HPDE
There's only one place to fully experience the capabilities of your Porsche: the Race Track. Our High-Performance Driver Education (HPDE) program is the natural progression from our Autocross program and is designed to take you from novice to potential club racer/instructor in a safe and controlled environment.
Our HPDE events are a thrilling combination of speed, skill, and camaraderie. Whether you're a seasoned track enthusiast or a beginner looking to improve your driving skills, our events offer a safe and controlled environment for you to push your limits and have a blast.
During the event, you'll have the opportunity to drive your Porsche on a world-class racetrack, guided by experienced instructors who will help you master the art of high-performance driving. You'll learn advanced driving techniques, improve your car control skills, and gain a deeper understanding of your Porsche's capabilities.
Who can participate?
Our HPDE events are open to all drivers over 18 with a full drivers license and a street or race car (sorry no SUVs or trucks at this time). You don't need any prior experience. Our experienced instructors will guide you through group 1 and 2 to becoming a solo driver.
What do I need to bring?
To participate in our HPDE events, you'll need a car in good mechanical condition, a valid driver's license, and a helmet that meets the safety requirements (Snell M, SA2015 or SA2020).
What can I expect?
When you arrive at the track, you'll be greeted by our friendly staff who will guide you through the registration process. You'll attend a mandatory drivers' briefing where you'll learn about the track rules, safety guidelines, and event schedule. As a novice driver you'll have a dedicated instructor for the whole weekend who will get to know you and your driving style and help you improve.
During the event, you'll have multiple track sessions where you can unleash the power of your Porsche and experience the thrill of high-speed driving. You'll have the opportunity to learn the racing line, practice braking and cornering techniques, and improve your lap times. Our goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where you can have fun and become a better driver.
At the end of the day, you'll leave the track with a sense of accomplishment, new friendships, and unforgettable memories. So don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to take your Porsche to the limit and experience the thrill of high-performance driving!
Read our Intro to HPDE
How do I register?
Registration is done through ClubRegistration.net If you have prior track experience and want to be placed in a higher run group, contact the registrar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally speaking, any hard-top, or soft-top Porsche with a roll-bar is eligible for Peachstate HPDE events. All targa tops must be installed unless there is additional roll-over protection. SUV's are not permitted at this time.
If you are over 18 and have a current drivers license then you are eligible. PCA membership is not required, but if you're a PCA member you will pay less to particpate.
No problem. A manual shift is not a pre-requisite for a DE event. In fact, as a beginner, learning may be simpler as you do not need to be concerned with shifting on the track. Come along and give it a try.
The PCA National Instructor Training program runs throughout the year and prepares advanced DE drivers to take the next step to be an instructor. To find out more, contact our track chair.
Instructing should be a rewarding experience for both the student and the instructor. Peachstate believes this means instructors should only have one student so they can focus their efforts, and there should be at least
one run session between the student’s group and instructor’s group, so there is not a rush to get in or out of the car. We also believe in matching the student’s car type with one the instructor has experience of, where
possible. With these in mind, the Chief Instructor will select instructors from those entered in the event and artfully match them to students. It is not a perfect process, as it depends on who has registered for the
event, but it is a goal. Given this process, it is difficult to entertain “special requests” for instructor-student parings. We will consider such requests, but make no commitments on being able to make them happen.
Also, because this program is run under PCA guidelines and all instructors must meet PCA and Peachstate requirements, we do not facilitate ‘paid coaches’ as instructors for DE students in groups 1 and 2 (instructed). Solo drivers in groups 2,3 and 4 may find and hire their own private instructor. Please let the event registrar know if you plan to do this.
Cayenne’s have run successfully in other regions events, but not yet with Peachstate. If you are interested in doing a DE event in your Cayenne, please get in touch with the driving committee.
Porsche’s have followed a long tradition of over-engineering its components and as a beginner it is unlikely you’ll be stressing any of its mechanical components. The old saying that "Every Porsche Built is a Race Car" has a solid foundation. They are built to be driven and are in their element on the track. Cars used for DE are often better maintained than street-only cars with owners ensuring they are in tip-top mechanical condition. A pre-event technical inspection ensures it is in safe and suitable condition for your DE event.
Some people may be concerned about stone chips or other cosmetic damage. A good coat of wax, along with judicious use of a bra and/or racers tape can all but eliminate any cosmetic damage. That said, if you are overly concerned about an occasional stone chip, DE may not be for you. Come and join in our Concours events instead!
The short answer is "probably not." This is a constantly evolving area and one of the noticeable trends over the last couple of years has been the addition of clauses in standard insurance policies that effectively exclude coverage at DE events. It is possible to get insurance specifically for DE events. PCA has relationships with
Lockton Affinity for HPDE Insurance and
Leland West for track-use-only cars at preferred rates. You may also seek coverage from other providers, if you choose.
If you are a beginner attending your first few DE days the answer is “No”. Once you graduate to higher “run groups” you may want to add various other safety or performance enhancements. If you are thinking of installing harnesses, please read the PCA rules for such modifications.
All drivers are required to have a SNELL approved helmet. You will not pass onsite technical inspection unless you have a helmet
which meets this safety standard - no exceptions. Snell M-rated helmets are allowed in group 1 and 2, but we advise investing in a SA2015 or SA2020 rated helmet.
As a beginner or novice you will receive both classroom instruction and on-track instruction. In the classroom sessions you will be briefed on the terminology that will be used by your instructor, basic performance driving concepts, safety and flag meanings etc. An instructor is assigned to you for the weekend and they will provide real time coaching to improve your skills.
The event is run come rain or shine although if conditions are extremely poor the Chief Instructor may cancel run sessions. Of course, when it is wet you will be driving somewhat slower as your tire grip will be reduced.
If you are going to share a car you will need to be in different run groups. Of course if you have two Porsches you have no such problems! Please contact the event registrar if you have further questions about registering with a co-driver.
Only registered drivers are permitted on the track and if there is a second person in your car they must be an instructor. So you won’t be able to go out with you spouse or with friends. Once you have progressed out of the beginner’s group why not share your car with your spouse and both experience Driver Ed?
However, on Sunday mornings charity “Track Touring” rides are possible. Cars, vans and SUV’s drive in low-speed convoy around the track and you are welcome to drive your friends and family around in your Porsche, SUV, or any other vehicle. The Touring sessions are used to raise money for our local charities and a minimum donation of $20 per car is requested.
Our cancellation policy allows for a full refund for cancellations RECEIVED VIA CLUBREGISTRATION after acceptance and by 21 days prior to the event. ANY cancellation received after the 21 day period is ineligible for any refund. Administration fee for returned checks will be $50.
