I recently got an invitation to attend an event where I can drive several of the current Porsche models at the track. Has anyone here already attended it? If so, how was it? How much seat time? Which Porsche models?

Just found this via Google: http://www.porscheworldroadshowusa.com/Default.aspx

 

I did it last year at Monticello. It was decent for a free event.

In terms of seat-time, about 30 seconds each in the 5 or 6 mid-engine models (Auto-X) and 45 seconds each in the 5 or 6 911's (Track at modest speeds with pace car). Also some test drives in 911's, Panny's, Cayman's -- same as at a dealer.

The bets part to me was the Boxster Spyder and Cayman R (neither of which I'd ever driven or could test drive at the dealer) on AutoX, though that was about 2 minutes of a full day of activities... so I wouldn't do it again.

I'd say if you have any real track experience, it's not worth the trouble unless you just want to drive a 991 on the track (I assume that's what they're using), albeit at frustratingly low speeds.

 

I did one last fall. very fun time. Ours lasted about 1/2 day.

 

After looking at the website, I'm starting to think the same thing. If we're doing follow the leader on the track, the speed will be governed mosty by the slowest person, which may be too slow to be worthwhile. And I have plenty of opportunity to do autox locally, plus I don't really see autox as a good way to get a overall feel for a car anyway. Even with it being free, I may decide to pass.

 

The speed on the track is governed by a PCNA instructor and accounts for the fact that the majority of the group has never tracked, some have never driven a 911, and nobody has an instructor next to them.

Also, in my event, they only used 1/3 of the track (though Monticello is one of the longest tracks in North America).

 

I am going tomorrow. If I did'nt have a friend who was new to Porsches and has never driven a track, I probably wouldn't have signed up. I think it will be a great thrill for my buddy. I've never turned a wheel in a 991, or 981, so even a modest lap and some autox would be cool for me. Who knows, there may be other interesting stuff associated with the event.

For example, I did a Ferrari California test drive in the woods in Sleepy Hollow, NY, and the experience was cool, but not from a performance driving perspective. They served buckets of Dom Perignon, gave us Ferrari Californina books, and generally pampered us. The drive was enough to reinforce how much of a pig the California is, however! (Sounds spectacular though)

Lastly, I haven't even seen the new Boxter (in person). Given that my next car might be a 981 Cayman, I'm pretty excited.

 

I am going tomorrow, too (3:15 session). I have a 981 Boxster S on order and am looking forward to finally getting my hands on one for an up close look/drive.

 

Even though its not all that hard-core its still a lot of fun and the best thing is you get to put the abuse on their cars and not yours

Did one last year in SanFrancisco and it was interesting to be able to compare the different models back to back

 

Agreed on the abuse part, but how much can you abuse them if you're only driving each car for about a minute, and at restricted speeds?

 

So has anyone done it recently? I asked my dealer about the seat time, and he said that Porsche's program clearly states about 2 hours of seat time. Even if it turns out to be half that amount, I think I'll still give it a shot. Sounds like the program is different from last year?

 

I just went this past weekend in NY. Our scheduled start time was 3:15 and we wrapped up at about 5:30. So, the program itself is about 2 hours but the total seat time was less than 10 minutes - Two short autocross laps in the new Boxster with a driving instructor on the passenger seat, three follow the leader track laps (one in each of the 991, 991S and Panamera GTS), and q quick drive in the each of the gas and hybrid versions of either the Cayenne or Panamera. My wife and I had a good time but 2 hours of seat time is a great exageration.

 

A friend of mine did it last year at Road Atlanta. He siad he was blown away by the handling of the Panamera, but he bought his first Porsche, a Cayenne Turbo, based on the experience. Seems like a good investment for Porsche!
And - he loves his pepper

 

Did it as well at Monticello. That summed it up. One lap in each of the cars. More of a tease than a half day at the track. The autocross "laps" were hardly laps, more like 30 seconds with no previews. Take aways:
Got up to 105 mph with the Carreras. The new 991 is almost unflappable, even if you can't drive. PDK is amazing, downshifted from 2nd to 2st (which I never do), did it without a hitch. PDK awesome on the track of course.
The Panamera GTS has a really HOT exhaust. Sounds awesome. Really a firebreathing V8. Great version of the car, if you like the Panamera.
Also thought it was a bit of BS that it was billed as 3 hours, but was really only 2. Had to drive 4 hours total to get there! Would I do it again? Probably!

 

How can I get on that list? I see one at High Plains Raceway in Denver. I'll be at that track with the PCA this Sunday!

 

Went to the Roadshow today. As others have said, about 10 minutes of wimpy seat time. Weak stuff if you have meaningful autocross and track experience. If we were local, it would have been a fun diversion, but definitely not worth the 3 hours round trip of driving we had to do.