Pitt Race North Track PDE Group 1 and 2 Instructed
Pittsburgh International Race ComplAbout this event
PDE (Performance Driver Education) - Learn the art of track driving in a controlled environment, and then put it to the test. Train with Pitt Race’s instructors, using your car on our 1.6 mile road course. Learn the basics of race flags and high-performance driving through classroom instruction and driving sessions. 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 and experience the fun of driving on a race track, Pitt Race PDE is your source. Participants are divided into the following Groups:
Group 1 (Novice): Group 1 is for first time track drivers or for drivers with limited experience at other locations. If you ever wanted to learn about high performance driving, but lack the track experience, this group is for you. Drivers spend in-car sessions and classroom 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 to learn the fundamentals of performance driving on track. Cost: $225 per driver
Group 2 (Intermediate): Once our instructors have approved you to move up from Group 1, or if you have some other verifiable track experience, Group 2 is the next step. This group provides more experienced drivers the opportunity to continue learning their performance driving skills. In-car instructors are still provided and classroom time is minimal. The goal for this group is to learn more advanced track technique while maintaining control and safety. Cost: $225 per driver.
Groups 1 & 2 will include three 25-minute sessions on track with our instructor, plus classroom sessions according to the schedule for each group.
PDE Group 1 and Group 2 Event Outline
- Participants may enter the property 7:00 a.m. unless otherwise noted.
- No race engines may be started before 8:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m.
- Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by a mandatory driver’s meeting at 8:15 a.m.
- If you arrive after the drivers meeting you must see the lead instructor before you will be given access to the track.
- At 9:00 a.m. classroom sessions begin for Group 1 and the first on track session begins for Group 2.
- Pitt Race determines the schedule based on enrollment and changes may be made to account for weather or on –track incidents. Pitt Race reserves the right to limit the number of participants on the track.
- PDE session times are subject to adjustments and modifications.
- The driver is financially responsible for any damages that occur to the track, guardrail, cleanup, or other track property.
- The morning PDE sessions should be completed by 12:30 p.m.
Nervous about your first track day experience? Consider our new PDE 101 class and learn the basics of how to prepare and what to expect before you take your car out on track. PDE 101 will be offered during the April 21st event and you can register for that event HERE on Motorsportreg.com.
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Event requirements
Car Requirements:
- This program requires all drivers to use their own qualified vehicle.
- The Pitt Race 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). Please use this link to download the form: HERE
- The car must have a passenger seat installed with safety equipment for the instructor equal to the safety equipment for the driver.
- If available, please install the factory tow hook on the front of the car.
- Convertible vehicles with operational OEM rollover protection system are allowed. This includes factory roll bars, pop up rollover protection, and reinforced a-pillars designed to provide rollover protection (Caution: Some cars are equipped with "style bars" or other devices that mimic the appearance of a roll bar, but are not true rollover protection).The car must be driven with the convertible top in the up and locked position. Arm restraints are recommended. Please call the track if you have questions about your car.
- All other convertibles require either an installed factory hard top or a four-point roll bar that protects both the drivers and passenger side of the vehicle. If a roll bar is installed, the top of the occupants 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.
- Vehicles with a high center of gravity and narrow track are not permitted. Most SUV's, Cross-Overs, Mini Vans, and 4WD pickup trucks are not permitted.
- Pitt Race reserves the right to refuse a vehicle access to the track for any reason.
- No passengers in any cars at any time, excluding approved instructors riding with a student.
- No single seater vehicles or formula style open wheel cars are permitted in Group 1 or Group 2.
Driver Requirements:
- Drivers must be 18 years of age or older, and possess a valid state issued driver's license.
- Minors ages 16 or 17 with a valid learner permit may participate in Group 1 with a completed Parental Consent form. Please contact the track ahead of time for details.
- Minors with a valid driver’s license may participate with a completed Parental Consent form. Please contact the track ahead of time for details.
- Minors with a valid road racing license may participate with a completed Parental Consent form. Please contact the track ahead of time for details.
- Shoes that cover the entire foot must be worn while on track. (No sandals, heels, Crocs, etc.)
- Long pants are required and long sleeved shirts are recommended for participation.
- Helmets with the following SNELL ratings are accepted: SA2015, SA2010, SAH2010, M2015, and M2010. SFI rated helmets may be accepted, please call the track for details. Helmets with DOT only certifications are not accepted.
- Drivers must bring any existing Student Log Book to the PDE. Proof of credentials may be required for opting into higher level run groups.
- Instructors will complete a Student Evaluation Form (for Group 1 and Group 2) and it will be available for viewing on your Motorsportreg.com profile within a few days after the event.
