Driver Education
What is Driver Education (DE)?
Concept
Drivers can drive their stock street legal Porsches on a racetrack, with other cars at speed. Drivers are grouped by experience and are paired with instructors who ride with them until they progress far enough up the experience ladder to drive solo. The passing is restricted to certain parts of the track and only when the passee waves the passer by. This is not a competitive event but it is close enough that you will get a taste of what racing feels like. This is also not a racing school. It is a car control school conducted on a racetrack, but the skills you learn are the foundation for the things you will need to learn to race.
Car Prep
No mods needed, although if you enjoy these events you will probably want to start doing all sorts of things to your car. (This is also when you start your descent into fiscal hell but that is for another article). What you will need to do is download a tech sheet from our website when you enter and go over your car thoroughly. This includes bleeding the brakes, checking pad wear etc. Then you need to take your car to your mechanic and have him check over the items listed and verify it is in compliance. Many independent repair shops offer specials on this for customers.
Equipment Needed
Effective June 1, 2011
SA2000 Helmets Will No Longer Be Allowed
The Snell helmet specifications will be changed to require SA2005 or SA2010. Also allowed: FIA 8860-2004, SFI 31.1, or BS6658-85 type A/FR. Helmets certified to specifications other than Snell must be within 10 years of the date of manufacture. Updating the Snell specification will be effective June 1, 2011. This conforms to the past practice of giving the manufactures enough time to make all sizes available through retail channels. Please note that "M" rated helmets (motorcycle) do not meet this standard and are not allowed. Some regions require long pants and long sleeve shirts but we do not. If you are going to do more than one of these (and you will, trust me) I would also recommend a racing neck collar and racing gloves.
"No externally mounted cameras will be allowed that are not permanently affixed".
Cost
Our events run about $200 for the two-day weekend. Unless you live close to Savannah, you will need at least one night in a hotel, food, etc.
Likelihood Of Car Damage
Minimal, but it does happen occasionally. Car to car damage is very rare in DE. On the rare occasion damage happens it is likely to be a one-car incident.
Is Car Damage Covered By Insurance?
This is a tricky one and responses vary by insurance carrier. As I emphasized earlier, this is not a competitive event so technically you should be covered. However, I have also been told insurance may not cover you. Best bet is to check with your agent.
Do I Need Any Special Training Or License?
Technically this is a school, so you will get your training at the event. When you are new you will go to some classroom sessions before going onto the track. Once on the track you will be with an instructor for your first several events until you demonstrate you have acquired the skills to drive safely on your own.
Where do I register for a Drivers Education Course?
To register, go to www.clubregistration.net.
What's it like ?
Roebling Road Raceway originally opened in 1959 and is now one of the Southeast's most challenging and fastest tracks. The 2.02-mile asphalt road course consisting of nine turns is located just 20 miles from beautiful historic downtown Savannah, Georgia.
Take a trip around the track at http://flc.pca.org/RoeblingRoadRaceway.aspx
Last Updated: June-06-11
Files
Area Map & Directions to Roebling Raceway (updated: 3/24/2008)
Beginners Guide to Roebling Road Raceway (updated: 3/24/2008)
Current DE Tech Form - Revised Feb. 2011 (updated: 2/13/2011)
Upcoming Events
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Mountain Tour VI (Tentative Only At This Time)
* * * Tentative Dates & Locations ONLY * * *
Mountain Tour VI
August 16 - 20, 2012
It's time for you to start making some decisions about coming on this year's upcoming Mountain Tour VI, currently scheduled for August 16th to 20th (Thursday - Monday). Here are the tentative details of this year's trip. What I need to know from you, and know soon, if you're interested, and if we have enough people to commit to coming on this years trip to make the detailed plans.
Here's the tentative schedule:
Thursday - Travel to Greenville, SC
Friday - Visit the BMW Manufacturing Plant (Not open on Weekends), then travel to Charlotte, NC
Saturday - Visit the TRG Race Shop. then travel to Little Switzerland, NC for evening
Sunday - Travel the Blue Ridge and "Tail of the Dragon", stay at Fontana Village, NC for the evening
Monday - Return Home via Cherohala Skyway and other roads.
If you're interested in participating in this years Mountain Tour VI trip, please send me a note to let me know so that I can get an idea of what the interest level is for a trip this year. Send an e-mail to events@pcafcr.org .
Rusty Russ
D&D Chair/President
For more information, contact Rusty Russ