Thommo66 Posted 27February, 2018 Report Share Posted 27February, 2018 Hi. Being a relative 911 newbie another mate and I ( also P owner ) are looking at going one of these Porsche Precision driving school 1 or 2 day sessions in QLD. We both live in Melb. I have a 996 Turbo and my mate has a 991 CS. In terms of experiences, first and foremost we would like to get some insights and lessons on how to be better skilled at driving our own cars to enjoy them to the max ( without killing ourselves or losing our licences ) The P experience thing in QLD is around $1500 per day and you get to drive a range of cars but not a GT3 Driving other model P's is interesting and I am sure it will be fun but frankly I'm pretty stoked with the car I have and unless I have the opportunity to drive a GT3 or GT4 or RS or 993 or 964 turbo I'm not sure I am going to get the best value from my hard earned. Assuming we did 2 days given the travel time, costs, accommodation etc there will not be much change from 3-3.5k. Has anybody else in this forum already done these official P Precision days in QLD and can offer any feedback ? Alternatively, if you have any better suggestions on bang for buck value/fun and learning how to improve your skills in driving your own car and other more interesting P's closer to home in Victoria I would love to hear from you ? cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter John Posted 27February, 2018 Report Share Posted 27February, 2018 Friend of mine has done it 6 times and raves about it. Way I would almost see it, is if you can do things the harder way (less power, handling etc) when you do get into a powerhouse you can amplify it all? You know, learn in a Datsun 120y or maybe something that drives like a pig, is better than going from a modern car that does so much by itself- yep what will our kids be like as drivers?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwoHeadsTas Posted 27February, 2018 Report Share Posted 27February, 2018 I'm thinking about the Performance Driving Australia track days they do at Symons Plains in Tas. $199 for a day, use your own car. Whilst there can , no doubt, be some wear and tear on your car, I think it is probably beneficial to use your own car so you know it handles at the limit. I don;t see the point in doing a track day in a GT3 or GT4 as I'd be pretty sure they will have much different dynamics than our 996.2 or 987 Boxster.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter John Posted 27February, 2018 Report Share Posted 27February, 2018 I would be more inclined to drive theirs- like I stole it too ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YellowDieselGolf Posted 27February, 2018 Report Share Posted 27February, 2018 I've done the VW driving experience at Phillip Island for the last 5 or 6 years. The cars aren't as nice, but PI is magical and it's only $400 for a 1/2 day. 25% discount for VW owners too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kammo Posted 27February, 2018 Report Share Posted 27February, 2018 I've done a number of these types of days including the precision day at Mt Cotton, although it was called the Level 1 back then. If you've never done a formal driver training or not spent any time on a race track then days like the precision day lay down the fundamentals of performance driving that you can apply to any car. If they haven't changed the format then the exercises are something along the lines of wet motorkhana with a Boxster, skid control course with a 911, brake and swerve with a Cayenne then instructed laps with a cross-section of cars. I think there was also a Cayenne AWD ride-along or something too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwoHeadsTas Posted 27February, 2018 Report Share Posted 27February, 2018 8 hours ago, Peter John said: I would be more inclined to drive theirs- like I stole it too ? I guess it depends on whether you're just going for a blast and having a fun day, in which case you'd want to use their cars, or whether you're looking for instruction on how to drive YOUR car to its limits. In my case I want to learn how my car handles first (and same for my wife) to improve our safety when driving our car hard, and perhaps play later☺ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bear924 Posted 27February, 2018 Report Share Posted 27February, 2018 I've done a number of track days and have also paid for a company to provide instruction on the track. My feeling is that track instruction is more about how to go quickly around a track, rather than how to handle a car safely and experience its limits (related obviously however different focus). I'm keen to do something that teaching me about the limits of my (personally not interested in the newest GT3 as they are totally unlike the bangers I drive) car in a safe environment, thus providing skills to drive on the road and track better. Any suggestions? Viewing ones self as a 'good' driver reminds me of the musing "80% of Australian males consider themselves above average at sport". I'm willing to admit I'm unsure whether I'm a good driver or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Port 911 Posted 28February, 2018 Report Share Posted 28February, 2018 I have done the Porsche driver training at mount cotton in QLD and would thoroughly recommend it. A friend of mine just got a 987 Boxster S and I suggested he go a do it, I am going to go along for a refresher just for the fun of it. You will learn heaps you can put into practice, They have a open road loop, a skid pan, a 4x4 loop and a large open area that you will do like a motocana type event. Some guys that I drive with, that also race spotted the improvements straight away, they were now holding me up. Not the other way around. Do IT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
symsy Posted 28February, 2018 Report Share Posted 28February, 2018 Have been to a few.. one thing I know of my recent experiences.. RS's , I was fried by early afternoon and really wasnt doing anything special in the learning stakes or lap times, to be fair to them they let us push after getting to know us .. push hard ..the first three or four sessions and just asked to be listened to and be respectful. By my fifth i was just trying too hard and getting rough with the car. I loved the RS experience , but really those cars are way to fast in many ways to learn that much in.. My lust and ego wanted to drive one ..but I reckon I could a had just as much fun in other cars.. Winding up to high speed rather than having to wind it back all the time. I had some gun instructors too ..Baird, Canto , Mezera and a few others in QLD .. the other good thing is your pretty must sure to get good track temps and its mainly dry up there . I have also been to MT Cotton , I loved the braking , skid pan is awesome and the large vehicle manouvre space where we had a motorkana experience awesome. I was able also to get a reasonable feel for the speed on the road test circuit also , note its not the racetrack but a good mix of opportunity to do things with the car. Yes.. big power slides and donuts happened .. I was ok in a rear wheel drive car having hit that place in an Escort a few times and had the dudes try teach me how to do J Curves and 180 flips .. anti terrorist stuff , again all in the realms of safe these guys very obliging. It seems a lot of dosh but then again... you have nothing to worry about!! Failing that ..do the Tas experience or a club day at Sandown. if you gonna take your car .. get your brakes , fluids and tyres before you get out there .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thommo66 Posted 28February, 2018 Author Report Share Posted 28February, 2018 Thanks guys. Great feedback and suggestions. I think I am going to give the Mt.Cotton course a go - looks good. Don't see anybody saying a waste of time and dose. @TwoHeadsTas i may also do the Symmons Plains and given great value. My folks are retired over at Bay of Fires so good excuse to go over. And then make time to get over to the West coast as well. From memory the roads between Cradle Mt and Strahan were awesome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwoHeadsTas Posted 28February, 2018 Report Share Posted 28February, 2018 1 hour ago, Thommo66 said: Thanks guys. Great feedback and suggestions. I think I am going to give the Mt.Cotton course a go - looks good. Don't see anybody saying a waste of time and dose. @TwoHeadsTas i may also do the Symmons Plains and given great value. My folks are retired over at Bay of Fires so good excuse to go over. And then make time to get over to the West coast as well. From memory the roads between Cradle Mt and Strahan were awesome. Let me know if you end up doing Symmons and I'll join you. Almost worth going to BoF from Lonnie via Lake Leake Hwy just for the road..... Remember doing Mt Cotton for Speed Event at an MG Nat Meet, must have been '93 or'94. Long time ago, complex wasn't any where near developed as it seems to be now...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tips Posted 6March, 2018 Report Share Posted 6March, 2018 Whilst not quite a track day I did score an invite to the PCB drive the range day by a client on Friday so just happened to make sure I was in Brizvegas on business. looking forward to it Get behind the wheel of the legendary 718 Boxster S, 718 Cayman, 718 Cayman S, 911 GTS Cabriolet, Macan Turbo & 911 GTS Coupe amongst the stunning scenery of Mt Nebo, Mt Glorious, Montville, Maleny & Yandina. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ten Degrees Posted 9March, 2018 Report Share Posted 9March, 2018 On 28/02/2018 at 8:37 PM, Thommo66 said: Thanks guys. Great feedback and suggestions. I think I am going to give the Mt.Cotton course a go - looks good. Don't see anybody saying a waste of time and dose. @TwoHeadsTas i may also do the Symmons Plains and given great value. My folks are retired over at Bay of Fires so good excuse to go over. And then make time to get over to the West coast as well. From memory the roads between Cradle Mt and Strahan were awesome. I’ve done Level 1 and 2 a few times. They through them in with a car purchase. Plus I got to know the girl who used to run the drive school, so got a couple of discount rates here and there. That said, they are well worth it. As mentioned, you do do the motokana, braking, skid pan, etc, but you also track with cars with an instructor on both levels. Level 2 includes the turbo. I had Fabian Coulthard, Thomas Mezera, Dean Canto, Luffy, Alex Davidson, all as instructors. I’d definitely recommend it.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troubleshooter Posted 9March, 2018 Report Share Posted 9March, 2018 2 minutes ago, Ten Degrees said: I’ve done Level 1 and 2 a few times. They through them in with a car purchase. Plus I got to know the girl who used to run the drive school, so got a couple of discount rates here and there. That said, they are well worth it. As mentioned, you do do the motokana, braking, skid pan, etc, but you also track with cars with an instructor on both levels. Level 2 includes the turbo. I had Fabian Coulthard, Thomas Mezera, Dean Canto, Luffy, Alex Davidson, all as instructors. I’d definitely recommend it.... Sounds like something worthwhile. Those guys know a thing or two about driving hehhehe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tips Posted 9March, 2018 Report Share Posted 9March, 2018 After the run today through the Sunshine Coast hinterland (almost as good as Putty rd but too short) enjoying cayman s Boxster s 991.2 GTS and GTS4 I’m definitely going to take a stab at the L2 mount cotton day to try them on a track. Sooooo much performance and handling I need to drive them under track conditions. Maybe a PFA session group buy!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AB_981 Posted 9March, 2018 Report Share Posted 9March, 2018 Takes me back to the *cough* WRX / EVO days (including seeing a WRX barrel roll down the reverse hill climb and puling the poor bugger from the scrap left over)... spent so much time at Mt Cotton as I am originally from BNE that the idea of going back there is not enticing for me. I am sure there is enough stuff to keep a first timer interested but it is either skidpad / hight speed manoeuvring or pretty basic track stuff. Depends what you want, if you want to learn a bit about car behaviour and your own capability then it is probably worth it, if you want to have fun punting a car around a loop track you will be disappointed. If you have some experience then maybe look at some of the local driver training options. I am still pissed disappointed that the 2nd PFA trackway in MEL was cancelled due to low numbers / "personal views".. this was by far the best track / learning experience based on participants behaviour and cost.... such a pity. Some people like the idea of it not being "their car", me, I prefer to improve my awareness in the car I drive, and care for. A car is metal, plastic and rubber - my primary concern is me so ownership of car does not influence my behaviour! 1500 is a wad of money ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan C Posted 10March, 2018 Report Share Posted 10March, 2018 FYI, the Porsche Driving Experience is held at Mount Cotton Training Centre not Mount Cotton Hillclimb which is owned by MG Car Club. They are next to each other on Mount Cotton Road. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AB_981 Posted 11March, 2018 Report Share Posted 11March, 2018 Yes, only ever been on the hill climb once. I personally still consider the training centre to be "closed road", not a racetrack. Just depends on what the buyer is expecting. ahhh.. now thinking of Darlington Park. What a waste, that bit of tarmac could have really been something. Anyone here want to seed fund a club racetrack. Once you get past the first $50m it's all gravy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reddahaydn Posted 5April, 2018 Report Share Posted 5April, 2018 On 27/02/2018 at 9:32 PM, Peter John said: Friend of mine has done it 6 times and raves about it. Way I would almost see it, is if you can do things the harder way (less power, handling etc) when you do get into a powerhouse you can amplify it all? You know, learn in a Datsun 120y or maybe something that drives like a pig, is better than going from a modern car that does so much by itself- yep what will our kids be like as drivers?! I’ve always seen it the other way, learn in the most powerful car you can and you will then be comfortable maxing the limits on something lesser. Learn in a 120b then go for a lap in a 996 turbo and you’ll probably end up backwards on the first lap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter John Posted 5April, 2018 Report Share Posted 5April, 2018 Depends if we are talking just power? I was more so referring to, you know, using your mind and limbs.... Pump pedal Pull choke Turn ignition whilst holding gear lever in neutral or first with your foot on the clutch (hand brake on) pump go pedal whilst turning key Get it fired and adjust choke Handbrake off, do your things with the gears Deal with heavy steering Hard brakes Use momentum, revs and gear selection to get up the hill best you can Prepair to brake well ahead of 5 metres in front of you Keep a space between you and the next car ahead coming up to the set of lights. With handbrake on the brake pedal, sensors, brakes that could pull up a freight train, acceleration like what Armstrong is used to..... I think learn the hard way and easy is easy to get more out of. But thats just MHO All about understanding physics a bit. I drove a jag f type the other day and geez give me a 911 any day! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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