Fall 2014 Performance Driving School

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Fall 2014 Performance Driving School

Postby ChuckS on Mon Aug 18, 2014 4:31 pm

We had yet another successful PDS. The school was full with only last minute potential students that had to be turned away.
I was sweating bullets that we would not have enough instructors or volunteers. In the end our instructor corp came through with enough that we had did not need to resort to multiple instructors per student on Sunday. In fact, on Saturday, we did not have to even have instructors running from car to car - because we had enough. Mostly, it ran well because we have a group of non-instructor volunteers that have stepped up an volunteered their time and abilities to help us run this school and help make it run beautifully. Up until a year or two ago, we ran this without this type of volunteer and while it worked, we were always struggling with tasks that often did not get done or were done in a less than perfect way or late. Now, with these volunteers, the school seems to run great and the workload is spread out so that all of us can enjoy seeing the students learn new skills and develop their relationship with their Porsche.

So, on behalf of the CDI team (Bill Behun, Jackie Corwin and myself - Chuck Sharp), we thank all of our volunteers and instructors for making this school a huge success!

Take a look at Greg Phillips excellent photos of the event. Please consider volunteering to help out on this event in the future. It is the efforts of these volunteers, both instructor and non-instructor that have made our job easier and have introduced a new group of students as Porsche owners, and now great drivers, into our San Diego Family!
:beerchug:
Chuck Sharp
1988 911 Carrera 3.2 Targa C.E.
1988 944 Turbo S
1986 944 Spec
and Several X Cars
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Re: Fall 2014 Performance Driving School

Postby Batman on Mon Aug 18, 2014 9:22 pm

This was my second PDS at the Q and I can honestly say the best experience in a car in my 56 years of life as a human. I want to thank all the Volunteers for their endurance to deal with the heat index coming off the track. The PDS team knocked it out of the park in my view. It was an awesome weekend. I took some time out to tell Jackie Corwin. “I felt as if the whole weekend was put on just for me.” Some of you who follow this forum may know that one of the reasons I wanted to take this PDS again was I bought a real track car. I was driving a real nice CC06 964 on the track and was wondering when “that time” may come. Knowing Steve Grosekemper and Mark Kinninger have helped make owning a race car come true. And what a race car it is. I think the PDS staff picked the perfect instructor for me. Mark Rondeau has sick amazing driving skills. I have seen him at the track and went for a ride. What many of you may not know about Mark is his skills as an instructor exceed that of his driving. He took me to that Ah-Ha moment when the student gets it. After I felt I was able to keep up with the car Mark started to show me the opportunities to let the car shine. I discovered the moving target, the braking point, “The faster you go the sooner you have to brake”, I discovered what happens when the car gets in front of you. Once you miss that first turn or brake too late the rest of the run is over even if it happens on turn one. I discovered my limits and maybe one or two of the cars limits. Sorry all you corner workers this was my only chance learn a new car without the cones costing 2 seconds. I enjoyed and learned something new about my car at each excersie on Saturday. I like the new exercise better than the mini AX. On Sunday we had so many laps, no traffic, good track and most of all great people. Thanks to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!See you at the track.
Bruce Wing
2015-2016 PCA-SDR Treasurer
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Re: Fall 2014 Performance Driving School

Postby mrondeau on Mon Aug 18, 2014 10:30 pm

Bruce,

Thanks for the kind words. It was a real pleasure to instruct you and push you well beyond your comfort level. I feel that we were able to reach the car's limits at least a few times while exceeding and then stretching your limits. Seeing that grin plastered on your face for most of the day and your thanks and compliments are the rewards that all instructors hope for. Looking forward to seeing how you do at the next AX and can't wait to see you at the track in that car.
:beerchug:
Mark Rondeau - Retired from club duties
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Re: Fall 2014 Performance Driving School

Postby cag4 on Tue Aug 19, 2014 12:26 am

This was a *great* PDS experience. I told a few folks already, "I thought the PDS was great the first 2 times I took it, but it was even better participating as a volunteer with (my wife) Katrin as the student!" I can't think of a better value in driving than this school (frankly, I have a hard time thinking of many other investments of any kind that represent as good a value).

The CDIs did a great job, the instructors did great jobs, and the volunteers (my own tired self included) hustled in the heat and produced the desired results in the students -- new found appreciation of their cars, their abilities, and expanded horizons in driving fun... let's hope that bunches of them come join us in other driving events!

Again, Kudos to all,
Charles
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Re: Fall 2014 Performance Driving School

Postby JimDavidson on Tue Aug 19, 2014 8:14 am

it was an amazing experience. A couple of things stood out for me: This was one of the best organized events of any type I have ever seen. I'm well aware how chaotic a large scene can become, and this was just absolutely spot on! Everyone was clearly having fun too! I also felt the shared passion for not just the performance aspect, but the fun/social aspect. I met new folks that I hope to see more of in the future, and I am looking forward to a lot of learning experiences too!

it was my first experience driving a car like that, and I can certainly say I learned a great deal. it was eye and mind-opening! :shock:

Thank you all very very much, and I will be seeing you at future events!!!!  :bowdown:

JIM :)
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Re: Fall 2014 Performance Driving School

Postby lbevins on Tue Aug 19, 2014 7:34 pm

Chuck, Bill and Jackie...

Nice work, guys!

Larry Bevins
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