Hello 6speeders, my father's birthday is coming up and I wanted to do something really special for him. He bought his first Porsche a few months ago, but he rarely has a chance to really drive it. I want to set him up with a track day learning experience so he can get the most out of his car.

Some one-on-one instructor lessons, or a car control clinic would be perfect for him! Anybody have any recommendations or experience with something like this in Southern California?

I appreciate any advice, and as always, here are a couple pics:

 

You might check out the Fast Lane school up at Willow Springs - good instructers, and about half price if you use your own car.

 

The perfect thing for him is a Porsche Club Drivers Ed. Sign him up online for PCA membership first, then sign up for an event in your area. Spend a day with 120 or so other Porsche fanatics. He'll enjoy a couple of classroom sessions, about 100 minutes on the track in 4 sessions, etc.

 

PCA events are fantastic - but there is a learning progression required. Zone 8 (Southwestern US) requires at least 8 autocross (parking lot) type events within an at least 9 to no more than 18 month period before participating in a track Driver Education or Time Trial event. To get on track quickly, consider a commercial driving school - they are in the business of putting novices on track, quickly and safely.

 

"Zone 8 (Southwestern US) requires at least 8 autocross (parking lot) type events within an at least 9 to no more than 18 month period before participating in a track Driver Education or Time Trial event."

Wow! And I thought our PNWR requirement of 1 autocross before DE was a bit much!

 

You have got to be kidding on "prerequisites" for Drivers Education?!? I mean, that's the whole purpose of Drivers Education -- to educate drivers. This is the first I've ever heard of any prerequisite and I have exposure to every PCA chapter in the northeast.

Also, requiring AutoCross is extreme because it's a timed event, which means insurance coverage is excluded (timed / competitive event, where in most markets DE is not excluded and therefore covered as it is an educational non-timed non-competitive event).

In our chapter, which I hear is one of the largest in the nation and the model for the National PCA Instructor Program the only prerequisites are that you are a member of PCA and bring a Porsche to the Drivers Education.

 

As an alternative to PCA (given the prerequisities are nonsense) perhaps try an Audi Club event instead. They are typically well run and a lot of fun.

 

The events do not have to be timed, Driver Training in a parking lot style environment counts. Although I am new to PCA, the rules do seem fairly clear - http://zone8.pca.org/rules/2010/2010Z8DrivingEventRules.pdf.

My experience was SCCA AX and a one-day Fast Lane school - this satisfied the powers that be.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions! I think the best bets are the BMW Performance Driving School, Audi Club events, or Fast Lane @ Willow Springs. My father has never auto-crossed before, and having 8 sessions just as a prerequisite is just excessive. I'm sure my father isn't going to go for that, so the PCA one is ruled out.

I also have never been to one of these things myself, so anyone have tips on what to bring, what to expect? Everyone I know says to bring a hat and a ton of water bottles. And maybe some basic maintenance tools, too.

 

WOW...your kidding right? Whats the purpose of Drivers Ed beginning student with that club?

There are other clubs to seek out. I do comend you on getting your dad this training. He will enjoy it and love his Porsche even more.

 

Check with the organization putting on the event. Driving schools (Fast Lane, etc.) typically offer a fairly well supported day - lunch, drinks, etc. will all be provided. For club events you are more likely to have to be self supporting - at a lower cost. I don't know what level of car support Fast Lane offers if you bring your own car, but they have been very helpful whenever we have talked to them.

Good luck, and have a great time - on the track is where our cars shine.