Driver's Ed - FAQ
What is a Drivers’ Education event?
It is an opportunity for you to
explore the limits of you and your car in as safe a
manner as possible. Beginners
start with classroom training covering the basics,
such as terminology, basic
driving concepts, car balance, braking techniques, car
control, flags and track communication, etc.
Each student is
assigned an instructor for the weekend. Participants are grouped
by similar experience. Each group consists of approximately 25 drivers. Each
group
is scheduled for four 20 minute sessions on track each day. Beginner groups also
get classroom instruction each day.
What it isn’t... It is NOT
racing in any way, shape, form or fashion. It is NOT a
competitive event! It is
NOT a timed event!
What is the format of the weekend?
The weekend starts on Friday
evening. Tech and registration are held at the track
starting at 5:00 PM. The
track opens again on Saturday morning at 7:00 AM to
complete Tech and Registration for those who didn’t make it Friday evening.
Instructors
meeting and drivers’ meetings are held starting at 7:30 AM. Each group
takes there turn on the track according to the schedule. Beginning Students have
their first classroom session Saturday morning. Schedules, run group
assignments,
student instructor pairings, and other information is passed out to each
participant
at Registration. Participants are scheduled for between 3 and 4 hours of track
time
for the weekend.
What is Grid Tech?
The back page of your Technical
Inspection Form (Tech form,) is called the Grid
Tech. It is performed at the
track before you are allowed to drive. We have Tech
Inspectors who will check
your car, your helmet and your paper work to ensure
that you are reasonably
ready to drive.
Please note: this is not a comprehensive inspection! Page 1 and
the top of page 2
are more comprehensive and must he completed by a qualified
mechanic within
two weeks prior to arriving at the track. re-teched before
coming to our event.
One technical inspection does not cover two events!
Where do I get my car “Teched”? (Tech inspection)
Most Porsche dealerships are
familiar with our events and with performing a
technical inspection of your car.
Most shops charge about one hour labor to do
the inspection unless you require more comprehensive work than just an
inspection.
It is strongly
recommended that you have your brake system bled (minimum safely
requirement) or flushed (ideal safety requirement,) as part of your tech
inspection
regardless of how old or new your car is! If you have an independent shop that
does your work, they are also qualified to do the inspection. We do not accept
your signature as the authorized inspector.
Will driving on track hurt my car?
Unless your name is’ Stuck,
Bell, Holbert or Haywood, your car probably won ‘t
even know it’s been on a
track when the weekend is over. That is assuming
you are driving a Porsche! Our cars’ are built for speed and braking.
So long as your
car is, properly maintained and prepared for the track, you
should not have a problem.
Who will be on track with me?
You will have an instructor in
the car with you and you will be on the track
with as many as 24 more cars.
Everyone in your group will have similar driving
experience. We control the
action by limiting the passing to designated areas
and by requiring the slower
car to signal the car behind where passing is
allowed. This ensures both drivers that everyone involved is on the same page.
No one will go
blowing by you unexpectedly. And, by the same token, you are
not allowed to pass anyone without first getting the proper passing signal.
Violators will be removed from the track and possibly the event.
How fast can I drive?
After you learn the line around
the track and get a feel for your car. You are
allowed to drive as fast as
conditions and your instructor will allow. Notice I
didn’t say as fast as your
car will allow. None of us are that good. Proper control
must he proven before
your instructor will allow you to advance.
Can I come for one day?
If you wish, you may participate
on Saturday only. But the price for the weekend
will still be the same. We will
not allow anyone to come for just Sunday.
What do I need to bring?
A complete list will be provided
in your registration package. The only required
items are your car, your helmet,
the Technical Inspections Form (properly
completed) and a Medical Questionnaire
(properly completed). But there are
many other things that make the weekend more
enjoyable and this list is
included in the registration package.
Does my insurance cover me on the track?
Contact your insurance agent
prior to attending our event. This is a drivers’
education event and as such, is
not a competitive event.
Do I get Classroom instruction?
Yes, if you are in the Beginning
Group you are required to attend classroom
instruction. As a refresher, any
participant is permitted to attend classroom instruction.
Do I get on track Instruction?
Yes, you will be assigned an
instructor for the weekend. Beginning students
will most likely have an
instructor in the car with them all weekend.
Instructors will sign you off to
drive solo if and when they feel you capable. We
make every effort to assign
students to instructors with similar cars. No
guarantees are made here!
Remember, every instructor has something to
offer regardless of what they drive!
What special equipment do I need?
As our classroom instructor, Ed
Coon, is famous for saying, “All you need is a
helmet!” Please refer to the Tech
Form for the complete list of items. We will
check that you have these and for
condition.
What do I need to do to my car before I bring it to the track?
You will receive a packet
approximately 30 days prior to the event, if you have
been accepted. This packet
will contain all the information you need to participate
in the event. READ IT!
ALL OF IT! This will provide you with complete information
and the appropriate
forms you will need to have completed prior to attending our
event. The
Technical inspection form is a thorough checklist of what to check on
your car.
Nothing need be done other than insuring that all factory systems are
fully
functional, tires have adequate tread, brakes pads are sufficient, and proper
maintenance has been performed.
Do I need a helmet?
Yes! You must provide your own
helmet. There will not be spare or loaner
helmets available at the track.
What type helmet do I need?
You must have SNELL approved
helmet. This certification is generally found
by pulling back some of the
padding lining the helmet. Helmets come in
different varieties. SNELL SA00 SNELL
M00, SNELL SA05 or, SNELL M05
are what we REQUIRE. “SA” certified helmets
are generally what are required
for automotive use. ”M” certified helmets are for motorcycles.
If you need to
buy a helmet it is recommended that you buy the latest certification.
If you drive a properly prepared open car (full roll cage, etc.) we require a
full-face
helmet with the shield in place and arm restraints. If you drive a coupe or
sedan
you may wear any style, approved helmet. Remember this is protection for your
head including your eyes, ears, brain and with a full-face helmet, your jaw. Do
you want to skimp?
Where do I get a helmet?
There are several mail-order
business that offer helmets and other racing
supplies. For example:
• O.G. Racing: 800-934-9112 www.ogracing.com
• Racer Wholesale: 800-886-7223
www.racerwholesale.com
• SafeQuip Racing Products (located just outside of Columbia SC)
803-732-0937
www.safequipracingproducts.com
How much does a helmet cost?
A better question is what is
your head worth!
Helmets come in a variety of price ranges. They can range in price from about
$250 to over $1,000. A good helmet properly cared for will last several years.
Any
helmet that has been dropped, cracked or receives an impact should be
replaced
immediately. Many helmet manufacturers are interested in inspecting
damaged
helmets. Check with your retailer.
Do I need a driving suit?
No. You are required to wear
long pants, a long sleeve shirt, and sox of all natural
fibers, 100% cotton or
wool are suggested. You must also wear footwear that is
enclosed with a
relatively smooth sole. Hiking type deep lugged soles are not
acceptable. Of
course a fire resistant racing suit is acceptable.
How are car numbers assigned?
We try to assign one of the
numbers you selected on your application. If you
state no preference, one will
be assigned by the event chairman.
Where do I get car numbers?
Any sign shop can make numbers
for you. We recommend magnetic numbers.
Make sure your car is clean and the
backs of the numbers are clean before
applying and they should not scratch your
paint. Numbers should be at least 8
inches tall and 1 inch thick in a color that
will contrast with your car color. They
must be easily readable when on the car.
One set of numbers is required for
each side of your car.
Is this racing?
No? This is in no way, shape,
form or fashion racing! This cannot be over
emphasized! Anyone attempting to
race will be removed from the event and
barred from future drivers’ education
events.
Are we timed?
No. There will be no official
timing of the event. The purpose of these events
is to teach you how to properly
handle your car at speed and to teach you the
proper
line around the track. We do not teach racing, racing techniques or
the racing
line.
Is this a competitive event?
No.
Can anyone ride with me?
Only your instructor and NO One
else! You are not allowed to give rides
to anyone! There are no exceptions.
Can my instructor drive my car?
No! Only the person(s) on the application may drive the car shown on the application.
Can I drive my Cabriolet on the track?
At this time we
allow only Porsche Boxsters (986) and 996 cabriolets with ROPS
(roll over protection system) to participate in our drivers' education events
due to liability issues. However, open cars fitted with approved cages are
allowed
When do I find out if I made the school?
The number of available
instructors or a maximum of 25 participants per group
determines the size of
each school. As soon as we have filled the school or have
enough instructors you
will be notified. Registration packages will be mailed 30 days
prior to the
event. Please do not contact us to inquire about your status before
that time.
If you need to cancel please notify us IN WRITING (e-mail is fine) as soon
as
possible so that we can fill any open spaces. Be aware that there is a
cancellation
charge and that late cancellations are not
refundable.