Driver Education
There are essentially 5 levels to Drivers Education events:
Driver’s Skills Clinics
Autocross
High Performance Drivers Education (HPDE or just DE)
Advanced Solo Driving Events
Club Racing
Each of these has their own particular requirements, schedules, costs and benefits. There are many different organizations that provide these various venues, and my goal is to try and organize this complicated subject in an understandable manner. While the HDR does not provide or sponsor ANY of these (mostly due to club size) we do have access to other PCA Region events and there is no lack of availability of events. As we develop more enthusiasm in the HDR for these driver’s events, my hope is that we can organize a group of attendees so that you are not faced with the awkwardness of being by yourself at an event. I’ve done that and believe me, it’s a lot more fun with friends along. I will try to give you a fairly complete description of each type including a description, time commitment, costs, car preparation required, and personal preparation required so you can decide which event you would like to pursue.
DRIVER’S SKILLS CLINICS:
These teach the fundamentals of performance driving in a fun non-competitive setting. These full-day courses will give instruction in all the basic skills needed to improve your driving to the next level. These sessions usually have 5 different skill areas; figure 8, autocross, slalom, skid pad, and avoidance breaking. You receive personal instruction from experienced driving instructors, a self-guided instruction manual, and lots of practice time. You can go-at –your-own-pace in a controlled environment. These are OPEN TO ALL LEVELS OF DRIVERS, from the new Porsche owner to the experienced track or autocross driver.
Some Clubs put on special sessions for women, teenagers, or other groups desiring individual coaching.
Time Commitment: one full day, not including travel time.
Costs: $50-100
Car Preparation: Minimal – You should “track strip” your car of all loose items that might shift around in the interior and all trunk spaces, otherwise street cars are fine. Tire pressures and lug nuts need attention. Tire tread depth and condition is enforced. Normal seats and restraining belts are all you need, but if you have upgraded (and you now need 5-pt not 4-pt restraints), both front seats need the same level of belts. Make sure your brakes are in good condition, set your mirrors to eliminate blind spots, some drivers like to remove the windshield wipers (on a clear day) to avoid inadvertent activation. Usually no alteration to your normal car insurance, but you might want to check with your carrier. There is track insurance available from independent providers.
Personal Preparation: Equipment – everyone at every event needs a helmet, Snell 2005 or later. Many of these events have some helmet rental (about $30) but availability may be limited. Wear comfortable, non-restrictive, long sleeved COTTON shirts (no nylon or lycra), and pants –no shorts. Sox and shoes comfortable for driving that don’t catch on the pedals. Many drivers like to wear driving gloves, but they are not required.
Physical preparation – be smart about alcohol intake the night before, hydration depending on the weather, personal medication, glasses that you need for driving. Advanced driving can be physically and emotionally demanding, so be in your best shape! Mental preparation is always required. Arrive alert and rested. Review the student guide ahead of the clinic. Know the track layout ( you can get it on-line). Be receptive and agreeable to the instructor- have an open mind, and have fun!
Schedules and Sponsors:
This is the big “downside”- the only club sponsoring these is the PNW Region in Seattle. So you will need to go to Bremerton for the PNWR region events, which turns it into a three-day commitment. They do have several to choose from and a dedicated “Ladies Day”. See the attached schedules.
AUTOCROSS
This is a great way to learn about handling and have fun for very little commitment. There are no instructors, but plenty of helpful and friendly veterans around to offer advice. We are fortunate to have a local, non-denominational, club – Autocross Club of Central Oregon- that puts on a monthly autocross in the season. They have a very complete website –www.autoXclub.org- that has all the information you need about car preparation, Do’s and Don’ts, Novice procedures, etc. If we get enough Porsches on a consistent basis, they will set up a car classification for us.
Time commitment: full or half day on Saturday, local or you can go to Portland and participate in a well attended Porsche Cub full day session once a month. Check out the ORPCA website for schedules.
Cost: $20-50
Car Preparation: Minimal to dedicated– Most clubs follow SCCA Solo II rules, so you can look on the SCCA web site as well for requirements. You will need to increase your tire pressure, or if you get serious, invest in some sticky tires. Remove loose gear and make sure the battery is well secured. They do require a tech inspection prior to running.
Personal Preparation: You will need a helmet, otherwise normal driving attire. The most “challenging” part of autocross is the very short run times which make it hard to get a lot of seat time.
Sponsors and Schedules:
ACCO –local, check their website for schedules
OR PCA- most run at PIR, some at Packwood, WA - check the website
PNWR PCA – all run at Bremerton Motor Sports Park, check the Web for rules and schedules
Others- many other clubs enjoy autocross –SCCA, BMW, Corvette, etc. and are usually happy to have others run if space is available.
HIGH PERFORMANCE DRIVING EVENTS (“HPDE” or “DE”)
These events are NOT racing, preparation for racing, or competition events. However, they are held on race tracks and many cars that show up have numbers on the doors. They involve higher speeds and require a higher skill level. These programs allow any novice to get started and gain the skill and qualification to participate in more advanced events. Most programs require a “ground school” specific to their program. Some of the schedules are easy for out-of-area drivers, some make it difficult by splitting up the ground school and driving time. Drivers learn from qualified instructors advanced car control and safe driving techniques. Novice drivers may not be allowed “solo” track time until an additional clinic is attended. Participants are grouped by experience level, so it is easy and comfortable for any level driver to have a great day.
Time commitment: Full Day, may involve additional time for ground school
Cost: $165-200
Car Preparation: Minimal to dedicated. You can participate with your stock Porsche or a full-on race car, and everything in between. “Tech” or annual inspections are required and have proof of it to show at registration. There is also an inspection at the track to ensure compliance. Check web sites or call the event chairman for details to avoid last minute surprises (like needing a number on the car).
Personal Preparation: Equipment – everyone at every event needs a helmet, Snell 2005 or later. Many of these events have some helmet rental (about $30) but availability may be limited. Wear comfortable, non-restrictive, long sleeved COTTON shirts (no nylon or lycra), and pants –no shorts. Sox and shoes comfortable for driving that don’t catch on the pedals. Many drivers like to wear driving gloves, but they are not required.
Physical preparation – be smart about alcohol intake the night before, hydration depending on the weather, personal medication, glasses that you need for driving. Advanced driving can be physically and emotionally demanding, so be in your best shape! Mental preparation is always required. Plan for the expected weather and dress and bring fluids appropriately. Arrive alert and rested. Review the student guide ahead of the clinic. Know the track layout ( you can get it on-line). Be receptive and agreeable to the instructor- have an open mind, and have fun!
Schedules and Sponsors:
Carrera Motors is sponsoring a track day at ORP, ORPCA has 4 events at two different sites, PNWR has 6 this year. Other Clubs (Alfa, Lotus, etc.) as well as independent groups and tracks often have open spots at their events as well. See the attached schedules or check websites for the latest information. Or, check the Oregon Raceway Park and Portland International Racewaywebsites for schedules and contacts.
SOLO EVENTS
By the time you get to this level, you don’t need my advice anymore. These are Lapping Days, Time Trials, Solo I, Hill Climbs, Hill Cross, and other non-instructor, non-novice events. They may be competitive, or just-for-fun. The cars are usually prepared and/or dedicated. Driver qualifications are always required and some require licensing.
See attached Schedules for nearby events – even if you don’t drive, going with a fellow HDR driver is a great way to get involved and see what it’s all about!
CLUB RACING
At this level, all drivers have met qualifications and participation requirements. They are licensed racers or working toward getting their license. The cars are prepared and the racing is wheel to wheel. If you are interested, get with one of our local drivers and go along as a “pit crew” to see what its all about!
* * * * *
Whatever level of driving event you choose, plan ahead as much as possible. Be aware of the rules and prepare before you leave home. Find someone who has done it before and ask for advice. Go with someone for mutual support and more fun. I will act as a central contact for some of these activities, so if you are interested in a particular event, let me know and I will get all the participants coordinated for sharing tools, air tanks, helmets, travel, etc.
Bren Hirschberg bhirschberg@bendcable.com 541-420-5787
"WHO YOU GONNA CALL??“
AUTOCROSS-
Kevin Neary 541-848-7056 kmns@bendbroadband.com
Tim Hagner 1-770-510-3313 simtue@gmail.com
HPDE-
Bren Hirschberg 541-420-5787 bhirschberg@bendcable.com
Kevin Neary (see above)
Mike Simmons 541-389-6657 simmonsbend@aol.com
ADVANCED SOLO DRIVING EVENTS-
Mike Simmons (see above)
Bren Hirschberg (see above)
Tim Hagner (see above)
CLUB OR VINTAGE RACING
Ron Federspiel
Driver’s Skills Clinics
Autocross
High Performance Drivers Education (HPDE or just DE)
Advanced Solo Driving Events
Club Racing
Each of these has their own particular requirements, schedules, costs and benefits. There are many different organizations that provide these various venues, and my goal is to try and organize this complicated subject in an understandable manner. While the HDR does not provide or sponsor ANY of these (mostly due to club size) we do have access to other PCA Region events and there is no lack of availability of events. As we develop more enthusiasm in the HDR for these driver’s events, my hope is that we can organize a group of attendees so that you are not faced with the awkwardness of being by yourself at an event. I’ve done that and believe me, it’s a lot more fun with friends along. I will try to give you a fairly complete description of each type including a description, time commitment, costs, car preparation required, and personal preparation required so you can decide which event you would like to pursue.
DRIVER’S SKILLS CLINICS:
These teach the fundamentals of performance driving in a fun non-competitive setting. These full-day courses will give instruction in all the basic skills needed to improve your driving to the next level. These sessions usually have 5 different skill areas; figure 8, autocross, slalom, skid pad, and avoidance breaking. You receive personal instruction from experienced driving instructors, a self-guided instruction manual, and lots of practice time. You can go-at –your-own-pace in a controlled environment. These are OPEN TO ALL LEVELS OF DRIVERS, from the new Porsche owner to the experienced track or autocross driver.
Some Clubs put on special sessions for women, teenagers, or other groups desiring individual coaching.
Time Commitment: one full day, not including travel time.
Costs: $50-100
Car Preparation: Minimal – You should “track strip” your car of all loose items that might shift around in the interior and all trunk spaces, otherwise street cars are fine. Tire pressures and lug nuts need attention. Tire tread depth and condition is enforced. Normal seats and restraining belts are all you need, but if you have upgraded (and you now need 5-pt not 4-pt restraints), both front seats need the same level of belts. Make sure your brakes are in good condition, set your mirrors to eliminate blind spots, some drivers like to remove the windshield wipers (on a clear day) to avoid inadvertent activation. Usually no alteration to your normal car insurance, but you might want to check with your carrier. There is track insurance available from independent providers.
Personal Preparation: Equipment – everyone at every event needs a helmet, Snell 2005 or later. Many of these events have some helmet rental (about $30) but availability may be limited. Wear comfortable, non-restrictive, long sleeved COTTON shirts (no nylon or lycra), and pants –no shorts. Sox and shoes comfortable for driving that don’t catch on the pedals. Many drivers like to wear driving gloves, but they are not required.
Physical preparation – be smart about alcohol intake the night before, hydration depending on the weather, personal medication, glasses that you need for driving. Advanced driving can be physically and emotionally demanding, so be in your best shape! Mental preparation is always required. Arrive alert and rested. Review the student guide ahead of the clinic. Know the track layout ( you can get it on-line). Be receptive and agreeable to the instructor- have an open mind, and have fun!
Schedules and Sponsors:
This is the big “downside”- the only club sponsoring these is the PNW Region in Seattle. So you will need to go to Bremerton for the PNWR region events, which turns it into a three-day commitment. They do have several to choose from and a dedicated “Ladies Day”. See the attached schedules.
AUTOCROSS
This is a great way to learn about handling and have fun for very little commitment. There are no instructors, but plenty of helpful and friendly veterans around to offer advice. We are fortunate to have a local, non-denominational, club – Autocross Club of Central Oregon- that puts on a monthly autocross in the season. They have a very complete website –www.autoXclub.org- that has all the information you need about car preparation, Do’s and Don’ts, Novice procedures, etc. If we get enough Porsches on a consistent basis, they will set up a car classification for us.
Time commitment: full or half day on Saturday, local or you can go to Portland and participate in a well attended Porsche Cub full day session once a month. Check out the ORPCA website for schedules.
Cost: $20-50
Car Preparation: Minimal to dedicated– Most clubs follow SCCA Solo II rules, so you can look on the SCCA web site as well for requirements. You will need to increase your tire pressure, or if you get serious, invest in some sticky tires. Remove loose gear and make sure the battery is well secured. They do require a tech inspection prior to running.
Personal Preparation: You will need a helmet, otherwise normal driving attire. The most “challenging” part of autocross is the very short run times which make it hard to get a lot of seat time.
Sponsors and Schedules:
ACCO –local, check their website for schedules
OR PCA- most run at PIR, some at Packwood, WA - check the website
PNWR PCA – all run at Bremerton Motor Sports Park, check the Web for rules and schedules
Others- many other clubs enjoy autocross –SCCA, BMW, Corvette, etc. and are usually happy to have others run if space is available.
HIGH PERFORMANCE DRIVING EVENTS (“HPDE” or “DE”)
These events are NOT racing, preparation for racing, or competition events. However, they are held on race tracks and many cars that show up have numbers on the doors. They involve higher speeds and require a higher skill level. These programs allow any novice to get started and gain the skill and qualification to participate in more advanced events. Most programs require a “ground school” specific to their program. Some of the schedules are easy for out-of-area drivers, some make it difficult by splitting up the ground school and driving time. Drivers learn from qualified instructors advanced car control and safe driving techniques. Novice drivers may not be allowed “solo” track time until an additional clinic is attended. Participants are grouped by experience level, so it is easy and comfortable for any level driver to have a great day.
Time commitment: Full Day, may involve additional time for ground school
Cost: $165-200
Car Preparation: Minimal to dedicated. You can participate with your stock Porsche or a full-on race car, and everything in between. “Tech” or annual inspections are required and have proof of it to show at registration. There is also an inspection at the track to ensure compliance. Check web sites or call the event chairman for details to avoid last minute surprises (like needing a number on the car).
Personal Preparation: Equipment – everyone at every event needs a helmet, Snell 2005 or later. Many of these events have some helmet rental (about $30) but availability may be limited. Wear comfortable, non-restrictive, long sleeved COTTON shirts (no nylon or lycra), and pants –no shorts. Sox and shoes comfortable for driving that don’t catch on the pedals. Many drivers like to wear driving gloves, but they are not required.
Physical preparation – be smart about alcohol intake the night before, hydration depending on the weather, personal medication, glasses that you need for driving. Advanced driving can be physically and emotionally demanding, so be in your best shape! Mental preparation is always required. Plan for the expected weather and dress and bring fluids appropriately. Arrive alert and rested. Review the student guide ahead of the clinic. Know the track layout ( you can get it on-line). Be receptive and agreeable to the instructor- have an open mind, and have fun!
Schedules and Sponsors:
Carrera Motors is sponsoring a track day at ORP, ORPCA has 4 events at two different sites, PNWR has 6 this year. Other Clubs (Alfa, Lotus, etc.) as well as independent groups and tracks often have open spots at their events as well. See the attached schedules or check websites for the latest information. Or, check the Oregon Raceway Park and Portland International Racewaywebsites for schedules and contacts.
SOLO EVENTS
By the time you get to this level, you don’t need my advice anymore. These are Lapping Days, Time Trials, Solo I, Hill Climbs, Hill Cross, and other non-instructor, non-novice events. They may be competitive, or just-for-fun. The cars are usually prepared and/or dedicated. Driver qualifications are always required and some require licensing.
See attached Schedules for nearby events – even if you don’t drive, going with a fellow HDR driver is a great way to get involved and see what it’s all about!
CLUB RACING
At this level, all drivers have met qualifications and participation requirements. They are licensed racers or working toward getting their license. The cars are prepared and the racing is wheel to wheel. If you are interested, get with one of our local drivers and go along as a “pit crew” to see what its all about!
* * * * *
Whatever level of driving event you choose, plan ahead as much as possible. Be aware of the rules and prepare before you leave home. Find someone who has done it before and ask for advice. Go with someone for mutual support and more fun. I will act as a central contact for some of these activities, so if you are interested in a particular event, let me know and I will get all the participants coordinated for sharing tools, air tanks, helmets, travel, etc.
Bren Hirschberg bhirschberg@bendcable.com 541-420-5787
"WHO YOU GONNA CALL??“
AUTOCROSS-
Kevin Neary 541-848-7056 kmns@bendbroadband.com
Tim Hagner 1-770-510-3313 simtue@gmail.com
HPDE-
Bren Hirschberg 541-420-5787 bhirschberg@bendcable.com
Kevin Neary (see above)
Mike Simmons 541-389-6657 simmonsbend@aol.com
ADVANCED SOLO DRIVING EVENTS-
Mike Simmons (see above)
Bren Hirschberg (see above)
Tim Hagner (see above)
CLUB OR VINTAGE RACING
Ron Federspiel
