Porsche Experience Silverstone.
Discussion
Hi all.
I'm considering booking the Porsche Driving Experience at Silverstone, and just looking for some feedback from anyone who has done this recently. I've searched the forum, and the feedback does all seem positive.
The experience would be for my partner. We bought a Cayman earlier in the year which she uses for her daily drive, but as this is just from the East side of Edinburgh into the centre, she never really "drives" the car, if you understand what I mean?
I really want to know if it would be worth the trip down from Edinburgh for what is 90 minutes of driving?
Thanks - David.
I'm considering booking the Porsche Driving Experience at Silverstone, and just looking for some feedback from anyone who has done this recently. I've searched the forum, and the feedback does all seem positive.
The experience would be for my partner. We bought a Cayman earlier in the year which she uses for her daily drive, but as this is just from the East side of Edinburgh into the centre, she never really "drives" the car, if you understand what I mean?
I really want to know if it would be worth the trip down from Edinburgh for what is 90 minutes of driving?
Thanks - David.
I enjoyed it. I split it 50:50 with my son.
You get to do things you wouldn't normally do if you don't do track days.
Racing round the circuit was fun and revealed to me the depth of the Cayman's capabilities which I'd never haver discovered on the road. The skid pan and other areas are all fun too.
Lunch was decent.
I've got another day scheduled because I've changed my car but I only live an hour away so it's a definite 'yes' for me.
Edinburgh is a long way for a half day though unless you've got other stuff scheduled.
You get to do things you wouldn't normally do if you don't do track days.
Racing round the circuit was fun and revealed to me the depth of the Cayman's capabilities which I'd never haver discovered on the road. The skid pan and other areas are all fun too.
Lunch was decent.
I've got another day scheduled because I've changed my car but I only live an hour away so it's a definite 'yes' for me.
Edinburgh is a long way for a half day though unless you've got other stuff scheduled.
Dec'15 I did the 1/2 day warm up. 2 1/2 hours driving + lunch.
I'd had my car 6 weeks and found it really useful to quickly find its limits having had mainly front engined RWD BMWs for 25+ years.
I'd thoroughly recommend this if your partner wants to get to know the car properly and be a safer driver both on the limit and in dangerous situations like ice (ice hill).
It is rather tiring. 2 1/2 of mental and physical exertion. So I'd recommend the driver doesn't drive back to Edinburgh straight after!
I'd had my car 6 weeks and found it really useful to quickly find its limits having had mainly front engined RWD BMWs for 25+ years.
I'd thoroughly recommend this if your partner wants to get to know the car properly and be a safer driver both on the limit and in dangerous situations like ice (ice hill).
It is rather tiring. 2 1/2 of mental and physical exertion. So I'd recommend the driver doesn't drive back to Edinburgh straight after!
David-H said:
Hi all.
I'm considering booking the Porsche Driving Experience at Silverstone, and just looking for some feedback from anyone who has done this recently. I've searched the forum, and the feedback does all seem positive.
The experience would be for my partner. We bought a Cayman earlier in the year which she uses for her daily drive, but as this is just from the East side of Edinburgh into the centre, she never really "drives" the car, if you understand what I mean?
I really want to know if it would be worth the trip down from Edinburgh for what is 90 minutes of driving?
Thanks - David.
hi there! been there twice in the last 8 months, but I did the half day both times, not the 90 minutes. However, as an experience, it is excellent, and very well organised. The instructors are fantastic and will push you to go as hard or as relaxed as one wishes. If your partner is into driving, then I would definitely recommend this. I am going back for a third time in january!!I'm considering booking the Porsche Driving Experience at Silverstone, and just looking for some feedback from anyone who has done this recently. I've searched the forum, and the feedback does all seem positive.
The experience would be for my partner. We bought a Cayman earlier in the year which she uses for her daily drive, but as this is just from the East side of Edinburgh into the centre, she never really "drives" the car, if you understand what I mean?
I really want to know if it would be worth the trip down from Edinburgh for what is 90 minutes of driving?
Thanks - David.
i went at the beginning of November. First was lunch then about 2 1/2 hours driving in the afternoon. It's a very nice facility in terms of drinks/lunch etc.
Drove one of their new Carrera S and most of the time just trying to go faster and faster around the handling circuits. it's great to be able to press the throttle as hard as you can to the floor and really learn the limits of grip in and out of the corners.
on top of that there are the straights for launch control, ice hill, low friction circuit, skid pan. So lots to do. had a mild backache for about a week afterwards though.
Drove one of their new Carrera S and most of the time just trying to go faster and faster around the handling circuits. it's great to be able to press the throttle as hard as you can to the floor and really learn the limits of grip in and out of the corners.
on top of that there are the straights for launch control, ice hill, low friction circuit, skid pan. So lots to do. had a mild backache for about a week afterwards though.
Having been there a few times and with another 3 days to go I thought I would add my comments.
So I have done the free days included with the car, and I have another 2 x half days coming up having recently got our Macan GTS and GT4. These days are excellent as they really allow you to experience the car and on top on that you get one on one instruction to the level you want to push it to. Also understanding just how the car reacts to situations like ice and standing water is priceless in my view as different cars react differently and you don't want to really be understanding that sort of situation in real life which can have consequences.
The other event I have done there was the RS experience - I booked this as this is a potential consideration in the future and I really wanted to see what each car and level offered. Over the day I got to drive the 997 4.0 RS, 997 GT2 RS and the current GT3 RS as well as a couple of intros in the current 991 models. I have to say the limits they let me push the cars on this event was crazy. (I did have the same instructor as before - by request which may have influenced things. The nice treat at the end was when they showed me and then allowed me to properly donut the current RS which I have to say is an incredible car, but in terms of noise and involvement is a long way away from the 997 4.0 RS. I really hope the R has truly brought that back.
The other event I have coming up is the 2 day performance driver course. This involves the Porsche circuit, road driving and then half a day on the GP circuit of Silverstone. I booked this as I was so impressed with the level of instruction that they provide, where you can then truly push the limits of your car without destroying you own personal car in the process.
So I have done the free days included with the car, and I have another 2 x half days coming up having recently got our Macan GTS and GT4. These days are excellent as they really allow you to experience the car and on top on that you get one on one instruction to the level you want to push it to. Also understanding just how the car reacts to situations like ice and standing water is priceless in my view as different cars react differently and you don't want to really be understanding that sort of situation in real life which can have consequences.
The other event I have done there was the RS experience - I booked this as this is a potential consideration in the future and I really wanted to see what each car and level offered. Over the day I got to drive the 997 4.0 RS, 997 GT2 RS and the current GT3 RS as well as a couple of intros in the current 991 models. I have to say the limits they let me push the cars on this event was crazy. (I did have the same instructor as before - by request which may have influenced things. The nice treat at the end was when they showed me and then allowed me to properly donut the current RS which I have to say is an incredible car, but in terms of noise and involvement is a long way away from the 997 4.0 RS. I really hope the R has truly brought that back.
The other event I have coming up is the 2 day performance driver course. This involves the Porsche circuit, road driving and then half a day on the GP circuit of Silverstone. I booked this as I was so impressed with the level of instruction that they provide, where you can then truly push the limits of your car without destroying you own personal car in the process.
I did a 1/4 day "Cayman experience" with my sister back in September this year. She's a 911/996 owner that enjoys the her without going silly , and I'm new to the brand, but have a bit of competition experience on bikes an in karts (ACU and MSA competition license holder, some competition success, and have spent most of my working life in motorsport engineering).
Got to say, PEC worked brilliantly for both of us, but in totally different ways. Sammy (my sister) enjoyed seeing what a Boxster and Cayman were like to drive round the 2 handling circuits without feeling pressured to do more. I got an additional feel for lower grip and more "dynamic" driving on low grip surfaces in addition to the 2 excellent circuits (but last turn of the LHS circuit needed some resurfacing!) Standard of instruction for both of us was perfect, as well as being friendly, informal and adaptable. If you are paying for a 1/2 day, not the cheapest, but I'd struggle to recommend better. At worst you'll enjoy it and learn something, and at best you'll find the limits of what you and the cars are capable of. (In the case of the cars, quite a lot as it turns out...)
Well worthwhile.
Liam
Got to say, PEC worked brilliantly for both of us, but in totally different ways. Sammy (my sister) enjoyed seeing what a Boxster and Cayman were like to drive round the 2 handling circuits without feeling pressured to do more. I got an additional feel for lower grip and more "dynamic" driving on low grip surfaces in addition to the 2 excellent circuits (but last turn of the LHS circuit needed some resurfacing!) Standard of instruction for both of us was perfect, as well as being friendly, informal and adaptable. If you are paying for a 1/2 day, not the cheapest, but I'd struggle to recommend better. At worst you'll enjoy it and learn something, and at best you'll find the limits of what you and the cars are capable of. (In the case of the cars, quite a lot as it turns out...)
Well worthwhile.
Liam
langlord said:
Having been there a few times and with another 3 days to go I thought I would add my comments.
So I have done the free days included with the car, and I have another 2 x half days coming up having recently got our Macan GTS and GT4. These days are excellent as they really allow you to experience the car and on top on that you get one on one instruction to the level you want to push it to. Also understanding just how the car reacts to situations like ice and standing water is priceless in my view as different cars react differently and you don't want to really be understanding that sort of situation in real life which can have consequences.
The other event I have done there was the RS experience - I booked this as this is a potential consideration in the future and I really wanted to see what each car and level offered. Over the day I got to drive the 997 4.0 RS, 997 GT2 RS and the current GT3 RS as well as a couple of intros in the current 991 models. I have to say the limits they let me push the cars on this event was crazy. (I did have the same instructor as before - by request which may have influenced things. The nice treat at the end was when they showed me and then allowed me to properly donut the current RS which I have to say is an incredible car, but in terms of noise and involvement is a long way away from the 997 4.0 RS. I really hope the R has truly brought that back.
The other event I have coming up is the 2 day performance driver course. This involves the Porsche circuit, road driving and then half a day on the GP circuit of Silverstone. I booked this as I was so impressed with the level of instruction that they provide, where you can then truly push the limits of your car without destroying you own personal car in the process.
on the 2 day driver course, do they provide a car for you? or do you bring your own... it isn't very clear online!So I have done the free days included with the car, and I have another 2 x half days coming up having recently got our Macan GTS and GT4. These days are excellent as they really allow you to experience the car and on top on that you get one on one instruction to the level you want to push it to. Also understanding just how the car reacts to situations like ice and standing water is priceless in my view as different cars react differently and you don't want to really be understanding that sort of situation in real life which can have consequences.
The other event I have done there was the RS experience - I booked this as this is a potential consideration in the future and I really wanted to see what each car and level offered. Over the day I got to drive the 997 4.0 RS, 997 GT2 RS and the current GT3 RS as well as a couple of intros in the current 991 models. I have to say the limits they let me push the cars on this event was crazy. (I did have the same instructor as before - by request which may have influenced things. The nice treat at the end was when they showed me and then allowed me to properly donut the current RS which I have to say is an incredible car, but in terms of noise and involvement is a long way away from the 997 4.0 RS. I really hope the R has truly brought that back.
The other event I have coming up is the 2 day performance driver course. This involves the Porsche circuit, road driving and then half a day on the GP circuit of Silverstone. I booked this as I was so impressed with the level of instruction that they provide, where you can then truly push the limits of your car without destroying you own personal car in the process.
I'd echo everything that has been said. I've been on a couple of experiences - one in (their) Cayman and one in (their) Cayenne. Both very enjoyable.
The biggest eyeopener for me was what you can get away with in an emergency situation. I would not have dreamt of swerving violently when braking as hard as possible (ABS operating). What happens? The car goes benignly round the obstact - amazing. Wouldn't have dared trying it on the road, and wouldn't have thought to do it on track.
The biggest eyeopener for me was what you can get away with in an emergency situation. I would not have dreamt of swerving violently when braking as hard as possible (ABS operating). What happens? The car goes benignly round the obstact - amazing. Wouldn't have dared trying it on the road, and wouldn't have thought to do it on track.
hmm, I note the feedback is virtually all positive, but I wasn't hugely impressed with my 'half day'. Firstly a half day equated to only two hours in the car, with padding like tours of the driver wellbeing centre which was of zero interest included. Off that 2 hours a lot of time time is spent waiting for other cars to get out of your way on facilities like the ice hill, donut ring, etc, and a lot of time is wasted while the instructor gives you briefings, and finishes with a demo. Also the style of instruction is a bit anal in some ways; big lecture on shuffling the driving wheel in the approved police advanced driving technique for example! The circuit is a bit small as well. The lunch was excellent, though...
I did an Audi driving day at Silverstone main circuit, with R8 and other hardware, and thought it far better fun and value for money.
I did an Audi driving day at Silverstone main circuit, with R8 and other hardware, and thought it far better fun and value for money.
I've taken my 997 GTS to the PEC twice and done two 90 min sessions with one on one instruction....organised through PCGB. One thing I would definitely recommend is getting your session as early as possible during the day...makes a massive difference to what you can get done in terms of waiting for the Kick Plate and Ice Hill etc. Superb way to get to know your own car way better than you can on road or even track with the kick plate etc
I think the instruction itself depends on the individual you get on the day...I had two different guys. Both excellent but different. Didn't get any of the hand shuffling instructions but there again on that track you shouldn't be crosssing arms etc?!?!
I'm doing a Cayenne course soon so that will be a bit different...
I think the instruction itself depends on the individual you get on the day...I had two different guys. Both excellent but different. Didn't get any of the hand shuffling instructions but there again on that track you shouldn't be crosssing arms etc?!?!
I'm doing a Cayenne course soon so that will be a bit different...
Cheib said:
I think the instruction itself depends on the individual you get on the day...I had two different guys. Both excellent but different. Didn't get any of the hand shuffling instructions but there again on that track you shouldn't be crosssing arms etc?!?!
My experience too. That said crossing (or even crosssing) of arms is the norm on track (though I've always been a shuffler on the road) so I'm surprized that any instructors (almost all of whom do/have raced) would suggest you do otherwise on track.bcr5784 said:
Cheib said:
I think the instruction itself depends on the individual you get on the day...I had two different guys. Both excellent but different. Didn't get any of the hand shuffling instructions but there again on that track you shouldn't be crosssing arms etc?!?!
My experience too. That said crossing (or even crosssing) of arms is the norm on track (though I've always been a shuffler on the road) so I'm surprized that any instructors (almost all of whom do/have raced) would suggest you do otherwise on track.Gassing Station | Boxster/Cayman | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff