Our High Performance Driver’s Education program is designed to introduce you to entry level motorsports and enjoy the masterful maneuvering capabilities of your Porsche. As Porsche owners and club members, we have a strong sense of responsibility to our community and feel that the best place to enjoy the limits of our cars is away from public roads. If you decided to own a Porsche for the thrill of driving and to take your skill-set to the next level, we have the right programs to help you.
High Performance Driver's Education (HPDE):
The mission and purpose of the Porsche Club of America's Driver Education Program is to provide a safe, structured and controlled teaching and learning environment. The PCA HPDE Program is designed so that participants can improve their driving abilities and acquire a better understanding of vehicle dynamics and driving safety. Participants will experience first-hand the capabilities of high performance automobiles in a controlled, closed-course environment and acquire skills that will enhance safer vehicle operation in all driving situations.
One giant word of caution: This adventure can become very addictive. Our instructors will teach you to drive your Porsche the way Stuttgart designed it to be driven. PCA DE schools are run in a safe and controlled environment on a closed course. Like any new sport your instructor will guide you into this exciting world of high performance driving. These schools are truly the only safe way to learn the engineering dynamics that went into the development of this famous racing marque. However, it is noted that PCA HPDE events are not racing, nor preparation for racing. No times or placings are recorded, and no awards or prizes are received by the participants of PCA Driver Education events; just a lot of fun and camaraderie. Any conduct considered by the Porsche Club of America to be either unsafe or inconsistent with the spirit or purpose of the Driver Education Program will not be permitted. This approach keeps the events safe for all participants!
For the past 2 seasons, the Canada West Region has hosted our HPDE at the exclusive Area 27 facility. Area 27 is a world class circuit designed by F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve to be the ultimate driver’s track. The 4.83 km track features multiple elevation changes, 16 corners including banked and blind corners, and 4 high-speed straightaways. The expansive clubhouse features views of the track and surrounding area from either the indoor, climate controlled second floor with glass walls or the 2500 sq. ft. patio. The paddock is large and well maintained, with ample space for trailers and equipment.
For those of you who can’t get enough track time or will be traveling with families, there is an excellent go-kart track at the facility. For the wine fans, this is the place to be. With over 170 wineries in the Okanogan Valley region, there is surely something to please most any oenophile. The town of Oliver is a short five-minute drive from the facility and offers food, gas and lodging options. Around a 30-minute drive away, the town of Penticton offers more lodging, several breweries, excellent food and, yes, more wineries!
Our HPDE events typically have 3 run groups for the different experience level of drivers (Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced). Each run group goes on track in turn and then the cycle repeats several times during the day. The sessions are normally 20 minutes. As you progress in your skills there will be opportunity to advance to the next run group.
Cars are required to be in top mechanical condition and technical inspections are mandatory prior to going out on track.
For more information about our program please contact our Driver Education Chairperson, Scott Newbury.