What is the best method for attending these? I'm totally new to this arena, but am interested in starting.

Thanks.

 

join PCA (pca.org) then check out your local club (and neighboorhing clubs) next DE meeting..

 

There are many clubs who run HPDE events, so your best bet is to look at all of them and find the events that fit your schedule. PCA is probably most popular here since it's mainly Porsches and some of their events are open to Porsches only. There is also BMW CCA, Audi Club, Mercedes-Benz Club, NASA, and there are a lot of newer regional clubs popping up as well. Here on the East coast we have Track Daze, Car Guys, etc. So you definitely have some options.

 

Do a search here and at RennList and you'll fall in love even more with the idea of DE. I stick with PCA events as there are many people with the same car, Porsche experience, etc. to learn from. The price is also extremely low for PCA events mostly due to the format (instructors pay, where with BMWCCA, they are free). I'm doing 2 days at Lime Rock next week for $350 total vs. almost $600 for 2 days with BMWCCA at the same venue (same amount of track time).

As was mentioned, log on to PCA.org and join the club picking your local chapter as your home base. Then look on your regional map to see the clubs near you that might use the same track that's closest to where you live. You might find 3 or 4 chapters all operate in the same area, giving you 3 or 4 more times when you could enjoy the track. Each chapter has a website that outlines the schedule of events, has ways to sign-up online, etc. Also, make sure to attend the monthly PCA meetings for your chapter to meet people -- you'll probably hook up with the DE registrar, chief instructor, officers, etc. Great meetings too, we usually have them at Porsche shops.

All you need is your Porsche and a DE inspection. You'll want to have the brake fluid replaced -- probably the most critical item. So in theory for $175 for the DE and $100 for a brake fluid change and tech inspection (most places inspect for free if you have some work done), you'll be set to go. Just need a Motorsports approved helmet ($270 for a Bell M2 when I bought one).

Good luck and welcome to the madness!

 

Wow, seriously? I have done events with all of the big clubs and they have all been in the $300-350 range for a 2 day event, including BMW CCA. I didn't realize the price could vary that much between chapters. Maybe track rental costs are much higher at some tracks? Although at least half of the events I do are at VIR, which is really nice, but still costs the same as Summit Point (aka Slumit Point)

 

Unfortunately Lime Rock is in a league of it's own when it comes to pricing. It's location and proximity to NY City is a factor. All I know is that it seems to creep up every year.

-Pete

 

There is a fee to join PCA.org correct?

 

When you join PCA you pay something like $90 for 3 years. It's worth that just for the magazines (local chapter and national). It's all online at pca.org.

 

Personally I think Hooked on Driving does a great job for the newbie, they are very organized which will help with your stress level trying something new like tracking.

They make sure you have a driving instructor until you are ready to move along without one and the pricing is reasonable.

I see your from California they are based here so check them out (http://www.hookedondriving.com/home.cfm)

Craig