT ?

I have a C4S with PDK and love it and I am thinking of assiting to Porsche Driving School, but I would love to know if one can choose which car to drive in order to understand more your car at home or if they simply give you any 911 they want ?

From what I've read, the second day in the morning focuses mainly in heel and toe, right ?

 

They are fully stocked with both 6 speeds and PDK cars and the students rotate through both types of cars. The 6 speeds are standard Carreras and the PDK's are S's. They are very good about accomodating you if you prefer one over the other. There is a day 2 session on heel and toe but it's not extensive, probably 30-45 minutes.

 

For those interested, check out this. This is a good deal!

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ng-school.html

 

I did the performance program and had a great time.

But after doing some DE's since then I wish they would have some sessions on the track with an instructor in the car.


Also,

You have a 40 minute session on heel/toe but you are in a group of 4. You really spend only about 10-15 minutes on it working on your own technique. And they use a cayman to teach heel/toe and stirring techniques and your in a 911 on the track. I think the steering drill should have been done in a 911.

 

I have to admit I still struggle doing heel/toe with my stock 997 pedals.

Is it just my lack of practice/skill or is it truly a requirements to get those extension plates and aftermarket pedals? I just do not seem to be able consistently properly reach accelerator while working on brakes. Is it just me (and it is OK if it is so as I did not drive on manual tranny for a pretty long time) or should something to be adjusted there, like pedals positioning, etc.?

 

Its not just you....however I actually can do it a little better on my carrera than one my boxster.

But at the track its another matter. The extender pedals will definately help.

 

Hmm... I really hoped there was some trick I did not know of... Well, it can wait. It is not much money but I am not sure if I have time now to mess with pedals. Next spring perhaps...

 

Are you trying the classic heel/toe or the roll of the foot?

Both were taught at the school

 

Thanks for the info !