Porsche Track Experience

My husband will be attending the Master course of the Porsche driving school, “Porsche Track Experience (PTE)”, this weekend at Fuji Speedway, driving his GT3. By the way, according to Porsche Japan’s website, there are currently seven course levels available, as follows:

*Source: Porsche Japan “Porsche Track Experience”

Starting in 2020, it seems that new programs for Levels 8 through 10 will be added on top of these seven levels. Since becoming a Porsche owner a few years ago, my husband has progressed from Level 1 Warm Up and is now taking the Level 6 Master course.

As for me, I took a half-day program called WarmUP+ held alongside a Porsche event, and I plan to take Level 2 Precision next November.

Improving Driving Skills

My husband doesn’t usually race on circuits nor is he aiming to become a professional racer, so I wondered, why is he taking the Level 6 Master course? When I asked him, this is what he said:

When I’m driving on the track during club events, I often feel that many drivers don’t have the basics down. Including myself, of course. Those who drive recklessly or aggressively don’t usually post good lap times. But when I watched an F1 race a long time ago, I was struck by how top-class racers drove incredibly smoothly. Especially Schumacher’s driving — even as an amateur, it was clear he was different. His cornering was incredibly smooth. And to drive that smoothly, you need a solid foundation. So when I bought a Porsche, I decided from the start to take Porsche’s driving school. I’ve driven on the circuit in the Performance course, but I’m looking forward to learning even more seriously in the Master course.

I see… When I asked, “But you’re not racing professionally, so why do you want to master it so much?”, he replied:

I simply want to become a better driver. I want to drive fast without putting stress on the car. Not by slamming the steering or brakes suddenly, but by driving smoothly and quickly without any abrupt moves. If I can drive like that, I’ll be able to lap the circuit faster and also drive beautifully and quickly on everyday roads, right?

I asked further, “Okay, so what happens after you become a better driver? What’s at the end of that road? (-_-)” and he said:

Driving well just feels great. Also, you can be kinder to your car. And when I decide to do something, I want to go all the way. If I’m going to do it, I want to reach the top. On the other hand, if I’m not interested, I won’t even bother trying.

Makes sense. That’s just how he is (laughs).

As for me, I don’t plan to master it to that extent, but since I’ll be accompanying him as a companion, I’m looking forward to seeing what the program is like. That said, it’s forecast to rain again this time… (-_-)