Porsche Track Experience

Why is driver training important?

Driver training lets you build essential driving skills in a controlled environment. Learning correct vehicle control and how to manage hazards in different situations can help you stay safe on the road and make driving more enjoyable. Porsche Track Experience participants almost always say, “I should have done this before I got my driver’s licence because it’s so valuable”.

How many Porsche Track Experience levels are there?

There are five separate levels, each one a full-day course. The programme is progressive, which means each level prepares you for the next one. It begins with Precision, which focuses on vehicle control fundamentals, driver safety, driving dynamics and responding to critical driving scenarios. Next is Precision Plus, which addresses accurate steering, acceleration and braking. You’ll learn how to corner at speed correctly and practise evasive manoeuvres. Once you complete Precision Plus, you progress to Performance, which uses one-to-one in-car coaching to improve your command and control of the vehicle on the race track. Then it’s time to gear up for Master, where you’ll drive either the Porsche 911 GT3 or 718 Cayman GT4 RS to develop precise steering and cornering skills for higher-level driving performance with the help of data analysis. Finally, once you successfully complete Master, you reach the peak of Porsche Track Experience and become eligible for GT3 Cup, which puts you behind the wheel of a factory-built 911 GT3 Cup race car. You’ll work closely with a driving coach and racing engineer to advance your on-track skills. All levels are conducted throughout the year.

What makes Porsche Track Experience special?

Each level of the programme offers something special. From becoming empowered with the fundamentals of car control to experiencing the bandwidth of Porsche sportscar dynamics, it leaves a deep impression on people. Perhaps the most impressive element is the consideration given to how participants process the new information they encounter at each level of the programme. This ranges from the carefully structured breaks in the Precision driving exercises to how guests interact with their race engineer during the GT3 Cup programme.

Who is the Porsche Track Experience ideal for?

Everyone – from passionate Porsche owners and enthusiasts to people who want to offer a course to a family member or friend as a gift. The programme is not intended solely for sportscar aficionados and motorsport lovers. It’s valuable for drivers from all walks of life.

What can I expect when I attend Precision?

Firstly, you’ll receive a lot of information, most of it probably new. You’ll work with an experienced Porsche Certified Instructor who will most likely be a current or former professional racing driver. Before you drive, each session will involve a simple theory session and your instructor will show you how to correctly apply this new knowledge in the car. This is where you’ll receive one-to-one coaching in specific skill-building areas on the skidpan or driving circuit. You will quickly apply this new driving-skill information and iron out bad driving habits. You’ll quickly expand your knowledge and develop a better understanding of how to control a vehicle.

You’re a former Porsche Carrera Cup champion. How realistic is the Level 5 Cup programme for a budding racing driver?

It’s the closest to what I do as a professional racing driver during a championship round of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia. The GT3 Cup programme puts you behind the wheel of a genuine, factory-built Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car. You’ll be on slick tyres and become acquainted with the effects of aerodynamic downforce. You’ll be guided by a professional racing driver coach and motorsport engineer who work regularly with these thoroughbred racing sportscars. You’ll work on building up to drive your best laps by working closely with your data engineer to improve your track vision and driving techniques.

How much of what you use in a racing car is relevant to what’s taught at Porsche Track Experience Australia?

Many of the fundamental driving skills underpinning a racing driver’s abilities are shared with what we teach. Porsche Track Experience lets people draw upon this experience while enhancing their driving skills.

The first all-electric Porsche sportscar, the Taycan, is popular in Australia. Describe its on-track performance.

It’s seriously impressive. If you’ve yet to experience the instant power delivery of the Taycan, the closest thing I can relate it to is the Superman Escape ride at the Movie World theme park. It’s an odd comparison, but the acceleration force on that ride is around two positive g-forces and one negative g-force. The Taycan is a genuine Porsche sportscar, and it’s abundantly evident on a closed road circuit.