HPDE: High Performance Driver Education
This post is pointed at YOU – the 924, 924S, 944 and 968 fanatic. If you haven’t done an HPDE in your car, this may be the time to start. I did my first HPDE in a ’78 924 – admittedly the slowest car there, but I had a ball, and it started me on this trek. I will be presenting at all three of the described seminars, so get off your a*^ and let’s go have some fun with our cars!
Kevin
As we head towards the new year of 2019, there has been a lot of talk lately about prepping cars for HPDE events coming up. While the “HPDE Season” varies according to where you live, in the south, we pause only for December holidays and slow down a bit in the summer due to the high temperatures. In the northern latitudes, snow and cold are limiting factors.
If you have never done an HPDE, the thought of signing up and going to an event can be pretty scary – whether we admit it or not. Apprehension comes from either 1) an absence of information or 2) bad information. So where can you get your questions answered?
Many clubs and private concerns hold HPDE events, and some hold informational seminars for first-timers. Not to leave out those who are somewhat experienced at HPDE, some of these seminars are also pointed to the experienced HPDE participant. These seminars are free, and they provide you with a platform where you can ask questions and get good, solid, truthful information regarding HPDE.
We caution, however, not to CHOOSE a seminar to attend, but instead attend as many as you can. One thing is true – you can never have too much information from too many people. So, for those of you in Central Florida, take a look at this list of HPDE Seminars in the Orlando area and get to all of them if you can.
Beginner’s HPDE Seminar, Florida Citrus Region Porsche Club of America – Saturday, January 19th at 9:00 AM at the ACE Cafe in Downtown Orlando. This seminar focuses on the Florida Citrus Region PCA’s upcoming HPDE Event on February 9-10 at Roebling Road Raceway in Savannah. If you have ever thought about driving your Porsche or other sports car on a race track but have not known how to go about doing that or have questions about what a Drivers education event might look like and what to expect, this Seminar is for you. We will discuss how to prepare yourself and your car for a weekend track event and what you can expect from the event. PCA Beginner’s HPDE Information Seminar: REGISTER HERE
Advanced HPDE Seminar – Track Data You Can Process, Florida Citrus Region Porsche Club of America – Saturday, January 28th at 7:00 PM at the ACE Cafe in Downtown Orlando. This seminar focuses on experienced DE drivers hoping to improve their performance using real-time and post-session data analysis. However, any level driver will benefit from the information and may attend.
The seminar will be presented by Andrew Rains, co-developer of the Apex Pro. Andrew is a highly experienced driver and coach. Apex Pro has developed an affordable data system that allows drivers to acquire valuable data and process it in real time – then do more extensive reviews post-session. The key is a data acquisition module that is attached in the driver’s field of view. Andrew has raced a wide variety of cars from current Porsche models to a 944, as well as a 1974 Alfa Romeo, Hondas, VWs, and BMWs. He will be going through the ins and outs of the device from basic operation to data analytics. He’ll also be answering any questions you may have. Advanced HPDE Seminar – Track Data You Can Process: REGISTER HERE
Beginner and Advanced HPDE Seminar, Zotz Racing and 924S944.com, Saturday, January 12 at 9am at Zotz Racing, 6625 Edgewater Drive, Orlando. There will be two simultaneous sessions, one for beginners and one for more advanced HPDE participants. The Beginner’s presentation will provide information and answer your questions so that you can make sound decisions on 1) whether HPDE is for you, 2) where and what kind of HPDE event would best suit you and 3) required and recommended equipment and safety items for HPDE. This will be presented by Kevin Duffy of 924S944.com, and representatives from helmet vendors and various HPDE clubs and organizations will be on hand to answer questions, try on helmets, etc.
The Advanced presentation will provide valuable information regarding mechanical preparation, equipment choices, data acquisition and use, as well as a question-and-answer period with professional racer and driver coach, Ron Zitza.
Lunch will be provided. Pre-registration is not required but would be appreciated. REGISTER HERE.
So choose one or more of these upcoming seminars and get involved – or get more involved – in HPDE events with your 924, 944, 924S, or 968. But understand – HPDE is a contagious disease for which there is no known cure! You can only treat it with more track days!
