About this event
PDE (Performance Driver Education) Learn the art of driving fast in a safe and controlled environment with Pitt Race’s seasoned pros, and then put it to the test. Train with Pitt Race’s instructors on our natural terrain road course. The goal is for you to develop your skills behind the wheel as you experience a broad range of your car’s performance. If you want to be a better driver with driving techniques based on racing, Pitt Race PDE is your source. Participants are divided into the following Groups:
Group 1 (Novice): Drivers wanting to get their first experience on our track. If you ever wanted to learn about high performance driving, but lack the track experience, this group is for you. Drivers spend their sessions with our driving instructors and learn the basic skills of high performance driving. This group is meant to provide a supportive and instructional, low pressure situation for any driver to learn the fundamentals of performance driving in the safest way possible. Cost: $225 per driver
Group 2 (Intermediate): If you have some track experience, have been signed off from our Group 1 or our chief instructor approved your credentials, you fit this group. Group 2 provides experienced drivers a chance to continue their performance driving learning with instructors. The goal for this group is to learn advanced and higher-speed maneuvers while maintaining control and safety on track. Cost: $225 per driver.
Group 2 Solo (Intermediate): Group 2 Solo is for drivers who have demonstrated an understanding of high-performance rules, safety, etiquette, and track regulations. Drivers in this group have been signed off as a safe solo driver by two Pitt Race Instructors. Cost: $200 per driver
Group 3 (Advanced): Pitt Race PDE drivers who are signed off by our chief driving instructor and/or are accredited race organization or school (SCCA, NASA, NARRA, etc.) have the opportunity for solo runs and to utilize our Test & Tune event days. Cost: $200 per driver
Days are divided into Group 1 and 2 in the morning (8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) and Group 2 Solo and Group 3 afternoon (1 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.) sessions.
Groups 1 & 2 will include three 25-minute sessions on track with our instructor, plus two classroom sessions.
Group 2 Solo & Group 3’s will consist of several run groups splitting up the different classes of cars from street cars, race prepared (closed wheel) & race prepared (open wheel). There will be 25 minute sessions, back to back, until 5:30 p.m.
PDE Group 1 and Group 2 Daily Protocols:
- Participants may enter the property 6:30 a.m.
- Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by a mandatory driver’s meeting at 8:15 a.m. It is mandatory for all drivers to attend the driver’s meeting and classroom sessions. If you arrive after the drivers meeting you must see the lead instructor before you will be given access to the track.
- Classroom sessions for Group 1 and the first on track session for group 2 begin at 9:00 a.m. unless otherwise indicated.
- No race engines may be started before 8:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. PDE sessions times are subject to adjustments and modifications.
- Pitt Race determines the schedule based on enrollment. Pitt Race reserves the right to limit the number of participants on the track
- You will be required to sign the Pitt Race waiver upon arrival at the track gate. Driver check-in is typically at the Pitt Stop Pro Shop.
PDE Group 2 Solo and Group 3 Daily Protocols:
- Registration begins at 12 noon, followed by a mandatory driver’s meeting at 1 p.m. If you arrive after the drivers meeting you must see the lead instructor before you will be given access to the track.
- First track session within half hour of driver’s meeting.
- Participants may enter the property at 7:00 a.m. but will not be permitted on track until driver’s meeting has concluded for Group 2 Solo and Group 3.
- No race engines may be started before 8:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m.
- PDE on track sessions generally begin at 1:30 p.m. and run until 5:30 p.m., but any given PDE day is subject to adjustments and modifications.
- Cars are divided into three categories at Pitt Race Officials discretion.
- You will be required to sign the Pitt Race waiver upon arrival at the track gate. Driver check-in is typically at the Pitt Stop Pro Shop.
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Event requirements
- To ensure your safety and that of the other participants, a Self Tech Form must be completed for every car on track. The form must be surrendered to event personnel before being released onto the track. Forms are collected on the false grid (this will be explained in class and/or at driver’s meeting). A link to this form will be provided upon confirmation of registration.
- This program requires all drivers to use their own qualified vehicle.
- Convertible vehicles with operational factory rollover protection system are allowed. This includes factory roll bars, pop up rollover protection, and reinforced a-pillars designed to provide rollover protection. The car must be driven with the convertible top in the up and locked position. Arm restraints are recommended.
- All other convertibles require either an installed factory hard top or a four-point roll bar. If a roll bar is installed, the top of the driver’s helmet must be below the line from the top of the roll bar (not including padding) to the top of the windshield frame. Portions of the roll bar subject to contact by the drivers’ helmet must be padded with a non-resilient material with a minimum thickness of one-half inch. Arm restraints are recommended.
- No SUV’s, vans or trucks permitted.
- No passengers in any cars at any time, excluding approved instructors riding with a student.
Driver Requirements:
- Drivers must be 18 years of age or older, and possess a valid state issued driver's license.
- Drivers under the age of 18 must complete the Pitt Race Parental Consent form.
- Shoes that cover the entire foot must be worn while on track. (No sandal, heels, crocks, etc.)
- Long pants and long sleeved shirts are required for participation.
- Helmets Snell certified with the following ratings are accepted: SA2015, SA2010, SA2005, SAH2010, M2015, M2010, and M2005. Note; The 2005 rated helmets will no longer be acceptable after 01/01/17
- Drivers must bring Student Log Book to every PDE. Driver must turn in a copy of Log Book once signed off as Group 2 solo and/or Group 3 for track records. Log books for new students available at registration.
